A review of the meeting held at Doomben on Wednesday, February 18.
STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT:
Jockey M. Bennett was fined $200 for failing to produce a medical clearance to resume riding as required.
Race 1:
2yo Maiden Handicap - 1110m
1st - Sweepstaking; 2nd - Manhattan Angel; 3rd - Fragrant Star
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Gillian Heinrich: “She had a really small saddle on her. She hasn’t had one like that on before. I think that troubled her, and that was why she played up before the start. She’s not at all like that at home – she is not fractious at all - so something just disturbed her here today (on debut). She did well to turn things around and get a good result.”
Jockey Brad Stewart: “She was a little bit cantankerous going to the start. Once I got on her again and got her going she seemed to settle down a bit. She did want to get her head up a bit at one stage in the race, but she’s only having her first start, so she’ll be improving I suppose.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Sweepstaking): 3.40 out to 3.80 in to 3.60.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Fragrant Star (C. McIver) jumped away awkwardly and lost ground. Good Emperor (J. Bowditch) jumped outwards at the start, taking Dancingwithangels (D. Craven) out on to Our Charmaine (L. Cassidy). Near the 800m, Swell (E. Wilkinson) improved up on to the heels of Manhattan Angel (S. Scriven) and had to be steadied. At the same stage, Dancingwithangels (D. Craven), which commenced to race ungenerously, shifted out, hampering Our Charmaine. Passing the 700m, Sweepstaking (B. Stewart) improved up on to the heels of Sequalo Revenge (T. Pannell) and when being steadied shifted out, hampering Out Charmaine (L. Cassidy). Good Emperor (J. Bowditch), Dancingwithangels and Our Charmaine (L. Cassidy) raced wide throughout.
Race 2:
3yo & Up Maiden Plate - 1350m
1st - Local Talent; 2nd - Rogues; 3rd - Catwalk Strut
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin: “He’s actually owned by a trainer in Macau. Stephen Leung used to be Hong Kong trainer and then he went to Macau. I became friends with him over there and we’ve done business ever since. The horse hurt himself a little bit in the race at Doomben (in his second start, last August). Yeah, he pulled up lame and sore. So he had a fairly long spell then. Last start he just met one too good for him (Love’s A Challenge). He’s come back strong. I don’t know how far he will go. He is a strong horse. I tell you what he might do, he just might be one of those horses who can run a distance. If he can run a distance like that, you know, just bowl along in front, it might be interesting. At some stage we might try him over further.”
Jockey Larry Cassidy: “He is a little bit one-paced. The horse goes alright and I think he is getting better, because he’s still a little immature. I think when he gets up over ten furlongs it might suit him because he is very one-paced and there he can just role along at a nice clip.”
And the latest news on how Cassidy’s is coping with his hand injury.
“My fingers are taped today, just to give it some more support. I’m hoping it doesn’t swell up tomorrow. It’s still quite sore. If it swells up tomorrow, well I’ll think about whether I will have the week off after, because I need to get it right. Otherwise it is just going to linger. If I have the week off, I’ll ride the following Saturday. Hopefully that will be enough to get it right, because I know, with the two days, three days I’ve had off, I had it strapped the whole time and it is that much better today. Although that plan obviously depends on whether any further damage occurs today.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Local Talent): 1.30 out to 1.50.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Rumpapumpum (A. Erhart), which was slow to begin, was tightened for room shortly after the start between Sweet Magic (C. McIver) and Local Talent (L. Cassidy). Near the 600m, Bilinga Bay (B. El-Issa) shifted out to improve and in doing so forced Rumpapumpum (A. Erhart) wider on the track. Rumpapumpum was then obliged to race three wide for the remainder of the event.
Race 3:
3yo & Up Maiden Plate - 1630m
1st - Chi Chi Grande; 2nd - Sydney Or The Bush; 3rd - Manziedear
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Miller: “She had a really bad pelvis injury as a two-year-old. It was a mystery how it happened. A lot of times in the stable a horse can kick out and somehow get its leg caught and hurt its pelvis. We can only guess how it happened. But it was a really bad injury. After a couple of years, we gave her a bit of work, but she got sore somewhere else. We turned her out and retired her. Then one day I was watching her run in the paddock and I phoned one of the part-owners. I said she is going beautiful in the paddock. I then galloped her with some other horses and decided it was worth giving her another go. She was unlucky when finishing second last time. Now she’s got the result here ... and she’ll win more races too, don’t worry about that. Probably give her a spell now and bring her back. She will run further. She is a beautifully bred mare.”
Jockey Andrew Spinks: “She got out at the right time, but I just had to wait probably a few strides before I could get right out. But once she got out she sprinted well. In the end it probably worked out good that we were held up just that little bit as the timing of her run was perfect. She got the measure of the other one pretty easily halfway down the straight, but then inside the last 100m she did have to dig deep as the other one threatened to come at her again. It is an enormous win when you consider she was never meant to race again. She’s probably looking for a spell again now, but she’s done really well.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Chi Chi Grande): 2.50 steady.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Jockey B. Pengelly was fined $300 for being overweight on Princess Of Monoco. R. Wiggins was substituted as the rider of that mare. Umhlanga Rocks (G. Baker) was slow to begin. Manziedear (J. Bowditch) got its head up and had to be steadied off the heels of Sydney Or The Bush (J. Taylor) rounding the first turn. Son Of Zaha (K. Banks) raced wide throughout.
Stewards questioned G. Baker in regards to his riding of Umhlanga Rocks in the home straight. G. Baker stated that he commenced to improve rounding the home turn, however shortly after was disappointed for a run between Licorice (L. Cassidy), which was weakening, and All Join Hands (N. Thomas), which shifted out. G. Baker added that subsequent to this he was held up behind All Join Hands, which shifted ground forward of him and therefore he was unable to fully test his mount. He further added that when placed under pressure in the latter stages of the straight, Umhlanga Rocks only finished the race off fairly. The explanation was noted.
Race 4:
3yo Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - Charter Boat; 2nd - Indy Go Gold; 3rd - Demonstrator
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Tracy Green: “I wasn’t that worried about the draw. In fact, he is probably a bit better out there. He got trapped on the fence the other day (on debut) and he over-raced really bad. So, yeah, he is probably a bit better when he has a bit of room. He was four-deep for the trip, so he has done really well. But he is a strong headed little rooster – so he’s going to get gelded now. A think he’ll end up a miler by the look of him, but he’ll go out now. Makes you feel better sending him out for a break with a win under his belt.”
Jockey Brad Pengelly: “He travelled wide from a wide barrier and he was going too keenly for me to drop back on him, so I just kept him balanced and he did the rest for me.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Charter Boat): 6.00 out to 7.00
Favourite (Demonstrator): 2.80 out to 3.80. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Monching (C. Reith) jumped away awkwardly. Sassafras Boy (L. Cassidy), which was slow to begin, was tightened for room shortly after the start between Demonstartor (S. Scriven) and Indy Go Gold (R. Wiggins), both of which shifted ground. Shortly after the start, Monching (C. Reith) shifted in and brushed Diamond Dancer (A. Pattillo). Approaching the 800m, Monching shifted out and hampered Charter Boat. Monching raced wide in the early stages. Leaving the 200m, Monching raced in restricted room for a short distance between Lady Nike (T. Pannell) and Indy Go Gold (R. Wiggins). Regal Prince (K. Banks), Diamond Dancer and Charter Boat raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 5:
F&M Class 3 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Taj Paru; 2nd - A little Dabl Doya; 3rd - Manaudou
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Allan Ross: “It’s all good. We’ll give her a blow now. We were going to scratch her because we weren’t totally comfortable about given her a bit of a quick back-up on heavy going, but we thought we’d give her a go on it. And the end of the day it’s all good, but that’s it for now. She’ll definitely go for a blow.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Tai Paru): 7.00 out to 11.00
Favourite (Manaudou): 3.00 out to 3.50 in to 3.20. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
French Move (L. Cassidy) was slow to begin. Taj Paru (B. El-Issa) laid in when placed under pressure in the straight, and approaching the 100m shifted in, inconveniencing Train Wreck (S. Seamer). A post-race veterinary examination of Smartaat, which raced wide throughout, failed to reveal an abnormality.
Race 6:
CG&E Class 3 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Aquaterra; 2nd - Telesto Warrior; 3rd - De Business
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bryan Guy: “He is going well. He was a bit unlucky the other day. They just out-sprinted him. They walked and then out-sprinted him. Today Jason (Taylor) was awake to that possibility and he got going on him and he kept finding. I think he is going to go further, you know, and I think the further he goes the better he is going to be. He handled the going well enough today. He didn’t feature the last time he was on heavy going, but I think that was because he was at the end of his tether then. It was the end of his preparation and he just didn’t put it in. We were a little bit concerned about that but he did race on a dead track the other day and he handled it quite well, so the going was only a little bit of a concern – and when you get the number one alley, it always helps.”
Jockey Jason Taylor: “He had a nice run here. The other day he just couldn’t let down as quick as some of the others. Today I got him out, wound him up and he hit the line beautifully.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Aquaterra): 3.50 out to 3.70 in to 3.00.
Favourite (De Business): 2.60 in to 2.40 out to 2.60. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
C. Reith was examined by the club's doctor and stood down from his engagements on Diamond Pursuit and Tolart in race 8. A. Spinks and S. Scriven were substituted as the respective riders of those horses. Chaski (C. McIver) and Telesto Warrior (B. El-Issa) jumped away awkwardly. Leaving the 500m, De Business (K. Purdy) shifted out, taking Jovelon (R. Wiggins) wider on the track. Diamond Pursuit (A. Spinks) had a tendency to lay in rounding the home turn and had to be steadied away from the heels of Jovelon on several occasions in the straight. A post-race veterinary examination of Stormy Youth revealed the horse to be exhibiting an abnormal respiratory noise. Trainer B. Dodson was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for Stormy Youth, along with the results of an endoscopic examination prior to its next race start.
Race 7:
Class 4 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Dardan; 2nd - Hail Free; 3rd - Erembourg
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Bailey: “We got him from the boys in Melbourne. They said we should try him up here. He’s done well for the owner. I think he has won five up here now, so he has been a good little money-spinner for them. We couldn’t worry about the draw. There was nothing we could do about that. He (Scott Galloway) rode him well. He didn’t have a lot of pace at all and he got back, but Scott just let him run his own race and he came home strong.”
Jockey Scott Galloway: “He normally leads but he showed no pace today, so I just rode him quiet from the wide draw. I just had a nice chuck up three wide from about the 600m there. He was bolting from around the corner, so I was pretty confident that he had them covered.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Dardan): 3.40 in to 3.10 out to3.40.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Cherry Gaze (W. Clasohm) jumped away awkwardly and had to be steadied shortly after the start when tightened for room between Lord Lostock (M. Paget) and Winston (S. Scriven). Starman (C. McIver) jumped away awkwardly. Leaving the 800m, Erembourg (E. Wilkinson) improved up on to the heels of Winston and had to be steadied. Subtle Glance (R. McMahon) was held up in the early stages of the straight. Red Enzo (M. Heagney), Eternal’s Choice (C. Whiteley), Dardan (S. Galloway) and Breaking The Rules (R. Wiggins) raced three wide for the majority of the event.
Race 8:
Class 3 Handicap - 1630m
1st - Mauries Pick; 2nd - Tolart; 3rd - Drumshanbo
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Clive Sinton: “He’s going real well and Ken (Pope) rode him a treat. He rode him last time as well. We thought the horse might be ready for a spell, because he has been up a while. He has had a few short breaks in-between though, and we can’t let him have a spell when he’s getting these sort of results and while he seems to be enjoying it so much.”
Jockey Ken Pope: “I thought it would be hard to beat. I thought it was a very good effort the other day (at the Sunshine Coast). He travelled sweet all of the way, you know. One pulled out at the 600m, just in front of us, to go forward. We elected to stop and wait for it to go ... and then wait to straighten up and go ourselves. He responded like I thought he would and got the job done.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Mauries Pick): 8.00 out to 12.00
Favourite (Tolart): 2.70 out to 3.20. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Jockey J. Bowditch was fined $100 for being overweight on Bang On Broadway. M. Heagney was substituted as the rider of Bang On Broadway. Jockey B. El-Issa was examined by the club's doctor and stood down from his engagement on Jessie Street. M. Paget was substituted as the rider of that mare. Fly Misty (C. McIver) was slow to begin. Tolart (S. Scriven) and Showciti (S. Galloway) made contact on jumping away. Approaching the 1300m, Blickem (D. Green) improved up on to the heels of Frisco Darling (G. Baker) and had to be steadied. Showciti, which was following, had to be steadied in consequence. When the pace steadied approaching the 1100m, Mauries Pick (K. Pope) had to be restrained from the heels of Worthy Quest (A. Spinks) and shifted out, hampering Frisco Darling (G. Baker) and Blickem (D. Green). Near the 600m, Jessie Street (M. Paget) shifted out to improve and in doing so hampered Blickem (D. Green). Fly Misty (C. McIver) was held up and unable to improve rounding the home turn. Drumshambo (B. Evans) was obliged to race wide rounding the home turn. Leaving the 300m, Tolart (S. Scriven) shifted out around the heels of Jessie Street (M. Paget) to improve and in doing so made heavy contact with Blickem. Near the 200m, Mauries Pick (K. Pope) shifted in, inconveniencing Frisco Darling. K. Pope, rider of Mauries Pick, was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Approaching the finishing line, Fly Misty was forced to race in restricted room between Jessie Street and Blickem (D. Green), which shifted in under pressure.
When questioned regarding the seemingly disappointing performance of Showciti, S. Galloway stated that after being slowly away, he was obliged to position the gelding in a more rearward position than he would have liked. He further stated that Showciti travelled well in the middle stages, however added that the gelding was a big-striding horse and he was unable to secure sufficient racing room to improve his momentum leaving the 600m. This, in his opinion, had a major bearing on the disappointing performance of Showciti today.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
Horses swabbed - All winners
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
TOOWOOMBA RACING UNDER PRESSURE
Spare a thought for Toowoomba racing. By that I mean Toowoomba racing as a traditional, honourable racing community which plays a productive part in the business that is Queensland Racing.
The vote taken by Toowoomba Turf Club (TTC) members on Monday night in favour accepting the $10 million funding offer made to the club by Queensland Racing Ltd (QRL) – which includes the controversial issue of replacing the turf with a Cushion track – has decided an argument which had degenerated into an on-going, ugly mess which did the industry no favours.
For the last couple of months the Toowoomba racing community has been staggering around the ring like a punch-drunk boxer wondering from which direction the knockout punch would arrive.
After much public acrimony between those ‘for’ and ‘against’ the QRL proposal, it became clear that, in essence, no matter which side eventually won the vote, Toowoomba racing (read the TTC) was in a lose-lose situation.
Going into the vote, the TTC stood to lose the proposed funding package and be faced with a crippling financial burden, the demands of which were clearly laid out by QRL ... or, they would lose the patronage of those owners and trainers who, equally as unambiguously, had indicated that they were not only against the installation of the Cushion Track, but they would not support racing on that surface if it came into being.
The TTC members chose to accept the QRL offer. The official count was 124 votes in favour, 110 votes against.
Those against the proposal needed 51% to carry the vote. They got 47%. It is a pity that the vote, whichever way it went, ended up being so close. All Monday night’s result means is that Toowoomba racing remains a fractured community and that is going to take more than an olive branch, already extended by the TTC to licensees, to heal.
The TTC are seemingly betting on the fact that those trainers and owners who voted against the deal might find it difficult to live up to their word ... that they might reconsider their options when faced with the reality of having to change locations or limit where they will place runners.
The TTC underestimated the resolve of this group once before when failing to recognise their passion and commitment to their cause. They could be doing so again.
It is entirely understandably why 122 members voted for the proposal. QRL had said they had made an offer, not a demand. But while there was a carrot, there was also a stick.
The financial consequences of refusing the deal, as highlighted in no uncertain terms in a letter sent to TTC members by QRL prior to the vote, dictated that the TTC would be placed in dire financial straits should the vote go against the deal. For some there might have appeared to be shades of Don Corleone. It might have looked like an offer they couldn’t refuse.
The details of the carrot and the stick are repeated here as a matter of record, as it does help to put the motivation for the final decision in perspective. Both extracts repeated below are taken from the letter which QRL sent to TTC members.
The positive vote for the $10 million package brings the following into play:
“Conversion of the course proper to an all weather synthetic surface, and associated cambering and realignment. Regenerating both dams and lining with the latest dam liner. Sealed service ambulance road. Sealed horse walkways. Upgrade of existing lights to international standards. Retention of the Saturday night racing programme. Allocation of a metropolitan status meeting for the Weetwood. Racing will be suspended from 11 February 2009 - 11 July 2009.”
On the other hand, should a negative vote have been cast the following would have applied:
“QRL will proceed to recoup the costs already expended on the project, including the removal of the cushion track stockpile. QRL will require the TTC to upgrade the course proper to a suitable standard, at the Clubs expense. QRL will not allow racing at Toowoomba on a sub-standard track, including feature races.QRL will require TTC to upgrade the lights to an acceptable standard, estimated at $1 million at the Club’s expense. The funding for the lighting and cushion track will be offered to another club, and the ongoing allocation of future race dates will be considered, depending on the condition of the track.”
The decision would have been a ‘no brainer’ had the financial package not called for the installation of a Cushion Track to replace the turf surface. ‘To replace the turf surface’ was the point of contention. When no alternative to having both the turf and Cushion tracks available could be negotiated, the standoff took a seriously negative turn.
It is equally entirely understandable why 110 members voted against the proposal. Their concerns about the quality of the Cushion Track, with regard to it being able to provide a true and safe racing surface, were made quite clear to anyone who would listen.
The objections were roundly dismissed by QRL and any idea of searching for common ground became a non-event. The split in feeling and objectives reached a point of no return, leading to this group calling Monday’s Special General Meeting where they exercised their right to vote on the issue.
Synthetic racing surfaces remain a controversial entity throughout the world and to dismiss criticism of them as being based in ignorance is like the blind leading the blind.
Synthetic surfaces are sure to play a part in racing in future, but the jury, worldwide - including a host of racing professionals who, individually, have more experience of synthetic surfaces than any group in Australia - is still very much out on how big that role should be.
There are few qualms about it being utilised as a training track and pretty much the same applies to it being used as a limited, alternative racing surface when weather conditions dictate that to be a beneficial alternative. It is a work in progress which has yet to be embraced by the greater racing fraternity around the world.
