STEWARDS REPORT
Queensland Principal Club (Downs & South West Region)
BELL RACE CLUB
Saturday 24th March, 2001

A pre-race inspection of the track revealed that the surface was in very good order and the track was rated as fast. The starting stalls were tested prior to the meeting and were in good working condition. the "fill-in" of excavations on the track at the 1200 metre mark were examined and it was decided that although they had settled down fairly well, it would be safer to start the 1200 metre race on the course proper. Club and riders notified of change of position of stalls.

RACE 1: Slight delay before horses left the mounting yard caused by arrangements to locate extra barrier staff. Permission given to mount Bold Grandeyes on the track as the filly had been stung by a bee at a previous meeting and had been difficult to mount since. Jockey J. Warrington reported that Bold Grandeyes was difficult to get to the barrier (Attention Trainer K. Bell). Oola Maid (P. Clarke) which was proving difficult to load knocked the rider to the ground causing a laceration to his left cheek and a suspected broken little finger on the right hand. Jockey Clarke was subsequently transported to Dalby Hospital for attention. Oola Maid was scratched by order of the Stewards at 1.09pm. All monies on Oola Maid refunded and the following deductions declared 20c win and 16c place. River Boyne (T. Brown) hit the running rail at the 700 metres of its own accord. On straightening General Merit (T. Banks) hung out and at the same time Bold Grandeyes (J. Warrington) moved in coming into contact with General Merit on two occasions. Shortly after these incidents Vizier (R. Kerwin) also shifted in causing Bold Grandeyes which was losing ground to ease and change course to the inside of General Merit. It was considered that all riders had caused some interference in that Tod Banks' mount moved out, Jason Warrington's mount moved in as did R. Kerwin's mount. All riders cautioned and advised to exercise more care. Time off 1.14pm. Swab: General Merit.

RACE 2: D. Hutchins replaced P. Clarke on Collier. Race put back 15 minutes while Ambulance Bearers attended to Jockey P. Clarke and arranged for another Ambulance unit to arrive from Dalby. Cool Magi (R. Kerwin) was extremely difficult to load and then raced very greenly, refusing to respond to the riders efforts. In doing so Cool Magi caused some general disruption to the field with Miss American (C. Kearney) being pushed very wide and inconvenienced. Tarsho's Revenge (D. McMaster) reared over behind the start dislodging the rider. The horse returned to the mounting yard at a fast gallop and was withdrawn by order of the Stewards at 1.55pm. Subsequently all monies on Tarsho's Revenge refunded and a deduction of .5c win and .6c place declared. At the off Alician (A. Green) jumped outwards coming into contact with Cool Magi. The Trainer of Cool Magic, Mr M. O'Connor was advised that Cool Magi must perform to the Stewards satisfaction in an official barrier trial before further nomination. Jockey D. McMaster advised not to lead horses up to the barrier in future. Apprentice T. Banks cautioned for removing his skull cap whilst dismounted from Zoe's Delight at the start. time off 1.56pm. Swab: Collier.

RACE 3: D. McMaster replaced P. Clarke on Black Top. Tigers (D. Hutchins) slow to jump and into stride. Princess Starbon (C. Kearney) jumped off balance and slow into stride. At approximately the 50 metres after the start Sahara Snaadee (R. Kerwin) crossed the field when not quite clear of Arctic Runner (L. Appo) causing that horse to ease and place pressure on Black Top (D. McMaster) inside. Apprentice R. Kerwin was severely reprimanded and advised that a repetition may lead to more serious action being taken in future. Time off 2.30pm. Swab: Leica Narrow.

RACE 4: T. Brown replaced P. Clarke on Generously. Woambra (L. Appo) reared at the start and slow into stride and then was held up for a clear running in the straight. Seabas (D. McMaster) tended to move in under pressure last 200 metres. Apprentice C. Bryen cautioned in that he allowed his mount Navarra Rambler to move back to the rails after straightening causing Noble Jewels (C. Abraham) who was attempting an inside run to ease. Time off 3.06pm. Swab: Bold Music.

RACE 5: Mister Edition (R. Kerwin) steadied off heels at the 600 metres. At approximately 800 metres Maori Gold (R. Hancock) shifted out slightly causing Toy of Joy (D. Hutchins) to alter course to the inside. Time off 4.00pm. Swab: Mister Edition.

RACE 6: Another Life was withdrawn by Stewards acting on Vet. advice at 1.00pm after a float mishap caused bleeding from the horse's nose. Vet. Certificate required prior to next start. An enquiry opened into interference to King Claudius (L. Appo) at the 700 metres. After taking evidence from Jockey L. Appo, Apprentice D. Van Bekkum (Holstarr) and L. McCoy (High Regards), Apprentice L. McCoy given the benefit of the doubt and cautioned to ensure that her mounts are sufficiently clear in future as Jockey L. Appo was required to ease his mount. Jockey L. Appo questioned as to the reason he did not protest given the margin of a nose. Jockey Appo responded that he was not sure if horses outside Apprentice L. McCoy's mount caused any pressure to that horse. It was pointed out to Jockey L. Appo that he could ask to view the patrol video prior to any decision to protest. After passing the winning post Shedad's Bounty was pulled up by Apprentice R. Kerwin, however when the horse was turned back towards the mounting yard it took charge of the rider and bolted. Clerk of the Course Mr Ray Hopper attempted to assist the rider and his horse apparently bumped Shedad's bounty and the Apprentice was unseated and sustained a heavy fall. Statements were taken from Apprentice r. Kerwin, Clerk of the Course Ray Hopper and the Ambulance Bearer Mr G. Preston who reported that R. Kerwin may have sustained injuries not immediately apparent, however the rider was at all times conscious. It was the Ambulance Officer's recommendation that the Apprentice be taken to hospital "to be checked out", however, Apprentice Kerwin rejected this suggestion and did not wish to be conveyed to hospital. Stewards advised Apprentice Kerwin to seek medical attention as it was obvious she was badly shaken and would have sustained severe bruising. Time off 4.30pm. Swab: High Regards