As such, it comes with a risk factor – made all the greater if the track is installed as a club’s main, or only, racing surface - as certain owners and trainers will prefer to run their horses on a traditional turf surface and therefore might not support meetings at the synthetic track.
Thus Toowoomba racing now finds itself in an elevated risk situation where, ironically, the future of those who won at the ballot box lies, to a large degree, in the hands of those who they defeated in the vote.
If their traditional trainers and owners turn their backs on the TTC, being flush with cash and having new facilities might be a position bought at too great a cost. But then, as previously mentioned, events of the last nine months had painted the TTC into a corner, into that no-win situation.
This position of the TTC is made even more critical by the fact that Clifford Park will now be closed for racing until mid-July. (This closure was programmed irrespective of the outcome of the vote).
During this time, owners, trainers have to find somewhere else to race their horses and many jockeys, whose primary income was earned at the Toowoomba track, will have to look elsewhere for an income. How many will return at the end of the day is in question. There will be job losses as well as a negative impact on the local economy.
Throw in the fact that, when racing does return to Clifford Park in July, the TTC will not be able to have too many hiccups if it is to retain its usual Saturday evening slot, with its international broadcasts, as the night racing banner-bearer for racing in Queensland.
The retention of the valued Saturday night racing programme has been promised to the TTC in the deal struck with QRL, so there will be no problem if the racing product produced by the TTC is of a suitable standard.
Previously there was no alternative for night racing, but the Corbould Park track at the Sunshine Coast will be fully primed to take over from Toowoomba, in a worst case scenario, should the racing product produced by the TTC fall below standard, for whatever reason.
Thirty pylons filled with high intensity floodlights are now in place at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club (SCTC) track at Coloundra. The SCTC, who owns Corbould Park in partnership with QRL, will take over the Saturday night timeslot left vacant by the TTC while work is undertaken on the installation of the Cushion Track in Toowoomba. They will set a new standard in the intervening months, one which Toowoomba will have to match.
So while the turbulence of recent months might subside for Toowoomba racing, it will only be replaced by more testing times.
There is always change and change comes for better or worse.
Hopefully in the case of Toowoomba, when the dust has settled and the bloody battlefield has been cleared, there can still be a future for the TTC which will do Queensland racing proud.
Whether there is or not, the only sure bet is that racing at Clifford Park will never be the same again.
The vote taken by Toowoomba Turf Club (TTC) members on Monday night in favour accepting the $10 million funding offer made to the club by Queensland Racing Ltd (QRL) – which includes the controversial issue of replacing the turf with a Cushion track – has decided an argument which had degenerated into an on-going, ugly mess which did the industry no favours.
For the last couple of months the Toowoomba racing community has been staggering around the ring like a punch-drunk boxer wondering from which direction the knockout punch would arrive.
After much public acrimony between those ‘for’ and ‘against’ the QRL proposal, it became clear that, in essence, no matter which side eventually won the vote, Toowoomba racing (read the TTC) was in a lose-lose situation.
Going into the vote, the TTC stood to lose the proposed funding package and be faced with a crippling financial burden, the demands of which were clearly laid out by QRL ... or, they would lose the patronage of those owners and trainers who, equally as unambiguously, had indicated that they were not only against the installation of the Cushion Track, but they would not support racing on that surface if it came into being.
The TTC members chose to accept the QRL offer. The official count was 124 votes in favour, 110 votes against.
Those against the proposal needed 51% to carry the vote. They got 47%. It is a pity that the vote, whichever way it went, ended up being so close. All Monday night’s result means is that Toowoomba racing remains a fractured community and that is going to take more than an olive branch, already extended by the TTC to licensees, to heal.
The TTC are seemingly betting on the fact that those trainers and owners who voted against the deal might find it difficult to live up to their word ... that they might reconsider their options when faced with the reality of having to change locations or limit where they will place runners.
The TTC underestimated the resolve of this group once before when failing to recognise their passion and commitment to their cause. They could be doing so again.
It is entirely understandably why 122 members voted for the proposal. QRL had said they had made an offer, not a demand. But while there was a carrot, there was also a stick.
The financial consequences of refusing the deal, as highlighted in no uncertain terms in a letter sent to TTC members by QRL prior to the vote, dictated that the TTC would be placed in dire financial straits should the vote go against the deal. For some there might have appeared to be shades of Don Corleone. It might have looked like an offer they couldn’t refuse.
The details of the carrot and the stick are repeated here as a matter of record, as it does help to put the motivation for the final decision in perspective. Both extracts repeated below are taken from the letter which QRL sent to TTC members.
The positive vote for the $10 million package brings the following into play:
“Conversion of the course proper to an all weather synthetic surface, and associated cambering and realignment. Regenerating both dams and lining with the latest dam liner. Sealed service ambulance road. Sealed horse walkways. Upgrade of existing lights to international standards. Retention of the Saturday night racing programme. Allocation of a metropolitan status meeting for the Weetwood. Racing will be suspended from 11 February 2009 - 11 July 2009.”
On the other hand, should a negative vote have been cast the following would have applied:
“QRL will proceed to recoup the costs already expended on the project, including the removal of the cushion track stockpile. QRL will require the TTC to upgrade the course proper to a suitable standard, at the Clubs expense. QRL will not allow racing at Toowoomba on a sub-standard track, including feature races.QRL will require TTC to upgrade the lights to an acceptable standard, estimated at $1 million at the Club’s expense. The funding for the lighting and cushion track will be offered to another club, and the ongoing allocation of future race dates will be considered, depending on the condition of the track.”
The decision would have been a ‘no brainer’ had the financial package not called for the installation of a Cushion Track to replace the turf surface. ‘To replace the turf surface’ was the point of contention. When no alternative to having both the turf and Cushion tracks available could be negotiated, the standoff took a seriously negative turn.
It is equally entirely understandable why 110 members voted against the proposal. Their concerns about the quality of the Cushion Track, with regard to it being able to provide a true and safe racing surface, were made quite clear to anyone who would listen.
The objections were roundly dismissed by QRL and any idea of searching for common ground became a non-event. The split in feeling and objectives reached a point of no return, leading to this group calling Monday’s Special General Meeting where they exercised their right to vote on the issue.
Synthetic racing surfaces remain a controversial entity throughout the world and to dismiss criticism of them as being based in ignorance is like the blind leading the blind.
Synthetic surfaces are sure to play a part in racing in future, but the jury, worldwide - including a host of racing professionals who, individually, have more experience of synthetic surfaces than any group in Australia - is still very much out on how big that role should be.
There are few qualms about it being utilised as a training track and pretty much the same applies to it being used as a limited, alternative racing surface when weather conditions dictate that to be a beneficial alternative. It is a work in progress which has yet to be embraced by the greater racing fraternity around the world.
As such, it comes with a risk factor – made all the greater if the track is installed as a club’s main, or only, racing surface - as certain owners and trainers will prefer to run their horses on a traditional turf surface and therefore might not support meetings at the synthetic track.
Thus Toowoomba racing now finds itself in an elevated risk situation where, ironically, the future of those who won at the ballot box lies, to a large degree, in the hands of those who they defeated in the vote.
If their traditional trainers and owners turn their backs on the TTC, being flush with cash and having new facilities might be a position bought at too great a cost. But then, as previously mentioned, events of the last nine months had painted the TTC into a corner, into that no-win situation.
This position of the TTC is made even more critical by the fact that Clifford Park will now be closed for racing until mid-July. (This closure was programmed irrespective of the outcome of the vote).
During this time, owners, trainers have to find somewhere else to race their horses and many jockeys, whose primary income was earned at the Toowoomba track, will have to look elsewhere for an income. How many will return at the end of the day is in question. There will be job losses as well as a negative impact on the local economy.
Throw in the fact that, when racing does return to Clifford Park in July, the TTC will not be able to have too many hiccups if it is to retain its usual Saturday evening slot, with its international broadcasts, as the night racing banner-bearer for racing in Queensland.
The retention of the valued Saturday night racing programme has been promised to the TTC in the deal struck with QRL, so there will be no problem if the racing product produced by the TTC is of a suitable standard.
Previously there was no alternative for night racing, but the Corbould Park track at the Sunshine Coast will be fully primed to take over from Toowoomba, in a worst case scenario, should the racing product produced by the TTC fall below standard, for whatever reason.
Thirty pylons filled with high intensity floodlights are now in place at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club (SCTC) track at Coloundra. The SCTC, who owns Corbould Park in partnership with QRL, will take over the Saturday night timeslot left vacant by the TTC while work is undertaken on the installation of the Cushion Track in Toowoomba. They will set a new standard in the intervening months, one which Toowoomba will have to match.
So while the turbulence of recent months might subside for Toowoomba racing, it will only be replaced by more testing times.
There is always change and change comes for better or worse.
Hopefully in the case of Toowoomba, when the dust has settled and the bloody battlefield has been cleared, there can still be a future for the TTC which will do Queensland racing proud.
Whether there is or not, the only sure bet is that racing at Clifford Park will never be the same again.
SUNSHINE COAST REVIEW (SUN, FEB 15)
A review of the meeting held at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, February 15.
Race 1:
Maiden 3yo & Up Plate - 1000m
1st - Questify; 2nd - One For The Girls; 3rd - Stalwart Garza
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Ray Dart trained Questify tracked the early frontrunners before switching out at the head of the straight and beginning her winning, forward move. The mare’s challenge was met with significant resistance by One For The Girls, who kicked in the straight and made Questify (Hirotaka Hamada) work hard for victory.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Hootson (G. Baker) was slow to begin. Beyond The Bikini (C. Spry) blundered on jumping away and lost ground. Jockey C. Spry was dislodged from Beyond The Bikini on pulling up when that horse shifted out abruptly. After being examined by the club's doctor and was found to have injured his left ankle. Jockey C. Spry was stood from his remaining engagements. Jockey C. Spry will be required to produce a medical clearance before riding again.
Race 2:
QTIS 3yo Maiden Handicap - 850m
1st - Lots Of Allure; 2nd - Triple Ay; 3rd - Nonethewiser
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mick Mair had an anxious wait as Lots Of Allure made her way back to the winners’ enclosure. The filly had bled previously, and it is thus always going to be a worry when she pulls up after a run. All ended well.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Triple Ay (R. McMahon) was slow to begin. Dodge County (J. Wood) raced wide. Wedding Lily (M. Hughes) raced wide for the majority of the event. An inquiry was opened in to the reason for Dodge County (App. J. Wood) falling near the 450m. After taking evidence from app. Jockey M. Hughes, rider of Wedding Lily, app. Jockey O. Turpin, rider of Nonethewiser and jockey G. Baker, rider of Clayton, the inquiry was adjourned to a date to be fixed due to app jockey J. Wood being transported to hospital for further observation. A post-race veterinary examination of Dodge County failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 3:
3yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 1400m
1st - Golden Balls; 2nd - Croix De Fer; 3rd - Vistula Belle
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “The run in town last time, which was his first run for me, was good the other day. They ran slow sectionals and he got home good. I thought he would be very hard to beat today, but we were very concerned about the heavy track. That other one was really coming at him and thought we were gone but (Damian) Browne got him over the line. I think he’ll definitely get 1600m and I’m hoping he’ll get 2000m. That’s where we are heading at this stage. Being a three-year-old, if he can get up and stay a bit, well, there’s more in it for them, you know. Yeah, thankfully, I am enjoying a nice strike-rate with new horses that have been given to me. I just hope they keep coming through the door.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Croix De Fer (G. Baker), Golden Balls (D. Browne) and Mythical (A. Erhart) were slow to begin. Danseur Pick (A. Spinks), Diamond Lane (R. Stewart) and Super Moon (J. Taylor) were all tightened for room at the start between Miss Attanagh (A. Pattillo), which shifted out, and Vistula Belle (B. El-Issa), which shifted in. Vistula Belle (B. El-Issa) raced wide in the early stages. Danseur Pick (A. Spinks) raced wide in the early and middle stages. Elton’s Son (S. Holcombe) raced wide for the majority of the event. Danseur Pick was retired from the race after leaving the 500m. A post-race veterinary examination of Danseur Pick revealed the filly to have pulled up in a distressed state. Trainer R. Milne was advised that Danseur Pick must trial to the satisfaction of the stewards in an official trial, and that he would be required to provide a veterinary clearance for Danseur Pick prior to its next race start. The veterinary surgeon also reported that Super Moon had ruptured a tendon in the off foreleg. Trainer S. Dwyer was advised that he would be required to provide a veterinary clearance for Super Moon prior to its next race start.
Race 4:
Class 2 Handicap - 1400m,
1st - Snackman; 2nd - Guns; 3rd -Bigger Than
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bruce Brown: “He’s just been drawing bad alley’s mate. He’s drawn eleven, eleven, eleven. He wasn’t even going to start. I was going to scratch him, but when they got down to a field of six we decided to go around. One start he had here on a heavy track he got beaten about eighteen lengths, so it just shows you, you just got to try them on it once in a while. He was the right body-weight today. He has always been a little bit fat. He was 528kg today. That’s his winning weight.”
Jockey Christian Reith: “The trainer told me on Saturday morning that he won’t be going around because he doesn’t handle the going. He did say that when he didn’t handle it before he was a younger horse. He decided to go for it in the end. The horse certainly had a lot more confidence this time around. Today, he just ploughed through it.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Radio Star (A. Spinks) was slow to begin. Red Shadow (J. Taylor) and Snackman (C. Reith) both had a tendency to over-race in the early and middle stages.
Race 5:
Class 3 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Heartsun; 2nd - Inprivato; 3rd - Tangler
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Stewart McKinnon: “He’s taken the next step every-time and that is all we can ask of him, you know. I don’t know how far he’s going to get this prep ... whether we give him another one or not. I’ll just let the horse tell me. He is quite an easy horse to train, but he has got a bit of the Show A Heart tendency where they are just a little bit hot. It’s just in the head. He does switch off in the race very well which we’ve been trying to teach him. That’s half the battle, so it’s going well.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start was delayed when Love Hit Me became fractious in the barrier stalls and became cast. After undergoing a veterinary examination, Love Hit Me was cleared to race. Trainer T. Hall was advised that a further barrier certificate would be required for Love Hit Me prior to its next race start. Inprivato (M. Hughes) and Akoya (C. McIver) were slow to begin. A post-race veterinary examination of Akoya revealed the mare to have a small laceration to its off foreleg.
Race 6:
Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Dual Code; 2nd - Ready Asset; 3rd - Fernardi
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Bailey: “Yeah, he’s getting better and I think he’ll probably be better again after a couple of more runs. He did have a little setback there the other week. He just had a little stone bruise that popped out of his foot like they do on these wet weather, hot days. The results are good and time is not an issue with him. We’ll just take the steps as they come.”
Jockey Kelly Purdy: “It’s an up-and-coming horse. Still a little bit green. He’s been unlucky in his first couple of starts. Even though he won last star, he only got out the last bit. Today is the first time he has had an uninterrupted run and he controlled things well. He still stargazes a little bit, so he’s still going to learn and improve further.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stewards accepted the explanation from trainer K. Schweida for the late declaration of a rider for Top Ross. The saddle on Waitaseq shifted when proceeding to the barriers, resulting in that gelding having to be re-saddled prior to the start. Frenardi (G. Baker) began awkwardly and shifted in, making contact with Stalwart Honey (C. Reith). Ready Asset (A. Merritt), which was slow to begin, had to be steadied shortly after the start to avoid the heels of Skifort (A. Spinks), which shifted in. Top Ross (K. Pope) raced wide in the early stages. Approaching the 700m Stalwart Honey had to be steadied when the paced eased. Frenardi (G. Baker), which was following, had to be steadied as a consequence. Passing the 600m, Waitaseq (T. Chambers) shifted wider on the track to improve. Near the 500m, Frenardi (G. Baker) was held up for some distance on the heels of Isti Polly (J. Kropp). Passing the 450m, Isti Polly (J. Kropp) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Stalwart Honey and Top Brass (K. Pope), which shifted out. Leaving the 100m, Isti Polly improved up on to the heels of Stalwart Honey and had to be steadied. Near the 50m, Pull The Wool (O. Turpin) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Top Ross (K. Pope), which shifted in under pressure. Stalwart Honey raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 7:
Open Handicap - 1400m
1st - Longstreet; 2nd - Fools Rush In; 3rd - Doonan Dancer
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bruce Hill: “He got the run of the race. The 1400m – that’s his distance. He likes that distance. The heavy going didn’t bother him. He has placed on that sort of ground. Ah, he’s just a nice old horse. I’ve had him for about twelve months. I’d have liked to have had him three or four years earlier. The hardest thing has been to find the right races for him, you know. But, like I say, he’s a nice old horse and it is good to get a result with him.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Doonan Dancer (A. Pattillo) jumped outwards at the start, making contact with Spy Zaim (G. Baker). Passing the 800m, Telegrand (M. Hughes) had to be momentarily steadied to avoid the heels of Longstreet (B. El-Issa), which shifted in. When questioned, C. Reith was unable to offer any tangible explanation for the disappointing performance of Noreil. A post-race veterinary examination of Noreil failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 8:
Class 1 Handicap - 1600m
1st - More Than Primed; 2nd - Bellamour; 3rd - Manziedear
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bruce Hill (who completed a double on the day): “This is nice horse, this horse. Just a little bit light though. His problem is that there is not much of him. He is only a little fellow. That’s why we gave him some time out to try and build him up. He’s stepped up in distance every start this prep. He’s done a good job today on a bog track over a mile. He is going to get ground. He’ll go beyond the mile. He is promising.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stewards accepted the explanation from trainer B. Bowditch for the late declaration of rider for Fly Misty, however he was fined $100 for failing to declare a rider for Manziedear by the prescribed time. Manziedear (A. Spinks) slow to begin. More Than Primed (K. Pope) and Fly Misty (G. Baker) were tightened for room at the start between Through The Waves (O. Turpin), which shifted out, and Slepner (J. Kropp), which was taken in by So Long (A. Badger). Fly Misty over-raced from a point approaching the 1400m and continued to do so for some distance, and after leaving the 800m, improved up on to the heels of Slepner (J. Kropp) and had to be steadied. Near the 400m, Pride Of Poland (E. Wilkinson) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Fly Misty (G. Baker), which shifted out to obtain clear running. Pride Of Poland (E. Wilkinson) and So Long (A. Badger) raced wide for the majority of the event. A post-race veterinary examination of So Long, which finished tailed off, revealed the horse to be lame in the off-hind leg. Trainer M. Lloyd was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for So Long prior to its next race start.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
Horses swabbed: All winners
Race 1:
Maiden 3yo & Up Plate - 1000m
1st - Questify; 2nd - One For The Girls; 3rd - Stalwart Garza
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Ray Dart trained Questify tracked the early frontrunners before switching out at the head of the straight and beginning her winning, forward move. The mare’s challenge was met with significant resistance by One For The Girls, who kicked in the straight and made Questify (Hirotaka Hamada) work hard for victory.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Hootson (G. Baker) was slow to begin. Beyond The Bikini (C. Spry) blundered on jumping away and lost ground. Jockey C. Spry was dislodged from Beyond The Bikini on pulling up when that horse shifted out abruptly. After being examined by the club's doctor and was found to have injured his left ankle. Jockey C. Spry was stood from his remaining engagements. Jockey C. Spry will be required to produce a medical clearance before riding again.
Race 2:
QTIS 3yo Maiden Handicap - 850m
1st - Lots Of Allure; 2nd - Triple Ay; 3rd - Nonethewiser
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mick Mair had an anxious wait as Lots Of Allure made her way back to the winners’ enclosure. The filly had bled previously, and it is thus always going to be a worry when she pulls up after a run. All ended well.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Triple Ay (R. McMahon) was slow to begin. Dodge County (J. Wood) raced wide. Wedding Lily (M. Hughes) raced wide for the majority of the event. An inquiry was opened in to the reason for Dodge County (App. J. Wood) falling near the 450m. After taking evidence from app. Jockey M. Hughes, rider of Wedding Lily, app. Jockey O. Turpin, rider of Nonethewiser and jockey G. Baker, rider of Clayton, the inquiry was adjourned to a date to be fixed due to app jockey J. Wood being transported to hospital for further observation. A post-race veterinary examination of Dodge County failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 3:
3yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 1400m
1st - Golden Balls; 2nd - Croix De Fer; 3rd - Vistula Belle
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “The run in town last time, which was his first run for me, was good the other day. They ran slow sectionals and he got home good. I thought he would be very hard to beat today, but we were very concerned about the heavy track. That other one was really coming at him and thought we were gone but (Damian) Browne got him over the line. I think he’ll definitely get 1600m and I’m hoping he’ll get 2000m. That’s where we are heading at this stage. Being a three-year-old, if he can get up and stay a bit, well, there’s more in it for them, you know. Yeah, thankfully, I am enjoying a nice strike-rate with new horses that have been given to me. I just hope they keep coming through the door.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Croix De Fer (G. Baker), Golden Balls (D. Browne) and Mythical (A. Erhart) were slow to begin. Danseur Pick (A. Spinks), Diamond Lane (R. Stewart) and Super Moon (J. Taylor) were all tightened for room at the start between Miss Attanagh (A. Pattillo), which shifted out, and Vistula Belle (B. El-Issa), which shifted in. Vistula Belle (B. El-Issa) raced wide in the early stages. Danseur Pick (A. Spinks) raced wide in the early and middle stages. Elton’s Son (S. Holcombe) raced wide for the majority of the event. Danseur Pick was retired from the race after leaving the 500m. A post-race veterinary examination of Danseur Pick revealed the filly to have pulled up in a distressed state. Trainer R. Milne was advised that Danseur Pick must trial to the satisfaction of the stewards in an official trial, and that he would be required to provide a veterinary clearance for Danseur Pick prior to its next race start. The veterinary surgeon also reported that Super Moon had ruptured a tendon in the off foreleg. Trainer S. Dwyer was advised that he would be required to provide a veterinary clearance for Super Moon prior to its next race start.
Race 4:
Class 2 Handicap - 1400m,
1st - Snackman; 2nd - Guns; 3rd -Bigger Than
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bruce Brown: “He’s just been drawing bad alley’s mate. He’s drawn eleven, eleven, eleven. He wasn’t even going to start. I was going to scratch him, but when they got down to a field of six we decided to go around. One start he had here on a heavy track he got beaten about eighteen lengths, so it just shows you, you just got to try them on it once in a while. He was the right body-weight today. He has always been a little bit fat. He was 528kg today. That’s his winning weight.”
Jockey Christian Reith: “The trainer told me on Saturday morning that he won’t be going around because he doesn’t handle the going. He did say that when he didn’t handle it before he was a younger horse. He decided to go for it in the end. The horse certainly had a lot more confidence this time around. Today, he just ploughed through it.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Radio Star (A. Spinks) was slow to begin. Red Shadow (J. Taylor) and Snackman (C. Reith) both had a tendency to over-race in the early and middle stages.
Race 5:
Class 3 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Heartsun; 2nd - Inprivato; 3rd - Tangler
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Stewart McKinnon: “He’s taken the next step every-time and that is all we can ask of him, you know. I don’t know how far he’s going to get this prep ... whether we give him another one or not. I’ll just let the horse tell me. He is quite an easy horse to train, but he has got a bit of the Show A Heart tendency where they are just a little bit hot. It’s just in the head. He does switch off in the race very well which we’ve been trying to teach him. That’s half the battle, so it’s going well.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start was delayed when Love Hit Me became fractious in the barrier stalls and became cast. After undergoing a veterinary examination, Love Hit Me was cleared to race. Trainer T. Hall was advised that a further barrier certificate would be required for Love Hit Me prior to its next race start. Inprivato (M. Hughes) and Akoya (C. McIver) were slow to begin. A post-race veterinary examination of Akoya revealed the mare to have a small laceration to its off foreleg.
Race 6:
Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Dual Code; 2nd - Ready Asset; 3rd - Fernardi
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Bailey: “Yeah, he’s getting better and I think he’ll probably be better again after a couple of more runs. He did have a little setback there the other week. He just had a little stone bruise that popped out of his foot like they do on these wet weather, hot days. The results are good and time is not an issue with him. We’ll just take the steps as they come.”
Jockey Kelly Purdy: “It’s an up-and-coming horse. Still a little bit green. He’s been unlucky in his first couple of starts. Even though he won last star, he only got out the last bit. Today is the first time he has had an uninterrupted run and he controlled things well. He still stargazes a little bit, so he’s still going to learn and improve further.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stewards accepted the explanation from trainer K. Schweida for the late declaration of a rider for Top Ross. The saddle on Waitaseq shifted when proceeding to the barriers, resulting in that gelding having to be re-saddled prior to the start. Frenardi (G. Baker) began awkwardly and shifted in, making contact with Stalwart Honey (C. Reith). Ready Asset (A. Merritt), which was slow to begin, had to be steadied shortly after the start to avoid the heels of Skifort (A. Spinks), which shifted in. Top Ross (K. Pope) raced wide in the early stages. Approaching the 700m Stalwart Honey had to be steadied when the paced eased. Frenardi (G. Baker), which was following, had to be steadied as a consequence. Passing the 600m, Waitaseq (T. Chambers) shifted wider on the track to improve. Near the 500m, Frenardi (G. Baker) was held up for some distance on the heels of Isti Polly (J. Kropp). Passing the 450m, Isti Polly (J. Kropp) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Stalwart Honey and Top Brass (K. Pope), which shifted out. Leaving the 100m, Isti Polly improved up on to the heels of Stalwart Honey and had to be steadied. Near the 50m, Pull The Wool (O. Turpin) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Top Ross (K. Pope), which shifted in under pressure. Stalwart Honey raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 7:
Open Handicap - 1400m
1st - Longstreet; 2nd - Fools Rush In; 3rd - Doonan Dancer
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bruce Hill: “He got the run of the race. The 1400m – that’s his distance. He likes that distance. The heavy going didn’t bother him. He has placed on that sort of ground. Ah, he’s just a nice old horse. I’ve had him for about twelve months. I’d have liked to have had him three or four years earlier. The hardest thing has been to find the right races for him, you know. But, like I say, he’s a nice old horse and it is good to get a result with him.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Doonan Dancer (A. Pattillo) jumped outwards at the start, making contact with Spy Zaim (G. Baker). Passing the 800m, Telegrand (M. Hughes) had to be momentarily steadied to avoid the heels of Longstreet (B. El-Issa), which shifted in. When questioned, C. Reith was unable to offer any tangible explanation for the disappointing performance of Noreil. A post-race veterinary examination of Noreil failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 8:
Class 1 Handicap - 1600m
1st - More Than Primed; 2nd - Bellamour; 3rd - Manziedear
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bruce Hill (who completed a double on the day): “This is nice horse, this horse. Just a little bit light though. His problem is that there is not much of him. He is only a little fellow. That’s why we gave him some time out to try and build him up. He’s stepped up in distance every start this prep. He’s done a good job today on a bog track over a mile. He is going to get ground. He’ll go beyond the mile. He is promising.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stewards accepted the explanation from trainer B. Bowditch for the late declaration of rider for Fly Misty, however he was fined $100 for failing to declare a rider for Manziedear by the prescribed time. Manziedear (A. Spinks) slow to begin. More Than Primed (K. Pope) and Fly Misty (G. Baker) were tightened for room at the start between Through The Waves (O. Turpin), which shifted out, and Slepner (J. Kropp), which was taken in by So Long (A. Badger). Fly Misty over-raced from a point approaching the 1400m and continued to do so for some distance, and after leaving the 800m, improved up on to the heels of Slepner (J. Kropp) and had to be steadied. Near the 400m, Pride Of Poland (E. Wilkinson) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Fly Misty (G. Baker), which shifted out to obtain clear running. Pride Of Poland (E. Wilkinson) and So Long (A. Badger) raced wide for the majority of the event. A post-race veterinary examination of So Long, which finished tailed off, revealed the horse to be lame in the off-hind leg. Trainer M. Lloyd was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for So Long prior to its next race start.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
Horses swabbed: All winners
Monday, February 16, 2009
EAGLE FARM REVIEW (SAT, FEB 14)
A review of the meeting held at Eagle Farm on Saturday, February 14.
Race 1:
QTIS 2yo Handicap - 1000m
1st - Bob And Dolly; 2nd - Neeson; 3rd - Easy Knight
Co-trainer Jason McLachlan: “We thought it was an enormous run last time (on debut). He just got a bit lost first start in a race. He has just gone ahead in leaps and bounds. We were just desperate to try to find a 1200m race for him, but we couldn’t. The wet track’s brought them back to him and he finished hard. He is a very strong horse. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is a very nice horse further down the track.”
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson: “From the jump the horse was on one rein and it was hanging out the whole way. He hang out badly in the straight. Over the final hundred metres, it was just sort of do or die, so I just let him do his own thing. I went for him and he was too strong. He is a real nice horse. It was only his second start and he is obviously still learning. I don’t know why he was hanging like that, but we’ll work him out. He handled the going alright. At the top of the straight, just before the straight, there was a patch he hit where he scrambled a bit, but he got through that. Other than that he went through it pretty good.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Bob And Dolly (E. Wilkinson) blundered on jumping away. Neeson (P. Wolfgram) shifted in and made contact with Easy Knight (B. Evans) on jumping away. Bob And Dolly shifted out under pressure over the concluding stages. The Club's veterinary surgeon reported that Perfect Option (C. Spry) sustained a small laceration to the front of the off-hind coronet.
Race 2:
Class 6 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Tisani Boy; 2nd - Admiral Gherkin; 3rd - Sir Monashee
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Lindsay Hatch: “He’s is a lovely horse. He proved he’s got a touch of class. It was a super win. I think he’s got a great future. He is going to win a big race for sure. He’s probably not even suited over 1000m. He probably wants a lot further, you know. He is a 1200m ... 1400m horse. I think he is a serious horse. He didn’t seem to handle the going today yet still produced the win. He has got his problems. He got bruised heels – bad feet. We just ice them. Brett (Evans) does a lot of work on him, icing him and so forth. ”
Hatch will be leaving Toowoomba on March 1 and moving to Wadham Park, a 200 acre facility which is located in the Gold Coast hinterland on the outskirts of Canungra.
Hatch: “It’s just a great opportunity to get a better class of horse and a better owner. A lot of owners ring up and say they are interested in getting horses to train and they won’t have them trained in Toowoomba for one reason or other. The move has been in the mix for six to eight months and I just think it is a great opportunity.”
Apprentice jockey Brent Evans: “Oh mate, I don’t think he knew what he was doing early. The first fifty yards he had no idea in the heavy going. I just kept a hold of his head and rode him and kept him as close as I could while keeping him happy enough back there. Then when I asked him to go he responded well and did a good job. I do know the horse well. I work with him all the time and do his feet every morning.”
Brent Evans is apprenticed to the Lindsay Hatch stable. He transferred there from Brett Kavanagh and he has enjoyed eye-catching success since arriving in Toowoomba where he currently has a clear-cut lead in the Toowoomba Jockey’s Premiership.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
No incidents.
Race 3:
1MW Handicap - 1800m
1st - Malela; 2nd - Kings Artist; 3rd - Ostras
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kevin Kemp: “It’s the fourth Saturday in a row that we’ve had a winner in Brisbane. That is just unbelievable. I hope I’ve got something in the stable I can bring down here next week. Just when you’re hot, you got to try to stay hot. This one will also be going to Sydney (with Dance Girl Dance). I didn’t want to say she was definitely going before the race, because when you say they’re definitely going, they run last. I hope Ric (McMahon) will ride them. We’ll ask him.”
Jockey Ric McMahon: “I was sort of happy to drop off the speed at one stage. Look, the leader Ostras, it runs along, but it hasn’t been racing real well so I knew it would come back to me. So I let him go. I knew I had a lot of horse under me. I was pretty lucky actually because the two in front of me, they chased it a little bit. When they chased from the half mile it was too hot for me, I just travelled up and I got her on the bit, you know. As soon as I asked her to just get a little bit closer she kept up picking up good. The way she made up ground so quickly was bit of a combination of her improving and the others stopping. I was never worried about moving up inside horses at the top of the straight. I was still four or five off the fence. I never moved ... I never hit her until inside the furlong, because I knew I pretty much had it. She handled the going well. Yeah, I probably will go to Sydney with Kevin’s two horses.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Malela (R. McMahon) and Riseupsinging (E. Wilkinson) made contact on jumping away.
Race 4:
3yo Handicap - 1400m
1st - High Roll'n Woman; 2nd - Phebetay; 3rd - Star Of Ombra
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “They asked if I could put her in just behind the pace ... sort of sit third or fourth. I ended up sitting fifth or sixth. I got back more than I wanted. That was because they went quite hard in front and also because of the heavy going. My horse didn’t quite handle it. Yet she still managed to win through having a bit of heart, you know. I saved her all up until the furlong and then asked her to go and she toughed it out real good.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer R. Heathcote was fined $100 under LR. 70 for failing to declare R. Stewart as the rider of Star Of Ombre by the prescribed time. Stewards accepted the explanation of trainer K. Schweida for the late declaration of B. El-Issa as the rider of Upgrading. Universal Brave (C. Reith) was slow to begin. Castiglione Kid (R. Wiggins) jumped out at the start making contact with Zsazsa (D. Craven). Universal Brave and Kbenrenrun (L. Cassidy) over-raced in the early stages. Near the 800m Castliglione Kid and Universal Brave made contact. Universal Brave and Castiglione Kid raced wide for the majority of the event. Approaching the 400m Zsazsa shifted out in an endeavour to obtain clear running and in doing so made contact with Universal Brave on several occasions. Professor (A. Pattillo) was inclined to lay in when placed under pressure in the home straight. A post-race veterinary examination of Kbenrenrun revealed a laceration inside the cheek on the off side.
Race 5:
Open Handicap - 1600m
1st - Sam's Express; 2nd - Rebounded; 3rd - Onalar
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Michael Nolan: “He’s just been unlucky this horse. He always gets cluttered up. You have a look at his form. His first run up he was wide (from an eleven draw). Next run at Doomben he never got out and then his last run he never got out. He is a real honest horse, but things just haven’t gone his way. The extra ground did help, because the mile (which he got here) and further is his best distance.”
Apprentice jockey Brent Evans (who completed a double on the day): “It was a great battle actually. I just bounced him out of the gates and I was always going to sit second to Rebounded. I got a nice run there. Rebounded was just pulling a bit during the race. I just got a beautiful run. He relaxed. Shifted up a bit closer at the 600m. Then I just waited, waited, waited until well in the straight. I made my move and we went up there and headed him (Rebounded). My horse fought well. He dug deep. I’ve never rode a city winner before. Today’s my first – and now it’s a double.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Onalar (S. Scriven) was slow to begin. Tariki (P. Gesler) raced wide for the majority of the event. Rebounded (Michael Palmer) and Sam’s Express (B. Evans) bumped at the 100m. When questioned regarding the seemingly disappointing performance of Pentacity, jockey J. Taylor stated that he felt the mare travelled well during running, however when placed under pressure failed to stretch out and in his opinion failed to handle the prevailing track conditions. J. Taylor added that although the mare had won on a rain-affected track it was only against maiden company on that occasion. The explanation was noted.
Race 6:
1MW Handicap - 1200m
1st - Abbacina; 2nd - Sir Teles; 3rd - Bazzooka
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Larry Cassidy (who is carrying a hand injury): “I really am suffering. It’s way more sore than the other day. The swelling has come down, but it’s still incredibly painful. I was very happy because I brought the swelling right down. Even though I thought it would be sore, I didn’t think it would anywhere as sore as it is. I had a scan and the ligaments are intact. They are not pulled away from the bone. So they are intact, but there is an incredible amount of fluid around the joint. So the ligaments aren’t torn, but they said I’ll need two weeks for the injury to heal. I don’t know what I’m going to do yet. I’ve got very good rides Wednesday. I could probably ride a treble on Wednesday. I’ll just have to see how I pull up after this.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Base Dancer (E. Wilkinson) over-raced in the early stages and when being restrained near the 800m got its head up and raced ungenerously. J. Atkins, the trainer of Bazzooka, which bled from both nostrils during the event, was advised that the horse would be barred from racing for a period of three months under the provisions of AR. 53A. A swab sample was taken from Bazzooka.
Race 7:
Quality Handicap - 1200m
1st - Vocalic; 2nd - Momentously; 3rd - Sommersea Drive
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ron Maund: “He likes the Eagle Farm 1200m, and he doesn’t seem to mind it soft , even though I think the Semipalatinsk side, with Telitina, (the damline influence) stops him a little. That’s where he hovered halfway up the straight. He seemed to mark time a bit for a while there. Yeah, he’s a bit of a track specialist. Most of his city wins, I think all of his city wins, have been here at Eagle Farm. It takes a good horse to win six at Eagle Farm and I think he has sailed past $400 000 in stakes now.”
Jockey Ric McMahon (who completed a double on the day): “He is a lovely horse. Does everything right. Jumps good. Travelled well. Then, they steadied. From the 600m he just grabbed the bit and he towed me into it, you know. I pretty much didn’t have to do anything. He pretty much did it for me. He just travelled so well and then I let him down. Because they went so slow up till then, they sprinted pretty good. I was always going to get there, it just took a little bit longer than I thought. He half laboured for a little bit there, he changed strides, but then the over the last 100m he knuckled down again and he hit the line good.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Sneaky Long (R. Wiggins) jumped away awkwardly and shifted in making contact with Watchyerback (C. Reith). Sommersea Drive (K. Pope) had a tendency to lay out throughout the event. When questioned regarding the seemingly disappointing performance of Crosswise, jockey J. Bowditch stated that the horse travelled only fairly in the early and middle stages and when asked for an effort to improve near the 700m was under pressure and did not finish the race off as expected. A post-race veterinary examination of Crosswise failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 8:
4yo and up Class 6 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Yass River; 2nd - Dawn's Pride; 3rd - Manic Monday
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Shane Scriven: “Yeah, mate. There was a few of them coming. I struggled to get to the leader. No sooner got to the leader and John’s other old horse (Red Sphere – which is also trained by John Morrisey) put up a hell of a fight. My bloke really had to dig deep, but to his credit he did and he got there in the end. It was a good tough win.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Dartbolt (R. Wiggins) jumped awkwardly and missed the start. Near the 1200m Dartbolt improved on to the heels of Bann Ruby (J. Bowditch) and had to be steadied. The Club's veterinary surgeon reported that Dawn’s Pride was found to be suffering heat stress following the event.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
Horses swabbed pre-race:
Western Warrior, Hearty Laughter, Phebetay, Kings Artist, Ostras, Cajun Moon, Dartbolt, Bann Ruby, Red Sphere, Honour Happy List, Tariki, Onalar.
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners, 2nd placegetters in Races 1, 3, 4 and 8, and Bazzooka.
Race 1:
QTIS 2yo Handicap - 1000m
1st - Bob And Dolly; 2nd - Neeson; 3rd - Easy Knight
Co-trainer Jason McLachlan: “We thought it was an enormous run last time (on debut). He just got a bit lost first start in a race. He has just gone ahead in leaps and bounds. We were just desperate to try to find a 1200m race for him, but we couldn’t. The wet track’s brought them back to him and he finished hard. He is a very strong horse. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is a very nice horse further down the track.”
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson: “From the jump the horse was on one rein and it was hanging out the whole way. He hang out badly in the straight. Over the final hundred metres, it was just sort of do or die, so I just let him do his own thing. I went for him and he was too strong. He is a real nice horse. It was only his second start and he is obviously still learning. I don’t know why he was hanging like that, but we’ll work him out. He handled the going alright. At the top of the straight, just before the straight, there was a patch he hit where he scrambled a bit, but he got through that. Other than that he went through it pretty good.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Bob And Dolly (E. Wilkinson) blundered on jumping away. Neeson (P. Wolfgram) shifted in and made contact with Easy Knight (B. Evans) on jumping away. Bob And Dolly shifted out under pressure over the concluding stages. The Club's veterinary surgeon reported that Perfect Option (C. Spry) sustained a small laceration to the front of the off-hind coronet.
Race 2:
Class 6 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Tisani Boy; 2nd - Admiral Gherkin; 3rd - Sir Monashee
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Lindsay Hatch: “He’s is a lovely horse. He proved he’s got a touch of class. It was a super win. I think he’s got a great future. He is going to win a big race for sure. He’s probably not even suited over 1000m. He probably wants a lot further, you know. He is a 1200m ... 1400m horse. I think he is a serious horse. He didn’t seem to handle the going today yet still produced the win. He has got his problems. He got bruised heels – bad feet. We just ice them. Brett (Evans) does a lot of work on him, icing him and so forth. ”
Hatch will be leaving Toowoomba on March 1 and moving to Wadham Park, a 200 acre facility which is located in the Gold Coast hinterland on the outskirts of Canungra.
Hatch: “It’s just a great opportunity to get a better class of horse and a better owner. A lot of owners ring up and say they are interested in getting horses to train and they won’t have them trained in Toowoomba for one reason or other. The move has been in the mix for six to eight months and I just think it is a great opportunity.”
Apprentice jockey Brent Evans: “Oh mate, I don’t think he knew what he was doing early. The first fifty yards he had no idea in the heavy going. I just kept a hold of his head and rode him and kept him as close as I could while keeping him happy enough back there. Then when I asked him to go he responded well and did a good job. I do know the horse well. I work with him all the time and do his feet every morning.”
Brent Evans is apprenticed to the Lindsay Hatch stable. He transferred there from Brett Kavanagh and he has enjoyed eye-catching success since arriving in Toowoomba where he currently has a clear-cut lead in the Toowoomba Jockey’s Premiership.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
No incidents.
Race 3:
1MW Handicap - 1800m
1st - Malela; 2nd - Kings Artist; 3rd - Ostras
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kevin Kemp: “It’s the fourth Saturday in a row that we’ve had a winner in Brisbane. That is just unbelievable. I hope I’ve got something in the stable I can bring down here next week. Just when you’re hot, you got to try to stay hot. This one will also be going to Sydney (with Dance Girl Dance). I didn’t want to say she was definitely going before the race, because when you say they’re definitely going, they run last. I hope Ric (McMahon) will ride them. We’ll ask him.”
Jockey Ric McMahon: “I was sort of happy to drop off the speed at one stage. Look, the leader Ostras, it runs along, but it hasn’t been racing real well so I knew it would come back to me. So I let him go. I knew I had a lot of horse under me. I was pretty lucky actually because the two in front of me, they chased it a little bit. When they chased from the half mile it was too hot for me, I just travelled up and I got her on the bit, you know. As soon as I asked her to just get a little bit closer she kept up picking up good. The way she made up ground so quickly was bit of a combination of her improving and the others stopping. I was never worried about moving up inside horses at the top of the straight. I was still four or five off the fence. I never moved ... I never hit her until inside the furlong, because I knew I pretty much had it. She handled the going well. Yeah, I probably will go to Sydney with Kevin’s two horses.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Malela (R. McMahon) and Riseupsinging (E. Wilkinson) made contact on jumping away.
Race 4:
3yo Handicap - 1400m
1st - High Roll'n Woman; 2nd - Phebetay; 3rd - Star Of Ombra
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “They asked if I could put her in just behind the pace ... sort of sit third or fourth. I ended up sitting fifth or sixth. I got back more than I wanted. That was because they went quite hard in front and also because of the heavy going. My horse didn’t quite handle it. Yet she still managed to win through having a bit of heart, you know. I saved her all up until the furlong and then asked her to go and she toughed it out real good.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer R. Heathcote was fined $100 under LR. 70 for failing to declare R. Stewart as the rider of Star Of Ombre by the prescribed time. Stewards accepted the explanation of trainer K. Schweida for the late declaration of B. El-Issa as the rider of Upgrading. Universal Brave (C. Reith) was slow to begin. Castiglione Kid (R. Wiggins) jumped out at the start making contact with Zsazsa (D. Craven). Universal Brave and Kbenrenrun (L. Cassidy) over-raced in the early stages. Near the 800m Castliglione Kid and Universal Brave made contact. Universal Brave and Castiglione Kid raced wide for the majority of the event. Approaching the 400m Zsazsa shifted out in an endeavour to obtain clear running and in doing so made contact with Universal Brave on several occasions. Professor (A. Pattillo) was inclined to lay in when placed under pressure in the home straight. A post-race veterinary examination of Kbenrenrun revealed a laceration inside the cheek on the off side.
Race 5:
Open Handicap - 1600m
1st - Sam's Express; 2nd - Rebounded; 3rd - Onalar
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Michael Nolan: “He’s just been unlucky this horse. He always gets cluttered up. You have a look at his form. His first run up he was wide (from an eleven draw). Next run at Doomben he never got out and then his last run he never got out. He is a real honest horse, but things just haven’t gone his way. The extra ground did help, because the mile (which he got here) and further is his best distance.”
Apprentice jockey Brent Evans (who completed a double on the day): “It was a great battle actually. I just bounced him out of the gates and I was always going to sit second to Rebounded. I got a nice run there. Rebounded was just pulling a bit during the race. I just got a beautiful run. He relaxed. Shifted up a bit closer at the 600m. Then I just waited, waited, waited until well in the straight. I made my move and we went up there and headed him (Rebounded). My horse fought well. He dug deep. I’ve never rode a city winner before. Today’s my first – and now it’s a double.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Onalar (S. Scriven) was slow to begin. Tariki (P. Gesler) raced wide for the majority of the event. Rebounded (Michael Palmer) and Sam’s Express (B. Evans) bumped at the 100m. When questioned regarding the seemingly disappointing performance of Pentacity, jockey J. Taylor stated that he felt the mare travelled well during running, however when placed under pressure failed to stretch out and in his opinion failed to handle the prevailing track conditions. J. Taylor added that although the mare had won on a rain-affected track it was only against maiden company on that occasion. The explanation was noted.
Race 6:
1MW Handicap - 1200m
1st - Abbacina; 2nd - Sir Teles; 3rd - Bazzooka
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Larry Cassidy (who is carrying a hand injury): “I really am suffering. It’s way more sore than the other day. The swelling has come down, but it’s still incredibly painful. I was very happy because I brought the swelling right down. Even though I thought it would be sore, I didn’t think it would anywhere as sore as it is. I had a scan and the ligaments are intact. They are not pulled away from the bone. So they are intact, but there is an incredible amount of fluid around the joint. So the ligaments aren’t torn, but they said I’ll need two weeks for the injury to heal. I don’t know what I’m going to do yet. I’ve got very good rides Wednesday. I could probably ride a treble on Wednesday. I’ll just have to see how I pull up after this.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Base Dancer (E. Wilkinson) over-raced in the early stages and when being restrained near the 800m got its head up and raced ungenerously. J. Atkins, the trainer of Bazzooka, which bled from both nostrils during the event, was advised that the horse would be barred from racing for a period of three months under the provisions of AR. 53A. A swab sample was taken from Bazzooka.
Race 7:
Quality Handicap - 1200m
1st - Vocalic; 2nd - Momentously; 3rd - Sommersea Drive
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ron Maund: “He likes the Eagle Farm 1200m, and he doesn’t seem to mind it soft , even though I think the Semipalatinsk side, with Telitina, (the damline influence) stops him a little. That’s where he hovered halfway up the straight. He seemed to mark time a bit for a while there. Yeah, he’s a bit of a track specialist. Most of his city wins, I think all of his city wins, have been here at Eagle Farm. It takes a good horse to win six at Eagle Farm and I think he has sailed past $400 000 in stakes now.”
Jockey Ric McMahon (who completed a double on the day): “He is a lovely horse. Does everything right. Jumps good. Travelled well. Then, they steadied. From the 600m he just grabbed the bit and he towed me into it, you know. I pretty much didn’t have to do anything. He pretty much did it for me. He just travelled so well and then I let him down. Because they went so slow up till then, they sprinted pretty good. I was always going to get there, it just took a little bit longer than I thought. He half laboured for a little bit there, he changed strides, but then the over the last 100m he knuckled down again and he hit the line good.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Sneaky Long (R. Wiggins) jumped away awkwardly and shifted in making contact with Watchyerback (C. Reith). Sommersea Drive (K. Pope) had a tendency to lay out throughout the event. When questioned regarding the seemingly disappointing performance of Crosswise, jockey J. Bowditch stated that the horse travelled only fairly in the early and middle stages and when asked for an effort to improve near the 700m was under pressure and did not finish the race off as expected. A post-race veterinary examination of Crosswise failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 8:
4yo and up Class 6 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Yass River; 2nd - Dawn's Pride; 3rd - Manic Monday
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Shane Scriven: “Yeah, mate. There was a few of them coming. I struggled to get to the leader. No sooner got to the leader and John’s other old horse (Red Sphere – which is also trained by John Morrisey) put up a hell of a fight. My bloke really had to dig deep, but to his credit he did and he got there in the end. It was a good tough win.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Dartbolt (R. Wiggins) jumped awkwardly and missed the start. Near the 1200m Dartbolt improved on to the heels of Bann Ruby (J. Bowditch) and had to be steadied. The Club's veterinary surgeon reported that Dawn’s Pride was found to be suffering heat stress following the event.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
Horses swabbed pre-race:
Western Warrior, Hearty Laughter, Phebetay, Kings Artist, Ostras, Cajun Moon, Dartbolt, Bann Ruby, Red Sphere, Honour Happy List, Tariki, Onalar.
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners, 2nd placegetters in Races 1, 3, 4 and 8, and Bazzooka.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
IPSWICH REVIEW (THURS, FEB 12)
A review of the meeting held at Ipswich on Thursday, February 12.
Race 1:
Maiden Plate - 2200m
1st - Brilliant Ween; 2nd - Way North; 3rd - Montaperti
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Paul Facoory: “Yeah, I was very happy when he opened up a big lead. He’s a one-pacer and the boy (apprentice jockey Owen Turpin) took the initiative and that’s what you got to do. I really believe he needs another prep. He is not fully mature mentally, but it is very satisfying to get the win on the board before he goes for a break.”
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “The trainer said to me the horse will jump good. He said the horse might pull a bit, but that he would keep going. He doesn’t have a sprint, but he would just keep going. He was hard on the bit you know, and I just didn’t want to hold him any slower. I just rated him to the way I felt he was. He just kept on rolling as the trainer said he would. Initially he asked me roll at the 800m, but when I took a look and saw I was five in front, I decided to wait until the 600m instead of the 800m – and he actually did give when I asked him. I didn’t expect him to give. He probably could have won by more because he never stopped in the straight and I only gave him three soft ones.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Brilliant Ween): 2.10 out to 2.40.
Favourite (Montaperdi): 2.30 steady. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Battle Of Kapyong (M. Hellyer) was slow to begin. Cinquacasino (S. Galloway) and Bronze Tinka (R. Goltz) were both tightened for room at the start between Brilliant Ween (O. Turpin), which shifted out, and Craiglea Jason (R. McMahon), which shifted in. Bronze Tinka clipped heels and blundered in this incident. Montaperti (B. Pengelly) raced wide during the early stages. Near the 1400m, Way North (B. Evans) shifted out, causing Montaperti to be steadied. Cinquacasino, which was following, was forced to steady from that gelding's heels.
When questioned regarding the riding tactics adopted on Way North, particularly between the 1500m and 1100m, B. Evans stated that as the rail position today was the same as the last Ipswich meeting, he was of the opinion that racing in a one-off position today would more of an advantage than being positioned on the fence where the going appeared to be more cut up. He further stated that near the 1100m he was forced to shift to the rail when Craiglea Jason improved to his outside.
Race 2:
QTIS 3yo Class 2 Handicap - 800m
1st - Kick Off; 2nd - Tinkling; 3rd - Arctic Echo
Jockey Kirsty Banks: “It was basically a dog-fight between the two of us from the start. I thought I had the other one covered when I got to the front and he was travelling well. I gave him a slap up just coming around the bend and he found and just kept finding and held his advantage all the way.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Kick Off): 13.00 out to 15.00.
Favourite (Tinkling): 3.50 in to 3.00.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Lethal Intent (B. El-Issa), which was slow to begin, was further hampered when tightened for room between Kick Off (K. Banks), which shifted out, and Silverlinity (M. Speers), which was taken in by Carry The Bat (M. Hellyer), which jumped away awkwardly. Golden Flute (D. Mo) was slow to begin. Silverlinity (M. Speers), which was inclined to hang out, and Arctic Echo both raced wide throughout. Kickitbacklow (C. Whiteley) was inclined to hang out rounding the home turn. Passing the 350m, and again near the 300m, Golden Flute (D. Mo) improved on to the heels of KICKITBACKLOW and had to be steadied.
Race 3:
CG&E Maiden Handicap - 1025m
1st - Cotto; 2nd - Bundarra; 3rd - Royal Page Boy
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Wayne Lawson: “He’s always shown he is an above average horse. In his first start (at the Sunshine Coast) he got back and got into trouble after being a bit slow out. Just green, you know. Needed more education. He’s overcome all obstacles and now just needs more experience to allow him to develop. He got involved in that whole EI thing, and, attitude-wise, he used to be a headache. He had a reputation and his attitude was always a problem. He’s good now. There is a girl called Kathy Tizzard. She had him for a long time and she got him straightened out. She did a really good job. Then it was all about having a bit of patience.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Cotto): 15.00 out to 17.00.
Favourite (Bundarra): 2.50 out to2.60. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 900m, Gimme (C. Reith) was tightened for room and had to be steadied when racing between Basaltic Banne (B. El-Issa) and Bundarra (M. Radecker), which shifted in. M. Radecker, rider of Bundarra, was reprimanded for this incident. Near the 850m, Whitey (J. Taylor) was tightened for room and had to be checked when racing between Sequential Point (B. Pengelly) and Basaltic Banne (B. El-Issa), which shifted in and away from Bundarra, which shifted in. Jockey B. El-Issa, rider of Basaltic Banne, was given the benefit of the doubt as to whether he was fully responsible for this incident.
M. Radecker, rider of Bundarra, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 800m she allowed her mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Basaltic Banne causing that horse to be taken in on to the rightful running of Sequential Point (B. Pengelly), which resulted in Sequential Point and Fransisco Kid (S. Galloway) being tightened for room and causing Sequential Point to be checked. M. Radecker was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 12 February and to expire at midnight, 22 February 2009.
Leaving the 600m, Basaltic Banne (B. El-Issa) improved on to the heels of Bundarra (M. Radecker) and had to be steadied. Cotto (M. Hughes), Slender Option (A. Pattillo) and Gimme (C. Reith) raced wide throughout. A post race veterinary examination of Whitey failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 4:
F&M Maiden Handicap - 1025m
1st - Don't Touch The Hat; 2nd - My Cara Mia; 3rd - Esencia
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bob Sutton: “She didn’t handle the wet at all in his last start (when on debut). It was a bit disappointing the way she went. She’s always showed me a bit of ability. I’ve had a bit of a job to get her going. In the trials we had to put barrier blankets on because she used to go off in the barriers. She won today because of the better going and because she had a good alley.”
Jockey Donald Barron: “She had just a beautiful run. I was debating early whether to get on the outside of Michael Palmer (aboard My Cara Mia), but it was starting to hang, so I’d thought I’d get the run there anyway. So it worked out beautiful. I didn’t ride her last time when she didn’t handle the going. I actually won that race, but I thought she would be a good ride this time.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Don’t Touch The Hat): 10.00 out to 13.00.
Favourite (Esencia): 1.90 out to 2.60. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Lijudaro (B. El-Issa) was slow to begin. Esencia (M. Hellyer) was inclined to lay out under pressure in the straight, resulting in M. Hellyer being obliged to stop riding and straighten his mount. Zero Suspicion (C. Spry) was inclined to hang out rounding the home turn. Grand Felony (S. Richardson) raced wide for the majority of the event.
When questioned regarding the seemingly improved performance of Don’t Touch The Hat, trainer B. Sutton stated that at the horse's first start, the mare failed to handle the heavy track conditions and that he was not surprised by the mare's forward showing today. The explanation was noted.
Race 5:
3yo & Up Maiden Plate - 1350m
1st - Make Mine Cash; 2nd - Ellen Rosina; 3rd - Robson
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Rex Lipp: “There is no doubt about it, the horse has been looking for more ground in recent starts. He’s been looking for 1350m. He’s just taken a couple of runs to come right before we could step him up. He is limited in what he can achieve because of the size of him. He is only a pony, but the one thing about him is he gives one hundred and ten percent effort. When they are small you have to keep them out of trouble, so that they don’t get knocked around and let them run their own race, and that’s what happened today.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Make Mine Cash): 2.30 out to 2.40.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer C. Halliday was fined $100 for failing to present the registration papers for Ellen Rosina. Ellen Rosina will be barred from racing until the registration papers are in order for the mare. La Majeur (D. Green), Metchnikoff (S. Bogenhuber) were slow to begin. Tickle Me Quick (J. Wood) was tightened for room on jumping away between Auanne (W. Clasohm) and Affidavit (M. Hellyer), both of which shifted ground. Near the 900m, Make Mine Cash (B. Evans) and Affidavit (M. Hellyer) were both momentarily tightened for room to the inside of Viscount Express (T. Pannell), which shifted in. La Majeur (D. Green) raced wide from the 600m onwards. Approaching the 100m, Auanne (W. Clasohm) was disappointed for a run between Raise The Sound (M. Speers) and Ellen Rosina (E. Kohoe), which shifted out. Auanne was then held up until the concluding stages. Apprentice E. Kehoe, rider of Ellen Rosina, was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Robson (K. Banks) and Metchnikoff (S. Bogenhuber) raced wide throughout. A post race veterinary examination of Oughtarule, which compounded quickly from the 500m, failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. Trainer J. Robinson was advised that the mare would be barred from TAB meetings until the mare establishes form in country areas.
Race 6:
F&M Class 2 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Taj Paru; 2nd - Lady Hemingway; 3rd - Crimson Fire
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Allan Ross: “Yeah, she won her Maiden here at 1350m. The 1400m pulls her up. She wouldn’t want to go much more than 1400m. That’s the first time she has backed up. She never, ever races real good at Toowoomba (where she is based and where she raced at her previous start). She’ll run a good, honest fourth or something like that. She seems to come out of the ground at these places. That’s her. She likes this track and she likes the Gold Coast, you know. She ran a good fourth at Eagle Farm one day, so, she likes the bigger tracks I’d say, being a big mare too. I thought it was a well-deserved win. We thought the 1350m would be her go that’s why we backed her up from Saturday. So it all worked out.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Taj Paru): 4.40 out to 5.00.
Favourite: (Gazilliuon): 2.20 out to 2.40. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Prior to the race, trainer B. Robinson advised stewards that it was his intention to have Tell The Forest ridden in a more forward position today. Crimson Flyer (R. Goltz) and Pride’N’Prejudice (Michael Palmer) were slow to begin. Gazillion (S. Drake) shifted in at the start, making contact with Lady Hemingway (M. Hellyer). Near the 900m, Lady Hemingway over-raced on the heels of Gazillion. Lady Hemingway and Gazillion was held up for clear running rounding the home turn. Gazillion was inclined to hang out under pressure in the straight. Dance Tulip (J. Pujolas) raced wide throughout.
Race 7:
CG&E Class 2 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Stresso; 2nd - Kinsmate; 3rd - Oceans Twenty
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Heathcote: “I spoke to Chris (Reith) yesterday and I said to him there are a couple of rides lately that you’ve given me that were less than the best you can give me. I said I’m not saying it to you to be critical. I’m saying it because I want to help you become be a better rider. I said to him, for today’s run, you’ve drawn barrier one, you’ve got the best horse in the race – just commit. When you are happy to make a decision, go hard at it. Don’t be wishy-washy. His ride today was great. He went out there. He was patient. He drifted back. He didn’t panic. He took the split. He went hard. He put the issue beyond doubt.
“This is where I think so many of them get it wrong. The difference between Colless, Cassidy, Michael Cahill, Stathi Katsidis, Jim Byrne - when he is on song – they make decisions early and because of that they seem to have more time than other riders. Reith can ride, no doubt about that but I believe you’ve got to adopt the same principle that I think applies to everything in life. Make a decision and commit to it. Hey, if you are wrong you are wrong. People think I’m a jockey-knocker ... well I am ... but I mean it as constructive criticism and a means to get a better result.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Stresso): 2.10 out to 2.50.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Bloodhound (B. El-Issa) was slow to begin. Leaving the 1100m, Bloodhound (B. El-Issa) commenced to over-race and was forced to check from the heels of Media Fund (S. Galloway). Near the 1000m, Two And A Kick commenced to over-race on the heels of Oceans Twenty (M. Palmer) and as a result shifted out, tightening Media Fund (S. Galloway) on to the hind quarters of Funk Soul Brother (M. Speers). Passing the 900m, Two And A Kick (T. Pannell) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Media Fund (S. Galloway), which shifted in and away from Funk Soul Brother (M. Speers), which shifted in. Near the 500m, Stresso (C. Reith) had to be steadied from the heels of Wynnum High (J. Wood), which commenced to yield ground. Stresso was then held up on the heels of the tiring Wynnum High until near the 300m. Passing the 200m, Two And A Kick (T. Pannell) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Kinsmate (J. Warrington), which shifted out. Wynnum High had a tendency to lay in throughout the event. A post race veterinary examination of Two And a Kick failed to reveal any abnormalities. The gelding also lost its near-hind plate in running. Wynnum High was found to have bled from both nostrils during the event. Trainer P. Hulbert was advised that the gelding would be barred from racing for a period of 3 months.
Race 8:
Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Lasrado; 2nd - Mister Maverick; 3rd - Lass Ee
Trainer Doug Johnson: “He’s usually draws the outside alley almost every time. mate. Out of twenty-nine starts he must have drawn the outside probably twenty times. With the good draw this time I said to the jockey, go forward as if you are going to lead and if you lead, you lead. If something takes you on real hard then you can rather take a sit. But he can lead well. He’ll go to Brisbane now on Saturday week if he gets a start.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Lasrado): 8.00 out to 10.00.
Favourite (Runaway Fund): 3.50 out to 3.80. Finished sixth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Jamaican Magique (A. Pattillo), which was slow to begin, was hampered shortly after the start when Waterford Springs (A. Taylor) shifted in. Lady Lesia (K. Banks) jumped away awkwardly, making contact with Mister Maverick (K. Yoshida). Lady Lesia was forced to race wide whilst being ridden forward during the early stages. Lady Lesia continued to race wide for the remainder of the race. Near the 300m, Lass Ee (J. Wood) improved on to the heels of the tiring Lady Lesia (K. Banks) and had to be checked and shifted out, resulting in Waterford Springs (A. Taylor) being hampered.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
Horses swabbed:
All winners, Montaperti, Bundarra, Esencia, Wynnum High, Mister Maverick.
Race 1:
Maiden Plate - 2200m
1st - Brilliant Ween; 2nd - Way North; 3rd - Montaperti
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Paul Facoory: “Yeah, I was very happy when he opened up a big lead. He’s a one-pacer and the boy (apprentice jockey Owen Turpin) took the initiative and that’s what you got to do. I really believe he needs another prep. He is not fully mature mentally, but it is very satisfying to get the win on the board before he goes for a break.”
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “The trainer said to me the horse will jump good. He said the horse might pull a bit, but that he would keep going. He doesn’t have a sprint, but he would just keep going. He was hard on the bit you know, and I just didn’t want to hold him any slower. I just rated him to the way I felt he was. He just kept on rolling as the trainer said he would. Initially he asked me roll at the 800m, but when I took a look and saw I was five in front, I decided to wait until the 600m instead of the 800m – and he actually did give when I asked him. I didn’t expect him to give. He probably could have won by more because he never stopped in the straight and I only gave him three soft ones.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Brilliant Ween): 2.10 out to 2.40.
Favourite (Montaperdi): 2.30 steady. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Battle Of Kapyong (M. Hellyer) was slow to begin. Cinquacasino (S. Galloway) and Bronze Tinka (R. Goltz) were both tightened for room at the start between Brilliant Ween (O. Turpin), which shifted out, and Craiglea Jason (R. McMahon), which shifted in. Bronze Tinka clipped heels and blundered in this incident. Montaperti (B. Pengelly) raced wide during the early stages. Near the 1400m, Way North (B. Evans) shifted out, causing Montaperti to be steadied. Cinquacasino, which was following, was forced to steady from that gelding's heels.
When questioned regarding the riding tactics adopted on Way North, particularly between the 1500m and 1100m, B. Evans stated that as the rail position today was the same as the last Ipswich meeting, he was of the opinion that racing in a one-off position today would more of an advantage than being positioned on the fence where the going appeared to be more cut up. He further stated that near the 1100m he was forced to shift to the rail when Craiglea Jason improved to his outside.
Race 2:
QTIS 3yo Class 2 Handicap - 800m
1st - Kick Off; 2nd - Tinkling; 3rd - Arctic Echo
Jockey Kirsty Banks: “It was basically a dog-fight between the two of us from the start. I thought I had the other one covered when I got to the front and he was travelling well. I gave him a slap up just coming around the bend and he found and just kept finding and held his advantage all the way.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Kick Off): 13.00 out to 15.00.
Favourite (Tinkling): 3.50 in to 3.00.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Lethal Intent (B. El-Issa), which was slow to begin, was further hampered when tightened for room between Kick Off (K. Banks), which shifted out, and Silverlinity (M. Speers), which was taken in by Carry The Bat (M. Hellyer), which jumped away awkwardly. Golden Flute (D. Mo) was slow to begin. Silverlinity (M. Speers), which was inclined to hang out, and Arctic Echo both raced wide throughout. Kickitbacklow (C. Whiteley) was inclined to hang out rounding the home turn. Passing the 350m, and again near the 300m, Golden Flute (D. Mo) improved on to the heels of KICKITBACKLOW and had to be steadied.
Race 3:
CG&E Maiden Handicap - 1025m
1st - Cotto; 2nd - Bundarra; 3rd - Royal Page Boy
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Wayne Lawson: “He’s always shown he is an above average horse. In his first start (at the Sunshine Coast) he got back and got into trouble after being a bit slow out. Just green, you know. Needed more education. He’s overcome all obstacles and now just needs more experience to allow him to develop. He got involved in that whole EI thing, and, attitude-wise, he used to be a headache. He had a reputation and his attitude was always a problem. He’s good now. There is a girl called Kathy Tizzard. She had him for a long time and she got him straightened out. She did a really good job. Then it was all about having a bit of patience.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Cotto): 15.00 out to 17.00.
Favourite (Bundarra): 2.50 out to2.60. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 900m, Gimme (C. Reith) was tightened for room and had to be steadied when racing between Basaltic Banne (B. El-Issa) and Bundarra (M. Radecker), which shifted in. M. Radecker, rider of Bundarra, was reprimanded for this incident. Near the 850m, Whitey (J. Taylor) was tightened for room and had to be checked when racing between Sequential Point (B. Pengelly) and Basaltic Banne (B. El-Issa), which shifted in and away from Bundarra, which shifted in. Jockey B. El-Issa, rider of Basaltic Banne, was given the benefit of the doubt as to whether he was fully responsible for this incident.
M. Radecker, rider of Bundarra, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 800m she allowed her mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Basaltic Banne causing that horse to be taken in on to the rightful running of Sequential Point (B. Pengelly), which resulted in Sequential Point and Fransisco Kid (S. Galloway) being tightened for room and causing Sequential Point to be checked. M. Radecker was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 12 February and to expire at midnight, 22 February 2009.
Leaving the 600m, Basaltic Banne (B. El-Issa) improved on to the heels of Bundarra (M. Radecker) and had to be steadied. Cotto (M. Hughes), Slender Option (A. Pattillo) and Gimme (C. Reith) raced wide throughout. A post race veterinary examination of Whitey failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 4:
F&M Maiden Handicap - 1025m
1st - Don't Touch The Hat; 2nd - My Cara Mia; 3rd - Esencia
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bob Sutton: “She didn’t handle the wet at all in his last start (when on debut). It was a bit disappointing the way she went. She’s always showed me a bit of ability. I’ve had a bit of a job to get her going. In the trials we had to put barrier blankets on because she used to go off in the barriers. She won today because of the better going and because she had a good alley.”
Jockey Donald Barron: “She had just a beautiful run. I was debating early whether to get on the outside of Michael Palmer (aboard My Cara Mia), but it was starting to hang, so I’d thought I’d get the run there anyway. So it worked out beautiful. I didn’t ride her last time when she didn’t handle the going. I actually won that race, but I thought she would be a good ride this time.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Don’t Touch The Hat): 10.00 out to 13.00.
Favourite (Esencia): 1.90 out to 2.60. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Lijudaro (B. El-Issa) was slow to begin. Esencia (M. Hellyer) was inclined to lay out under pressure in the straight, resulting in M. Hellyer being obliged to stop riding and straighten his mount. Zero Suspicion (C. Spry) was inclined to hang out rounding the home turn. Grand Felony (S. Richardson) raced wide for the majority of the event.
When questioned regarding the seemingly improved performance of Don’t Touch The Hat, trainer B. Sutton stated that at the horse's first start, the mare failed to handle the heavy track conditions and that he was not surprised by the mare's forward showing today. The explanation was noted.
Race 5:
3yo & Up Maiden Plate - 1350m
1st - Make Mine Cash; 2nd - Ellen Rosina; 3rd - Robson
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Rex Lipp: “There is no doubt about it, the horse has been looking for more ground in recent starts. He’s been looking for 1350m. He’s just taken a couple of runs to come right before we could step him up. He is limited in what he can achieve because of the size of him. He is only a pony, but the one thing about him is he gives one hundred and ten percent effort. When they are small you have to keep them out of trouble, so that they don’t get knocked around and let them run their own race, and that’s what happened today.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Make Mine Cash): 2.30 out to 2.40.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer C. Halliday was fined $100 for failing to present the registration papers for Ellen Rosina. Ellen Rosina will be barred from racing until the registration papers are in order for the mare. La Majeur (D. Green), Metchnikoff (S. Bogenhuber) were slow to begin. Tickle Me Quick (J. Wood) was tightened for room on jumping away between Auanne (W. Clasohm) and Affidavit (M. Hellyer), both of which shifted ground. Near the 900m, Make Mine Cash (B. Evans) and Affidavit (M. Hellyer) were both momentarily tightened for room to the inside of Viscount Express (T. Pannell), which shifted in. La Majeur (D. Green) raced wide from the 600m onwards. Approaching the 100m, Auanne (W. Clasohm) was disappointed for a run between Raise The Sound (M. Speers) and Ellen Rosina (E. Kohoe), which shifted out. Auanne was then held up until the concluding stages. Apprentice E. Kehoe, rider of Ellen Rosina, was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Robson (K. Banks) and Metchnikoff (S. Bogenhuber) raced wide throughout. A post race veterinary examination of Oughtarule, which compounded quickly from the 500m, failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. Trainer J. Robinson was advised that the mare would be barred from TAB meetings until the mare establishes form in country areas.
Race 6:
F&M Class 2 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Taj Paru; 2nd - Lady Hemingway; 3rd - Crimson Fire
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Allan Ross: “Yeah, she won her Maiden here at 1350m. The 1400m pulls her up. She wouldn’t want to go much more than 1400m. That’s the first time she has backed up. She never, ever races real good at Toowoomba (where she is based and where she raced at her previous start). She’ll run a good, honest fourth or something like that. She seems to come out of the ground at these places. That’s her. She likes this track and she likes the Gold Coast, you know. She ran a good fourth at Eagle Farm one day, so, she likes the bigger tracks I’d say, being a big mare too. I thought it was a well-deserved win. We thought the 1350m would be her go that’s why we backed her up from Saturday. So it all worked out.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Taj Paru): 4.40 out to 5.00.
Favourite: (Gazilliuon): 2.20 out to 2.40. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Prior to the race, trainer B. Robinson advised stewards that it was his intention to have Tell The Forest ridden in a more forward position today. Crimson Flyer (R. Goltz) and Pride’N’Prejudice (Michael Palmer) were slow to begin. Gazillion (S. Drake) shifted in at the start, making contact with Lady Hemingway (M. Hellyer). Near the 900m, Lady Hemingway over-raced on the heels of Gazillion. Lady Hemingway and Gazillion was held up for clear running rounding the home turn. Gazillion was inclined to hang out under pressure in the straight. Dance Tulip (J. Pujolas) raced wide throughout.
Race 7:
CG&E Class 2 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Stresso; 2nd - Kinsmate; 3rd - Oceans Twenty
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Heathcote: “I spoke to Chris (Reith) yesterday and I said to him there are a couple of rides lately that you’ve given me that were less than the best you can give me. I said I’m not saying it to you to be critical. I’m saying it because I want to help you become be a better rider. I said to him, for today’s run, you’ve drawn barrier one, you’ve got the best horse in the race – just commit. When you are happy to make a decision, go hard at it. Don’t be wishy-washy. His ride today was great. He went out there. He was patient. He drifted back. He didn’t panic. He took the split. He went hard. He put the issue beyond doubt.
“This is where I think so many of them get it wrong. The difference between Colless, Cassidy, Michael Cahill, Stathi Katsidis, Jim Byrne - when he is on song – they make decisions early and because of that they seem to have more time than other riders. Reith can ride, no doubt about that but I believe you’ve got to adopt the same principle that I think applies to everything in life. Make a decision and commit to it. Hey, if you are wrong you are wrong. People think I’m a jockey-knocker ... well I am ... but I mean it as constructive criticism and a means to get a better result.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Stresso): 2.10 out to 2.50.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Bloodhound (B. El-Issa) was slow to begin. Leaving the 1100m, Bloodhound (B. El-Issa) commenced to over-race and was forced to check from the heels of Media Fund (S. Galloway). Near the 1000m, Two And A Kick commenced to over-race on the heels of Oceans Twenty (M. Palmer) and as a result shifted out, tightening Media Fund (S. Galloway) on to the hind quarters of Funk Soul Brother (M. Speers). Passing the 900m, Two And A Kick (T. Pannell) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Media Fund (S. Galloway), which shifted in and away from Funk Soul Brother (M. Speers), which shifted in. Near the 500m, Stresso (C. Reith) had to be steadied from the heels of Wynnum High (J. Wood), which commenced to yield ground. Stresso was then held up on the heels of the tiring Wynnum High until near the 300m. Passing the 200m, Two And A Kick (T. Pannell) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Kinsmate (J. Warrington), which shifted out. Wynnum High had a tendency to lay in throughout the event. A post race veterinary examination of Two And a Kick failed to reveal any abnormalities. The gelding also lost its near-hind plate in running. Wynnum High was found to have bled from both nostrils during the event. Trainer P. Hulbert was advised that the gelding would be barred from racing for a period of 3 months.
Race 8:
Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Lasrado; 2nd - Mister Maverick; 3rd - Lass Ee
Trainer Doug Johnson: “He’s usually draws the outside alley almost every time. mate. Out of twenty-nine starts he must have drawn the outside probably twenty times. With the good draw this time I said to the jockey, go forward as if you are going to lead and if you lead, you lead. If something takes you on real hard then you can rather take a sit. But he can lead well. He’ll go to Brisbane now on Saturday week if he gets a start.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Lasrado): 8.00 out to 10.00.
Favourite (Runaway Fund): 3.50 out to 3.80. Finished sixth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Jamaican Magique (A. Pattillo), which was slow to begin, was hampered shortly after the start when Waterford Springs (A. Taylor) shifted in. Lady Lesia (K. Banks) jumped away awkwardly, making contact with Mister Maverick (K. Yoshida). Lady Lesia was forced to race wide whilst being ridden forward during the early stages. Lady Lesia continued to race wide for the remainder of the race. Near the 300m, Lass Ee (J. Wood) improved on to the heels of the tiring Lady Lesia (K. Banks) and had to be checked and shifted out, resulting in Waterford Springs (A. Taylor) being hampered.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
Horses swabbed:
All winners, Montaperti, Bundarra, Esencia, Wynnum High, Mister Maverick.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
EAGLE FARM REVIEW (WED, FEB 11)
A review of the meeting held at Eagle Farm on Wednesday, February 11.
STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT EXTRACT:
From Ipswich Turf Club, 6.2.09
The connections of Dubbus advised that a post race veterinary examination of the horse revealed an injury to its off eye, which they believed was caused by being accidentally struck by the whip of another rider over the final 300m.
Race 1:
3yo F&M Handicap - 1200m
1st - Strong Spirit; 2nd - Lindo Falcao; 3rd - Tell'em It's Easy
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Peter Strong: “She ran fifth here the other day which was disappointing. Had the run of the race, pulled out, but didn’t get to the line well. So that’s why we changed our approach.”
Jockey Scott Galloway: “We changed the tactics and rode her back. She’s been up on the pace and just not finishing off, you know, this time in. So we tried it another way. She relaxed early and the speed was good. Then they slowed up and then got going again and that really suited her as she started rolling into it from the 500m. She just finished it off well from there.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Strong Spirit): 5.00 out to 7.00
Favourite (Persuadeandpossess): 1.80 out to 2.40. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Prior to the race, trainer P. Strong approached stewards and advised them that connections had been disappointed with the way Strong Spirit had finished off its races recently and advised that, due to the wide barrier, the instructions were to have the jockey ride the mare back in the field. An announcement to this effect was made over the on-course PA system. Persuadeandpossess (S. Scriven) was difficult to load and was fractious in the barriers. Paula’s Hope (A. Pattillo) was slow to begin. All Join Hands (N. Thomas) and No Fear Of Heights (A. Taylor) came together and bumped on jumping away. Jester’s Flute (D. Craven) over-raced in the early stages when racing wide. Approaching the 800m, Lindo Falcao (L. Cassidy) improved up on to the heels of Persuadeandpossess and had to be steadied. No Fear Of Heights hung out leaving the 600m, resulting in the horse becoming unbalanced for a short distance. Leaving the 300m, Lindo Falcao (L. Cassidy) shifted out to improve and doing so bumped Ignition Miss (M. Paget). Persuadeandpossess was inclined to lay out under pressure over the final 200m. Strong Spirit (S. Galloway) was inclined to lay in over the final 200m, which resulted in Lindo Falcao having to alter course across the heels of Strong Spirit near the 100m.
Race 2:
3yo C, G & E Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - Supreme Best; 2nd - American Gangster; 3rd - Catchment
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Wilson: “We didn’t have the horse for its first run. We’ve only had it for a couple of months now. He’s had tendon problems, so we’ve just been working him through them. We’ve just been poking along with him – nice and steady. We decided to put the blinkers on just to make him switch on.”
Jockey Jason Taylor: “Yeah, we got out nice. When the other one came up to him around the bend, I gave him a dig and he was just a bit new. Then in the straight I thought I’ve got to keep him going because if I back off on him, he is going to back off. He kept going strong across the line. The trainer did a good job there.”
Taylor was referring to the fact that Supreme Best was racing first-up following a seventeen month layoff. Somebody took their chances on the gelding, as indicated by the betting fluctuations.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Supreme Best): 6.00 in to 2.70.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Dapper was declared a late scratching at 11.10 am when the horse was found to be lame after it sustained an injury due to a plate shifting en route to the course. Connections were advised that they would be required to provide a veterinary clearance for Dapper prior to its next race start. The start of this race was delayed due to Costa Delight proving difficult to load. American Gangster (C. Reith) and Comeonwillie (B. El-Issa) was slow to begin. Leaving the 800m, Catchment (B. Stewart) improved up on to the heels of Costa Delight (T. Pannell) and had to be steadied. American Gangster over-raced in the early and middle stages of the event, which resulted in the horse racing wide from the 600m. Near the 600m, Comeonwillie shifted out to improve and in doing so forced Dubai Storm wider on the track. Comeonwillie was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the event.
Race 3:
3yo Maiden Plate - 1300m
1st - Nothin Leica Rapid; 2nd - No Hurry; 3rd - Flash Romeo
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bruce Hill: “It showed a lot early and then the last prep she was ordinary. It’s just been disappointing at different times and really good at other times. This prep she is starting to get things right. Still doing things wrong, but starting to get things right so that’s encouraging. She probably wants a bit further as well, you know.”
Jockey Terry Treichel: “In previous starts she’s always just got back a bit too far out of its ground. We just hoped to be in front of a couple from the jump. She got away ok and it was probably the best she’s ever travelled. Coming to the corner, the thing of McLachlan’s (Famous Cry) was the one I thought I had to beat, so I followed it out. It wasn’t going that well, so once I got a bit of room I moved out and we went past it pretty easy - and she kept finding the line good. Being on top of the track instead of in the mud, I think she went a lot better for it.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Nothin Leica Rapid): 10.00 steady.
Favourite (No Hurry): 2.50 out to 2.70 in to 2.60. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Gruff (A. Pattillo) and No Hurry (B. Pengelly) came together and brushed on jumping away. Famous Cry (E. Wilkinson), Incendio (L. Cassidy) and Biscay Rocker (Michael Palmer) were all tightened for room on jumping away between Flash Romeo (C. Reith) and Nothin Leica Rapid (T. Treichel), which shifted out. Near the 1000m, Famous Cry (E. Wilkinson) over-raced at the heels of No Hurry (B. Pengelly). Nothin Leica Rapid was held up for clear running rounding the home turn. Biscay Rocker (M. Palmer) tired badly over the final 300m, finishing a considerable distance from the remainder of the field. Trainer P. Balzen was instructed that he should restrict Biscay Rocker’s program to the provincial circuit until the horse's form shows significant improvement.
Race 4:
Class 4 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Falco Star; 2nd - Single Bound; 3rd - Jad
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “Early in his career he just showed that much ability, we thought we could just box seat on this. It just took us a long time to realise he is more of back-marker horse. He goes much better ridden off the speed. Chris (McIver) rides him exceptionally well. You’ve just got to relax him early. You do need a bit of luck because he gets back, but he does hit the line quite well.”
Apprentice jockey Chris McIvor: “They went a bit quick. It normally gets back a little bit. I just jumped out and took a sit on it. The whole way through the race he just got a nice run up the rail. We tracked up and at the last minute we just pulled out. It wasn’t that hard to do. He changed gears really quickly.”
Interestingly enough, the owners of the gelding have now enjoyed a run of five consecutive wins with trainer Liam Birchley. Three runners have contributed to this exceptional winning sequence. They are Falco Star (2 wins), Fear No Other (2 wins) and Irish Singa.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Falco Star): 2.90 out to 3.20.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Best Of Ceedee was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon prior to the race and cleared to run after the horse sustained minor injuries en route to the track. Apprentice B. Evans, rider of Brer Fox, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 700m he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Morcombe, resulting in apprentice Bogenhuber, rider of Morcombe, having to check the momentum of her horse. B. Evans was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 14 February, and to expire at midnight, 25 February 2009. Near the 50m, Single Bound (L. Cassidy) and Falco Star (C. McIver) came together and brushed. Brer Fox raced three wide for the majority of the event.
Race 5:
3yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 1500m
1st - Young Cried Wolf; 2nd - Blue Ego; 3rd - All Show
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Heathcote: “He was a little bit on notice this horse because we were a little bit worried about his ticker. But I said to John (owner John Fish), after his last run, I said I think we are riding him a bit too close to the speed. I said to young Chris (McIver), I said, look, don’t panic whatever you do ... just let the horse do what he wants to do. I think you see then, when you ride a horse upside-down the difference it can make. As trainers, we have to learn to know our horse and sometimes it takes a while to get there.”
Apprentice jockey Chris McIver (who completed the first Metropolitan double of his career): “It was very much like the previous winner. I just had to sit there and ... you’ve just got to be patient. Just sit, sit, until you really have to go for him. We were a little bit unlucky at the start. We got cut out a bit. But it all worked out for the best anyway. Sat midfield, settled beautiful for me and everything went my way. Then found another gear and won easy.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Young Cried Wolf): 3.30 out to 5.00 in to 4.80.
Favourite (Taimazon): 4.00 out to 4.60 in to 3.70. Finished ninth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Young Cried Wolf (C. McIver) was hampered when tightened for room on jumping away between Dance Request (J. Taylor) and Kindroon (A. Erhart), both of which began awkwardly and shifted ground. Blue Ego (E. Wilkinson), which was slow to begin, was crowded on jumping away between Trictaat (M. Palmer) and Taimazon (S. Seamer). Mada (K. Banks), Kindroon (A. Erhart) and Taimazon (S. Seamer) both over-raced in the early stages. Mary’s Halo (R. Stewart) raced wide in the early stages. Near the 400m, Mada shifted out to improve, resulting in Kindroon and Taimazon making heavy contact. K. Banks, rider of Mada, was advised to exercise more care. Leaving the 400m, Mary’s Halo was tightened for room when racing between Mada and Verre Elite (B. El-Issa), which shifted out to improve. Tora San (M. Hellyer) was also inconvenienced in this incident. B. El-Issa, rider of Verre Elite, was advised to exercise more care. Blue Ego had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight. Taimazon bled during the event. Trainer B. Wakefield was advised that Taimazon will be barred from racing for a period of 3 months.
Race 6:
F&M Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Queen Of Asia; 2nd - Seething Duck; 3rd - Cat Dazzle
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Amy Taylor (who landed her twentieth Metropolitan win which reduces her future claim from 3kg to 2kg): “It’s a real stiff filly. I gave her a warm-up before the race, but it still took her half the race to get going. At the top of the straight I thought, whoa, it’s wasn’t going through the gap. But I got it through the gap and then got up next to Brad (Pengelly on Seething Duck) and I thought it wasn’t actually going to fight him – but when I started shouting at her she just went.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Queen Of Asia): 1.90 out to 2.70.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Reonmay (B. El-Issa) and Miss Streetem (M. Hellyer) came together on jumping away. Seething Duck (B. Pengelly) and Future Impact (Michael Palmer) were tightened for room on jumping away between Monicablinco (O. Turpin) and Miss Courtly (C. Reith), both of which shifted ground. Seething Duck (B. Pengelly) over-raced in the early and middle stages, and approaching the 600m, improved up on to the heels of Miss Courtly (C. Reith) and shifted out, forcing Reonmay (B. El-Issa) wider on the track. Reonmay raced wide in the early and middle stages. Near the 700m, Miss Echelon (Matthew Palmer) improved up on to the heels of Queen Of Asia (A. Taylor) and had to be steadied. As a consequence, Ana Me Cori (J. Taylor), which was trailing, shifted out, forcing Cat Dazzle (S. Bogenhuber) wider on the track. A short distance later, Ana Me Cori was tightened for room by Cat Dazzle when that horse hung in.
Race 7:
Class 3 Plate - 1500m
1st - Tipsy Piggy; 2nd - Fat Possum; 3rd - Notre Amour
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin: “She was well-weighted in that race at set weights. If she couldn’t win that, we were in trouble.”
Jockey Larry Cassidy: “She can be difficult to ride. The main thing was I just wanted to get away smartly from the number one barrier. The thing is she can be a bit of a slouch. You don’t want to dig her too much because she can over-race, but, if three or four of them went and then they pulled up and I was box-seating, it could have been awful. So I was happy to pop one off the fence and once I got to where I wanted to be, I thought it was all over because we were able to control it. She has been a handful in the past, but I think she is getting better. Yeah, she is getting better.”
Strapper Brendan Simpson: “She is a real handful. She just won’t stand still. I had to walk her for two hours before the race. I did the same at Doomben last time ... but she has got ability.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Tipsy Piggy): 1.80 out to 1.85.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Origun Roll (A. Taylor), which began awkwardly, was tightened for room shortly after the start between Viking Storm (S. Seamer) and Daphne Ellen (C. McIver), both of which shifted ground. When being eased to take a trail near the 1000m, Fat Possum (S. Scriven) struck the heels of Tipsy Piggy (L. Cassidy).
Race 8:
C, G & E Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Cyclone Larry; 2nd - Mollington Grange; 3rd -Bald Eagle
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Darryl Gollan: “He’s always been a handy little horse. He’s always been thereabouts. If he had drawn a good alley today, I most probably would have thought that he wouldn’t have been a dark horse in the race. He had a bad alley, but he’s raced up to what he normally produces. Like he ran third to Kneel And Raise and it won at a Saturday meeting. It also ran third to that horse of Len Bryant’s (Sir Kingsford) and it won at a Saturday meeting. So he ran right up to that form.”
Jockey Jason Taylor (who completed a double on the day): “He got tugging a bit in the middle stages. They sort of steadied the pace a bit. Then, just prior to the corner, my saddle slipped up its neck. It knuckled, because the saddle was on its neck. I thought, oh, I’m in a bit of trouble here. So I’ve had to jump out pretty wide. I was just lucky that, once we sort of managed to get into the straight and I gave the horse a press, the saddle seemed to slide back into position. I thought, oh, I’m alright now. He kicked strong in the finish, so all credit to the horse. Things did go wrong but he kept it all together and went well.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Cyclone Larry): 9.00 out to 13.00.
Favourite (Mollington Grange): 2.25 out to 2.80.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ladross was declared a late scratching at 4.16 pm on veterinary advice after the gelding was found to be lame in the off foreleg. Trainer P. Facoory was advised that he would be required to produce a veterinary clearance for Ladross prior to its next race start. Alioop (C. Mciver) blundered on jumping away. Mr Braveheart (T. Treichel) began awkwardly. Voodoo Brown Magic (M. Hellyer) and Just The Rock (R. Stewart) came together on jumping away. Near the 1000m, Mollington Grange (B. Pengelly) was tightened for room when racing between Alioop (C. McIver) and Rosco’s Circus (L. Dillon), which was taken in by Just The Rock. Jockey R. Stewart, rider of Just The Rock, and apprentice L. Dillon, rider of Rosco’s Circus, were reprimanded for allowing their mounts to shift in. Passing the 700m, Mr Braveheart was crowded for room when racing between Tuqiri (L. Cassidy) and Toperna (R. Mason), which was inclined to hang out. Leaving the 600m, Cyclone Larry (J. Taylor) blundered when that horse shifted out across the heels of Just The Rock. Mollington Grange was held up for clear running on entering the straight until leaving the 200m. Near the 200m, Just The Rock was momentarily crowded for room when racing between Rosco’s Circus and Cyclone Larry, which was inclined to lay in under pressure. Alioop (C. McIver) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the straight until inside the 100m. Leaving the 100m, Mollington Grange and Bald Eagle (Matthew Palmer) came together and brushed. Apprentice C. McIver, rider of the 7th placegetter, was reprimanded for failing to ride his mount out right to the finish line. Werockit (B. El-Issa) raced wide for the majority of the race.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses swabbed
All winners, Linda Falcao, Blue Ego, Taimazon, Seething Duck, No Hurry
STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT EXTRACT:
From Ipswich Turf Club, 6.2.09
The connections of Dubbus advised that a post race veterinary examination of the horse revealed an injury to its off eye, which they believed was caused by being accidentally struck by the whip of another rider over the final 300m.
Race 1:
3yo F&M Handicap - 1200m
1st - Strong Spirit; 2nd - Lindo Falcao; 3rd - Tell'em It's Easy
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Peter Strong: “She ran fifth here the other day which was disappointing. Had the run of the race, pulled out, but didn’t get to the line well. So that’s why we changed our approach.”
Jockey Scott Galloway: “We changed the tactics and rode her back. She’s been up on the pace and just not finishing off, you know, this time in. So we tried it another way. She relaxed early and the speed was good. Then they slowed up and then got going again and that really suited her as she started rolling into it from the 500m. She just finished it off well from there.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Strong Spirit): 5.00 out to 7.00
Favourite (Persuadeandpossess): 1.80 out to 2.40. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Prior to the race, trainer P. Strong approached stewards and advised them that connections had been disappointed with the way Strong Spirit had finished off its races recently and advised that, due to the wide barrier, the instructions were to have the jockey ride the mare back in the field. An announcement to this effect was made over the on-course PA system. Persuadeandpossess (S. Scriven) was difficult to load and was fractious in the barriers. Paula’s Hope (A. Pattillo) was slow to begin. All Join Hands (N. Thomas) and No Fear Of Heights (A. Taylor) came together and bumped on jumping away. Jester’s Flute (D. Craven) over-raced in the early stages when racing wide. Approaching the 800m, Lindo Falcao (L. Cassidy) improved up on to the heels of Persuadeandpossess and had to be steadied. No Fear Of Heights hung out leaving the 600m, resulting in the horse becoming unbalanced for a short distance. Leaving the 300m, Lindo Falcao (L. Cassidy) shifted out to improve and doing so bumped Ignition Miss (M. Paget). Persuadeandpossess was inclined to lay out under pressure over the final 200m. Strong Spirit (S. Galloway) was inclined to lay in over the final 200m, which resulted in Lindo Falcao having to alter course across the heels of Strong Spirit near the 100m.
Race 2:
3yo C, G & E Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - Supreme Best; 2nd - American Gangster; 3rd - Catchment
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Wilson: “We didn’t have the horse for its first run. We’ve only had it for a couple of months now. He’s had tendon problems, so we’ve just been working him through them. We’ve just been poking along with him – nice and steady. We decided to put the blinkers on just to make him switch on.”
Jockey Jason Taylor: “Yeah, we got out nice. When the other one came up to him around the bend, I gave him a dig and he was just a bit new. Then in the straight I thought I’ve got to keep him going because if I back off on him, he is going to back off. He kept going strong across the line. The trainer did a good job there.”
Taylor was referring to the fact that Supreme Best was racing first-up following a seventeen month layoff. Somebody took their chances on the gelding, as indicated by the betting fluctuations.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Supreme Best): 6.00 in to 2.70.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Dapper was declared a late scratching at 11.10 am when the horse was found to be lame after it sustained an injury due to a plate shifting en route to the course. Connections were advised that they would be required to provide a veterinary clearance for Dapper prior to its next race start. The start of this race was delayed due to Costa Delight proving difficult to load. American Gangster (C. Reith) and Comeonwillie (B. El-Issa) was slow to begin. Leaving the 800m, Catchment (B. Stewart) improved up on to the heels of Costa Delight (T. Pannell) and had to be steadied. American Gangster over-raced in the early and middle stages of the event, which resulted in the horse racing wide from the 600m. Near the 600m, Comeonwillie shifted out to improve and in doing so forced Dubai Storm wider on the track. Comeonwillie was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the event.
Race 3:
3yo Maiden Plate - 1300m
1st - Nothin Leica Rapid; 2nd - No Hurry; 3rd - Flash Romeo
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bruce Hill: “It showed a lot early and then the last prep she was ordinary. It’s just been disappointing at different times and really good at other times. This prep she is starting to get things right. Still doing things wrong, but starting to get things right so that’s encouraging. She probably wants a bit further as well, you know.”
Jockey Terry Treichel: “In previous starts she’s always just got back a bit too far out of its ground. We just hoped to be in front of a couple from the jump. She got away ok and it was probably the best she’s ever travelled. Coming to the corner, the thing of McLachlan’s (Famous Cry) was the one I thought I had to beat, so I followed it out. It wasn’t going that well, so once I got a bit of room I moved out and we went past it pretty easy - and she kept finding the line good. Being on top of the track instead of in the mud, I think she went a lot better for it.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Nothin Leica Rapid): 10.00 steady.
Favourite (No Hurry): 2.50 out to 2.70 in to 2.60. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Gruff (A. Pattillo) and No Hurry (B. Pengelly) came together and brushed on jumping away. Famous Cry (E. Wilkinson), Incendio (L. Cassidy) and Biscay Rocker (Michael Palmer) were all tightened for room on jumping away between Flash Romeo (C. Reith) and Nothin Leica Rapid (T. Treichel), which shifted out. Near the 1000m, Famous Cry (E. Wilkinson) over-raced at the heels of No Hurry (B. Pengelly). Nothin Leica Rapid was held up for clear running rounding the home turn. Biscay Rocker (M. Palmer) tired badly over the final 300m, finishing a considerable distance from the remainder of the field. Trainer P. Balzen was instructed that he should restrict Biscay Rocker’s program to the provincial circuit until the horse's form shows significant improvement.
Race 4:
Class 4 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Falco Star; 2nd - Single Bound; 3rd - Jad
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “Early in his career he just showed that much ability, we thought we could just box seat on this. It just took us a long time to realise he is more of back-marker horse. He goes much better ridden off the speed. Chris (McIver) rides him exceptionally well. You’ve just got to relax him early. You do need a bit of luck because he gets back, but he does hit the line quite well.”
Apprentice jockey Chris McIvor: “They went a bit quick. It normally gets back a little bit. I just jumped out and took a sit on it. The whole way through the race he just got a nice run up the rail. We tracked up and at the last minute we just pulled out. It wasn’t that hard to do. He changed gears really quickly.”
Interestingly enough, the owners of the gelding have now enjoyed a run of five consecutive wins with trainer Liam Birchley. Three runners have contributed to this exceptional winning sequence. They are Falco Star (2 wins), Fear No Other (2 wins) and Irish Singa.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Falco Star): 2.90 out to 3.20.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Best Of Ceedee was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon prior to the race and cleared to run after the horse sustained minor injuries en route to the track. Apprentice B. Evans, rider of Brer Fox, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 700m he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Morcombe, resulting in apprentice Bogenhuber, rider of Morcombe, having to check the momentum of her horse. B. Evans was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 14 February, and to expire at midnight, 25 February 2009. Near the 50m, Single Bound (L. Cassidy) and Falco Star (C. McIver) came together and brushed. Brer Fox raced three wide for the majority of the event.
Race 5:
3yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 1500m
1st - Young Cried Wolf; 2nd - Blue Ego; 3rd - All Show
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Heathcote: “He was a little bit on notice this horse because we were a little bit worried about his ticker. But I said to John (owner John Fish), after his last run, I said I think we are riding him a bit too close to the speed. I said to young Chris (McIver), I said, look, don’t panic whatever you do ... just let the horse do what he wants to do. I think you see then, when you ride a horse upside-down the difference it can make. As trainers, we have to learn to know our horse and sometimes it takes a while to get there.”
Apprentice jockey Chris McIver (who completed the first Metropolitan double of his career): “It was very much like the previous winner. I just had to sit there and ... you’ve just got to be patient. Just sit, sit, until you really have to go for him. We were a little bit unlucky at the start. We got cut out a bit. But it all worked out for the best anyway. Sat midfield, settled beautiful for me and everything went my way. Then found another gear and won easy.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Young Cried Wolf): 3.30 out to 5.00 in to 4.80.
Favourite (Taimazon): 4.00 out to 4.60 in to 3.70. Finished ninth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Young Cried Wolf (C. McIver) was hampered when tightened for room on jumping away between Dance Request (J. Taylor) and Kindroon (A. Erhart), both of which began awkwardly and shifted ground. Blue Ego (E. Wilkinson), which was slow to begin, was crowded on jumping away between Trictaat (M. Palmer) and Taimazon (S. Seamer). Mada (K. Banks), Kindroon (A. Erhart) and Taimazon (S. Seamer) both over-raced in the early stages. Mary’s Halo (R. Stewart) raced wide in the early stages. Near the 400m, Mada shifted out to improve, resulting in Kindroon and Taimazon making heavy contact. K. Banks, rider of Mada, was advised to exercise more care. Leaving the 400m, Mary’s Halo was tightened for room when racing between Mada and Verre Elite (B. El-Issa), which shifted out to improve. Tora San (M. Hellyer) was also inconvenienced in this incident. B. El-Issa, rider of Verre Elite, was advised to exercise more care. Blue Ego had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight. Taimazon bled during the event. Trainer B. Wakefield was advised that Taimazon will be barred from racing for a period of 3 months.
Race 6:
F&M Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Queen Of Asia; 2nd - Seething Duck; 3rd - Cat Dazzle
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Amy Taylor (who landed her twentieth Metropolitan win which reduces her future claim from 3kg to 2kg): “It’s a real stiff filly. I gave her a warm-up before the race, but it still took her half the race to get going. At the top of the straight I thought, whoa, it’s wasn’t going through the gap. But I got it through the gap and then got up next to Brad (Pengelly on Seething Duck) and I thought it wasn’t actually going to fight him – but when I started shouting at her she just went.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Queen Of Asia): 1.90 out to 2.70.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Reonmay (B. El-Issa) and Miss Streetem (M. Hellyer) came together on jumping away. Seething Duck (B. Pengelly) and Future Impact (Michael Palmer) were tightened for room on jumping away between Monicablinco (O. Turpin) and Miss Courtly (C. Reith), both of which shifted ground. Seething Duck (B. Pengelly) over-raced in the early and middle stages, and approaching the 600m, improved up on to the heels of Miss Courtly (C. Reith) and shifted out, forcing Reonmay (B. El-Issa) wider on the track. Reonmay raced wide in the early and middle stages. Near the 700m, Miss Echelon (Matthew Palmer) improved up on to the heels of Queen Of Asia (A. Taylor) and had to be steadied. As a consequence, Ana Me Cori (J. Taylor), which was trailing, shifted out, forcing Cat Dazzle (S. Bogenhuber) wider on the track. A short distance later, Ana Me Cori was tightened for room by Cat Dazzle when that horse hung in.
Race 7:
Class 3 Plate - 1500m
1st - Tipsy Piggy; 2nd - Fat Possum; 3rd - Notre Amour
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin: “She was well-weighted in that race at set weights. If she couldn’t win that, we were in trouble.”
Jockey Larry Cassidy: “She can be difficult to ride. The main thing was I just wanted to get away smartly from the number one barrier. The thing is she can be a bit of a slouch. You don’t want to dig her too much because she can over-race, but, if three or four of them went and then they pulled up and I was box-seating, it could have been awful. So I was happy to pop one off the fence and once I got to where I wanted to be, I thought it was all over because we were able to control it. She has been a handful in the past, but I think she is getting better. Yeah, she is getting better.”
Strapper Brendan Simpson: “She is a real handful. She just won’t stand still. I had to walk her for two hours before the race. I did the same at Doomben last time ... but she has got ability.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Tipsy Piggy): 1.80 out to 1.85.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Origun Roll (A. Taylor), which began awkwardly, was tightened for room shortly after the start between Viking Storm (S. Seamer) and Daphne Ellen (C. McIver), both of which shifted ground. When being eased to take a trail near the 1000m, Fat Possum (S. Scriven) struck the heels of Tipsy Piggy (L. Cassidy).
Race 8:
C, G & E Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Cyclone Larry; 2nd - Mollington Grange; 3rd -Bald Eagle
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Darryl Gollan: “He’s always been a handy little horse. He’s always been thereabouts. If he had drawn a good alley today, I most probably would have thought that he wouldn’t have been a dark horse in the race. He had a bad alley, but he’s raced up to what he normally produces. Like he ran third to Kneel And Raise and it won at a Saturday meeting. It also ran third to that horse of Len Bryant’s (Sir Kingsford) and it won at a Saturday meeting. So he ran right up to that form.”
Jockey Jason Taylor (who completed a double on the day): “He got tugging a bit in the middle stages. They sort of steadied the pace a bit. Then, just prior to the corner, my saddle slipped up its neck. It knuckled, because the saddle was on its neck. I thought, oh, I’m in a bit of trouble here. So I’ve had to jump out pretty wide. I was just lucky that, once we sort of managed to get into the straight and I gave the horse a press, the saddle seemed to slide back into position. I thought, oh, I’m alright now. He kicked strong in the finish, so all credit to the horse. Things did go wrong but he kept it all together and went well.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Cyclone Larry): 9.00 out to 13.00.
Favourite (Mollington Grange): 2.25 out to 2.80.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ladross was declared a late scratching at 4.16 pm on veterinary advice after the gelding was found to be lame in the off foreleg. Trainer P. Facoory was advised that he would be required to produce a veterinary clearance for Ladross prior to its next race start. Alioop (C. Mciver) blundered on jumping away. Mr Braveheart (T. Treichel) began awkwardly. Voodoo Brown Magic (M. Hellyer) and Just The Rock (R. Stewart) came together on jumping away. Near the 1000m, Mollington Grange (B. Pengelly) was tightened for room when racing between Alioop (C. McIver) and Rosco’s Circus (L. Dillon), which was taken in by Just The Rock. Jockey R. Stewart, rider of Just The Rock, and apprentice L. Dillon, rider of Rosco’s Circus, were reprimanded for allowing their mounts to shift in. Passing the 700m, Mr Braveheart was crowded for room when racing between Tuqiri (L. Cassidy) and Toperna (R. Mason), which was inclined to hang out. Leaving the 600m, Cyclone Larry (J. Taylor) blundered when that horse shifted out across the heels of Just The Rock. Mollington Grange was held up for clear running on entering the straight until leaving the 200m. Near the 200m, Just The Rock was momentarily crowded for room when racing between Rosco’s Circus and Cyclone Larry, which was inclined to lay in under pressure. Alioop (C. McIver) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the straight until inside the 100m. Leaving the 100m, Mollington Grange and Bald Eagle (Matthew Palmer) came together and brushed. Apprentice C. McIver, rider of the 7th placegetter, was reprimanded for failing to ride his mount out right to the finish line. Werockit (B. El-Issa) raced wide for the majority of the race.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses swabbed
All winners, Linda Falcao, Blue Ego, Taimazon, Seething Duck, No Hurry
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
SUNSHINE COAST REVIEW (SUN, FEB 08)
A review of the meeting held at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, February 8.
Race 1:
3yo & Up Maiden Plate - 1800m
1st - Lion Blanc; 2nd - Real Grand; 3rd - Craiglea Ruby
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Bruce McLachlan: “For a three-year-old filly to make the jump that well from 1400m to 1800m, she could be a nice winter filly. I wanted to get her up over ground. I would have preferred a mile, but there was nothing on so I thought, well, we’ll try her over 1800m and see how she goes.”
Co-trainer Jason McLachlan: “If they’d gone another furlong she would have won by more. She’ll be a mile-and-a-half horse. I think the Reset’s, you know they haven’t shown a lot yet, but they are getting them over ground now where they are meant to be and they are starting to go alright.”
This was Lion Blanc’s first run beyond 1400m and it resulted in her first stake earning run in seven starts.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Lion Blanc (E. Wilkinson) was slow to begin. Breathin’ Easy (M. Radecker) raced wide in the early and middle stages. Ah Cooey over-raced for a short distance leaving the 1600m. Approaching the 1400m, Mrs Tsonga (D. Van Bekkum) was inclined to over-race and had to be steadied from the heels of Lapetus (N. Thomas). As a result, Real Grand (M. Heagney), which was following, had to be steadied a short distance later. Near the 800m, Real Grand shifted out to avoid the heels of the tiring Mrs Tsonga and in doing so forced Craiglea Ruby (M. Speers) wider on the track. Craiglea Ruby and Real Grand were obliged to race wide from this point onwards. Near the 650m, Golden Chase attempted to shift out to avoid the heels of the tiring Mrs Tsonga and in doing so made heavy contact with Lion Blanc, and shortly after shifted back in and had to be checked from the heels of Mrs Tsonga. Golden Chase was inclined to lay in under pressure approaching the 200m. Golden Chase was then inclined to lay out over the concluding stages under pressure. Dane Raider (B. Agland) was inclined to lay in for the majority of the straight. A post-race veterinary examination of Mrs Tsonga failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 2:
QTIS 2yo Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Diehard Trying; 2nd - Dancetiger; 3rd - Dancingwithangels
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Bruce McLachlan: “I bought him for $20 000 in Melbourne. He was the only yearling I bought down there. I really liked him. It was too short for him last time (when on debut). The mother is a stakes winning Grosvenor mare. I just liked the look of him. He has furnished into a lovely horse. He’ll be a miler!”
Diehard Trying gave the Bruce and Jason McLachlan stable back to back winners to post an early double on the day.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Leaving the 900m, Vulcan Line (M. Radecker) commenced to over-race on the heels of Dancingwithangels (D. Craven) and shifted out, making contact with Good Emperor. Dancetiger, which was following, improved up on to the heels of Vulcan Line and shifted out, forcing Craiglea Bella (R. McMahon) wider on the track. Craiglea Bella was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the race. Near the 500m, Dancetiger shifted out to improve and in doing so forced Craiglea Bella wider on the track.
Race 3:
3yo & UP Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Fireman; 2nd - Carry On Dancer; 3rd - Exelero
WINNER FEEDBACK
Trainer Kevin Kemp: “I’m glad it wasn’t any further. If you look through the form he has been very consistent. Yeah, Ric (McMahon) and I are going good. You are only as good as the next one though.”
The Kemp / McMahon combination has been building momentum in recent times. This Sunday win added their list of successes, which includes Metropolitan victories at three successive Saturday meetings. (Dance Girl Dance – two wins, and Malela).
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 800m, Carry On Dancer (O. Turpin) was forced to steady from the heels of Newminster, which shifted in. Passing the 700m, Galaxy Stalker raced awkwardly whilst being steadied and lost ground. Approaching the 500m, Newminster improved on to the heels of Galaxy Stalker and had to be steadied. Exelero (C. McIver), which was held up approaching the 600m, became awkward and had to be steadied off the heels of Carry On Dancer (O. Turpin) near the 500m. Exelero continued to be held up until approaching the 300m. App. Jockey J. Brown, rider of Newminster, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 300m she allowed her mount to shift out under pressure, resulting in Carry On Dancer (O. Turpin) being taken out, tightening Mon Trist on to the hind quarters of Coral Flight (M. Hellyer), resulting in Mon Trist being checked and losing its position. J. Brown was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 8 February and to expire at midnight, 21 February. Leaving the 200m, M. Hellyer, rider of Coral Flight, was forced to stop riding and shifted to the inside to avoid the heels of Nikosi’s Haven (K. Pope), which shifted out under pressure.
Race 4:
Class 1 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Clickgotheshears; 2nd - Shooting Stars; 3rd - Gold Omega
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mick Mair: “He’s probably a fresh horse.” (Clickgothespears has now won both first-up starts). “No, I wasn’t worried about the draw. We knew he’s get back. It’s a good run at that distance (1000m). I thought it would be a bit short for him. I’ve been wrong before.”
Jockey Ken Pope: “Good effort mate. It won first-up last preparation. He got back a bit early but hit the line nice.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Mr Solitary (E. Wilkinson) was slow to begin. Gold Omega (J. Taylor), which was inclined to lay in over the concluding stages, was hampered by Shooting Stars (J. Wood), which shifted out under pressure. Apprentice J. Wood, rider of Shooting Stars, was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Mr Solitary had a tendency to lay out throughout the event. Haizum (M. Radecker) raced wide throughout.
Race 5:
Class 2 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Mauries Pick; 2nd - Fantastic Carat; 3rd - Magic Rocker
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Clive Sinton: “He’s very consistent. There was nothing special about the change of jockey. Eddie (Wilkinson) wanted to ride the other horse. You know I don’t have much to do with riders ... if they don’t want to ride them, that’s fine with me. He’s been up quite a while this prep, but then his had a break in-between ... he got sore feet, so we’ve just kept plugging away with him. When he went over 1200m, that’s when he got a stone bruise. A mile is his go, or at least 1400m.The barrier always helps of course. Last time (when Mauries Pick finished third) he had an eight draw (out of eight). We had to work hard there. Didn’t have to work that hard today (from a number one alley).”
Jockey Ken Pope (who completed a double on the day): “We had a lovely run, box-seated. I had to just wait for the other one to sort of go forward so I could follow it through sort of thing. Boxed up where we were, I didn’t panic. I just stayed there till the gap came, and when it came he responded well and hit the line real good.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 400m, Beau Sam (S. Galloway) shifted out to obtain clear running, forcing Fantastic Carat (N. Thomas) wider on the track. S. Galloway, rider of Beau Sam, lost his whip near the 250m. Tarshae (J. Brown) was obliged to race wide throughout the event. A post-race veterinary examination of Tarshae revealed the mare to be lame in the off-foreleg. Trainer L. Madden was advised a veterinary certificate would be required prior to the mare's next race start. The club's veterinary surgeon also reported that a veterinary examination of Benragazzo failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 6:
Open Handicap - 1600m
1st - Nevada Gambler; 2nd - In Rehearsal; 3rd - Three Tenors
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Gill: “He does go better down in the weights and he was up to 56kg here. We nearly put Desiree (Gill) on, but we thought if we put Alannah (Badger) on and get the claim it would suit the horse better. Halfway up the straight it looked like the chasers were going to go right past him, but he kept kicking and I think he might even have been holding the second placed runner at the line.”
Desiree Gill: “We had him the best he could be and we thought this was a race he could win so, with the weights, we thought we’d give the girl a crack at it. No, we didn’t mean to get that far in front early on. ‘Badge'will be grinning like a Cheshire cat. I can’t wait to see her face when she watches the video and she sees how far in front she was."
Barry Gill: “He has got that fight yet he is an absolute champion character-wise. He is an absolute gentleman to train.
Desiree Gill: “He is not really a people’s person. He is a business manager. He just does his own thing. He will rather hide in the back of his box than be the centre of attention, but he always put it in on the track. He always runs an honest race. He is a dog-fighter.”
This was Nevada Gambler’s thirteenth career success. The seven-year-old also has fourteen places to his credit from a total of fifty-four starts.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stewards questioned both trainer B. Gill and apprentice A. Badger in relation to the riding tactics adopted on Nevader Gambler. Apprentice Badger advised that she was instructed to go forward and lead if nothing else showed pace in the event. She added that after beginning well, she elected to allow the horse to lead and felt that Nevada Gambler travelled well throughout the race. Trainer Mr B. Gill confirmed the instructions and stated that he was not surprised to see the horse lead as he was of the opinion there was a lack of pace in the race, and that over the 1600m the horse tended to race in a forward position. Stewards noted the explanation.
Race 7:
Class 4 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Pertinence 2nd - Winmara 3rd - Western Pacific
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “You know what I was saying. I was saying ‘... off Turpin.’ (Hall was referring, light-heartedly, to rider Owen Turpin, who rode Winmara, the runner who challenged Hall’s horse with vigour over the last 100m). “I offered Turpin the ride, but his boss (Frank Philips) made him ride for his stable. Turpin knocked me off the other day when this one got beat by a nose at Doomben and I thought we were in danger of it happening again. She’s is a good mare, you know. The other day it was a harder race. Coming back in grade here she went up in weight, but I still thought she had to be hard to beat. Much to Brownie’s credit (Jockey Damian Browne), he rode her perfect, you know. He was jogging a long way out. He just needed the splits to come. They come for him at the right time. We’ll go back to town now. There is a No Metro Win race over 1350m for her.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Kids Show was declared a late scratching on veterinary advice at 3.51 pm after the gelding was found to have swelling to the off side of its face. Pertinence (D. Browne) blundered on jumping away. Western Pacific (K. Pope) began awkwardly. Wings Of Seraph (A. Pattillo) and Asian Thunder (M. Speers) made contact on jumping away. Near the 800m, Aurtobe (R. Stewart) was hampered when tightened for room to the inside of Foxtrot Gun, which shifted in. Western Pacific, which had a tendency to lay out throughout the event, shifted out under pressure in the straight. Foxtrot Gun (Y. Yeung Ki) raced wide throughout.
Race 8:
Class 1 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Ryjatah; 2nd - Costner; 3rd - Through The Waves
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Adam Ivor: “I’ve only had him for the two runs (for a fourth and a win). He has just improved every week. He had to dig in and fight hard in the finish but, as I say, he has just improved every day in his track-work. I wasn’t that unhappy with the wide draw here. You know, he drew eleven from thirteen at Ipswich (for Friday’s meeting) and I said he was going to do it harder there from a wide barrier. So I scratched him in favour of running here. I just thought the long straight would help him. Yet, after all of that, he managed to finish on the rail. (Jockey) Kevin Forrester ... I can’t speak highly enough of him. The bloke has been a marvel for us. He’s probably won twenty of the thirty races we have won – between me and my wife, because I have only just changed things into my name. Previously my wife was the trainer. It’s just great.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Jockey K. Pope (Chanism) was fined $50 for negligence in that he weighed out with the wrong saddle cloth number, which resulted in the start of this race being delayed. The saddle on Jessie Street slipped forward near the 1000m, resulting in jockey M. Radecker removing her feet from the irons and taking no further part in the event. Approaching the 200m, Ninth Duke (J. Kropp) and Costner (S. Galloway) made heavy contact and became awkward after both horses shifted ground. Count Ivor (C. Kearney) and Howdy Chelle (E. Wilkinson) raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Pleasure Shot failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses.
Horses swabbed:
All winners, Real Grand, Fantastic Carat, Costner.
Race 1:
3yo & Up Maiden Plate - 1800m
1st - Lion Blanc; 2nd - Real Grand; 3rd - Craiglea Ruby
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Bruce McLachlan: “For a three-year-old filly to make the jump that well from 1400m to 1800m, she could be a nice winter filly. I wanted to get her up over ground. I would have preferred a mile, but there was nothing on so I thought, well, we’ll try her over 1800m and see how she goes.”
Co-trainer Jason McLachlan: “If they’d gone another furlong she would have won by more. She’ll be a mile-and-a-half horse. I think the Reset’s, you know they haven’t shown a lot yet, but they are getting them over ground now where they are meant to be and they are starting to go alright.”
This was Lion Blanc’s first run beyond 1400m and it resulted in her first stake earning run in seven starts.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Lion Blanc (E. Wilkinson) was slow to begin. Breathin’ Easy (M. Radecker) raced wide in the early and middle stages. Ah Cooey over-raced for a short distance leaving the 1600m. Approaching the 1400m, Mrs Tsonga (D. Van Bekkum) was inclined to over-race and had to be steadied from the heels of Lapetus (N. Thomas). As a result, Real Grand (M. Heagney), which was following, had to be steadied a short distance later. Near the 800m, Real Grand shifted out to avoid the heels of the tiring Mrs Tsonga and in doing so forced Craiglea Ruby (M. Speers) wider on the track. Craiglea Ruby and Real Grand were obliged to race wide from this point onwards. Near the 650m, Golden Chase attempted to shift out to avoid the heels of the tiring Mrs Tsonga and in doing so made heavy contact with Lion Blanc, and shortly after shifted back in and had to be checked from the heels of Mrs Tsonga. Golden Chase was inclined to lay in under pressure approaching the 200m. Golden Chase was then inclined to lay out over the concluding stages under pressure. Dane Raider (B. Agland) was inclined to lay in for the majority of the straight. A post-race veterinary examination of Mrs Tsonga failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 2:
QTIS 2yo Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Diehard Trying; 2nd - Dancetiger; 3rd - Dancingwithangels
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Bruce McLachlan: “I bought him for $20 000 in Melbourne. He was the only yearling I bought down there. I really liked him. It was too short for him last time (when on debut). The mother is a stakes winning Grosvenor mare. I just liked the look of him. He has furnished into a lovely horse. He’ll be a miler!”
Diehard Trying gave the Bruce and Jason McLachlan stable back to back winners to post an early double on the day.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Leaving the 900m, Vulcan Line (M. Radecker) commenced to over-race on the heels of Dancingwithangels (D. Craven) and shifted out, making contact with Good Emperor. Dancetiger, which was following, improved up on to the heels of Vulcan Line and shifted out, forcing Craiglea Bella (R. McMahon) wider on the track. Craiglea Bella was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the race. Near the 500m, Dancetiger shifted out to improve and in doing so forced Craiglea Bella wider on the track.
Race 3:
3yo & UP Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Fireman; 2nd - Carry On Dancer; 3rd - Exelero
WINNER FEEDBACK
Trainer Kevin Kemp: “I’m glad it wasn’t any further. If you look through the form he has been very consistent. Yeah, Ric (McMahon) and I are going good. You are only as good as the next one though.”
The Kemp / McMahon combination has been building momentum in recent times. This Sunday win added their list of successes, which includes Metropolitan victories at three successive Saturday meetings. (Dance Girl Dance – two wins, and Malela).
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 800m, Carry On Dancer (O. Turpin) was forced to steady from the heels of Newminster, which shifted in. Passing the 700m, Galaxy Stalker raced awkwardly whilst being steadied and lost ground. Approaching the 500m, Newminster improved on to the heels of Galaxy Stalker and had to be steadied. Exelero (C. McIver), which was held up approaching the 600m, became awkward and had to be steadied off the heels of Carry On Dancer (O. Turpin) near the 500m. Exelero continued to be held up until approaching the 300m. App. Jockey J. Brown, rider of Newminster, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 300m she allowed her mount to shift out under pressure, resulting in Carry On Dancer (O. Turpin) being taken out, tightening Mon Trist on to the hind quarters of Coral Flight (M. Hellyer), resulting in Mon Trist being checked and losing its position. J. Brown was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 8 February and to expire at midnight, 21 February. Leaving the 200m, M. Hellyer, rider of Coral Flight, was forced to stop riding and shifted to the inside to avoid the heels of Nikosi’s Haven (K. Pope), which shifted out under pressure.
Race 4:
Class 1 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Clickgotheshears; 2nd - Shooting Stars; 3rd - Gold Omega
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mick Mair: “He’s probably a fresh horse.” (Clickgothespears has now won both first-up starts). “No, I wasn’t worried about the draw. We knew he’s get back. It’s a good run at that distance (1000m). I thought it would be a bit short for him. I’ve been wrong before.”
Jockey Ken Pope: “Good effort mate. It won first-up last preparation. He got back a bit early but hit the line nice.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Mr Solitary (E. Wilkinson) was slow to begin. Gold Omega (J. Taylor), which was inclined to lay in over the concluding stages, was hampered by Shooting Stars (J. Wood), which shifted out under pressure. Apprentice J. Wood, rider of Shooting Stars, was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Mr Solitary had a tendency to lay out throughout the event. Haizum (M. Radecker) raced wide throughout.
Race 5:
Class 2 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Mauries Pick; 2nd - Fantastic Carat; 3rd - Magic Rocker
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Clive Sinton: “He’s very consistent. There was nothing special about the change of jockey. Eddie (Wilkinson) wanted to ride the other horse. You know I don’t have much to do with riders ... if they don’t want to ride them, that’s fine with me. He’s been up quite a while this prep, but then his had a break in-between ... he got sore feet, so we’ve just kept plugging away with him. When he went over 1200m, that’s when he got a stone bruise. A mile is his go, or at least 1400m.The barrier always helps of course. Last time (when Mauries Pick finished third) he had an eight draw (out of eight). We had to work hard there. Didn’t have to work that hard today (from a number one alley).”
Jockey Ken Pope (who completed a double on the day): “We had a lovely run, box-seated. I had to just wait for the other one to sort of go forward so I could follow it through sort of thing. Boxed up where we were, I didn’t panic. I just stayed there till the gap came, and when it came he responded well and hit the line real good.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 400m, Beau Sam (S. Galloway) shifted out to obtain clear running, forcing Fantastic Carat (N. Thomas) wider on the track. S. Galloway, rider of Beau Sam, lost his whip near the 250m. Tarshae (J. Brown) was obliged to race wide throughout the event. A post-race veterinary examination of Tarshae revealed the mare to be lame in the off-foreleg. Trainer L. Madden was advised a veterinary certificate would be required prior to the mare's next race start. The club's veterinary surgeon also reported that a veterinary examination of Benragazzo failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 6:
Open Handicap - 1600m
1st - Nevada Gambler; 2nd - In Rehearsal; 3rd - Three Tenors
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Gill: “He does go better down in the weights and he was up to 56kg here. We nearly put Desiree (Gill) on, but we thought if we put Alannah (Badger) on and get the claim it would suit the horse better. Halfway up the straight it looked like the chasers were going to go right past him, but he kept kicking and I think he might even have been holding the second placed runner at the line.”
Desiree Gill: “We had him the best he could be and we thought this was a race he could win so, with the weights, we thought we’d give the girl a crack at it. No, we didn’t mean to get that far in front early on. ‘Badge'will be grinning like a Cheshire cat. I can’t wait to see her face when she watches the video and she sees how far in front she was."
Barry Gill: “He has got that fight yet he is an absolute champion character-wise. He is an absolute gentleman to train.
Desiree Gill: “He is not really a people’s person. He is a business manager. He just does his own thing. He will rather hide in the back of his box than be the centre of attention, but he always put it in on the track. He always runs an honest race. He is a dog-fighter.”
This was Nevada Gambler’s thirteenth career success. The seven-year-old also has fourteen places to his credit from a total of fifty-four starts.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stewards questioned both trainer B. Gill and apprentice A. Badger in relation to the riding tactics adopted on Nevader Gambler. Apprentice Badger advised that she was instructed to go forward and lead if nothing else showed pace in the event. She added that after beginning well, she elected to allow the horse to lead and felt that Nevada Gambler travelled well throughout the race. Trainer Mr B. Gill confirmed the instructions and stated that he was not surprised to see the horse lead as he was of the opinion there was a lack of pace in the race, and that over the 1600m the horse tended to race in a forward position. Stewards noted the explanation.
Race 7:
Class 4 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Pertinence 2nd - Winmara 3rd - Western Pacific
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “You know what I was saying. I was saying ‘... off Turpin.’ (Hall was referring, light-heartedly, to rider Owen Turpin, who rode Winmara, the runner who challenged Hall’s horse with vigour over the last 100m). “I offered Turpin the ride, but his boss (Frank Philips) made him ride for his stable. Turpin knocked me off the other day when this one got beat by a nose at Doomben and I thought we were in danger of it happening again. She’s is a good mare, you know. The other day it was a harder race. Coming back in grade here she went up in weight, but I still thought she had to be hard to beat. Much to Brownie’s credit (Jockey Damian Browne), he rode her perfect, you know. He was jogging a long way out. He just needed the splits to come. They come for him at the right time. We’ll go back to town now. There is a No Metro Win race over 1350m for her.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Kids Show was declared a late scratching on veterinary advice at 3.51 pm after the gelding was found to have swelling to the off side of its face. Pertinence (D. Browne) blundered on jumping away. Western Pacific (K. Pope) began awkwardly. Wings Of Seraph (A. Pattillo) and Asian Thunder (M. Speers) made contact on jumping away. Near the 800m, Aurtobe (R. Stewart) was hampered when tightened for room to the inside of Foxtrot Gun, which shifted in. Western Pacific, which had a tendency to lay out throughout the event, shifted out under pressure in the straight. Foxtrot Gun (Y. Yeung Ki) raced wide throughout.
Race 8:
Class 1 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Ryjatah; 2nd - Costner; 3rd - Through The Waves
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Adam Ivor: “I’ve only had him for the two runs (for a fourth and a win). He has just improved every week. He had to dig in and fight hard in the finish but, as I say, he has just improved every day in his track-work. I wasn’t that unhappy with the wide draw here. You know, he drew eleven from thirteen at Ipswich (for Friday’s meeting) and I said he was going to do it harder there from a wide barrier. So I scratched him in favour of running here. I just thought the long straight would help him. Yet, after all of that, he managed to finish on the rail. (Jockey) Kevin Forrester ... I can’t speak highly enough of him. The bloke has been a marvel for us. He’s probably won twenty of the thirty races we have won – between me and my wife, because I have only just changed things into my name. Previously my wife was the trainer. It’s just great.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Jockey K. Pope (Chanism) was fined $50 for negligence in that he weighed out with the wrong saddle cloth number, which resulted in the start of this race being delayed. The saddle on Jessie Street slipped forward near the 1000m, resulting in jockey M. Radecker removing her feet from the irons and taking no further part in the event. Approaching the 200m, Ninth Duke (J. Kropp) and Costner (S. Galloway) made heavy contact and became awkward after both horses shifted ground. Count Ivor (C. Kearney) and Howdy Chelle (E. Wilkinson) raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Pleasure Shot failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses.
Horses swabbed:
All winners, Real Grand, Fantastic Carat, Costner.
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