RACING QUEENSLAND

STEWARDS REPORT

BRISBANE RACING CLUB

DOOMBEN – SATURDAY, 31 DECEMBER 2011


WEATHER – SHOWERS TRACK RATING – GOOD 3 RAIL – OUT 4M
PENETROMETER READING – 4.4

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – W. Birch
Stewards – D. Aurisch, J. Hackett, K. Daly, D. Harrison
Betting Steward – M. Sweeney
Clerk of Scales – R. McCrae
Judge – I. Schultz
Veterinarian – M. Lenz
Swab attendants – S. Flynn, B. Andrews, K. Statham
Bookmakers Supervisor – W. Flynn
Starter – J. Roberts, M. Henderson
Stewards Secretary – W. Ostrofski

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORTS:

As B. Stewart was to be overweight for his rides in Races 4, 5 and 6, riding replacements were made as per the Stewards Race Day Summary. B.Stewart was fined $400 under AR. 120(b).

Race 1: BLACKWOODS CLASS 6 H’CAP - 1615m
1st – Playaction 2nd – Hidden Kisses 3rd – Shadow Buster 4th – Santo De Lago

Stewards questioned trainer R. Heathcote in respect of the nomination, acceptance and subsequent scratching of EXCELLANTES for this event. Mr Heathcote explained that it was his intention to contest this race today with EXCELLANTES after having inadvertently missed the nominations for the Goldmarket to be run at the Gold Coast on Monday, 2 January 2012. Mr Heathcote added that on Thursday EXCELLANTES dislodged its rider during trackwork and was showing signs of foot soreness subsequent to its work. On this basis Mr Heathcote took the decision to scratch EXCELLANTES and advised stewards that he would have EXCELLANTES contest a trial in preparation for the Magic Millions Cup at the Gold Coast on 14 January 2012, His explanation was noted.

Trainer D. Kelly was fined $100 under AR. 175(k) for negligence in that he failed to properly engage a rider for BUGSYTWOSHOES.

As R. McMahon was to be overweight and as no other rider was available at the weight, stewards permitted J. Brown to be substituted as the rider of PREACHER BOY.

Connections advised that, from the awkward barrier, it would be the intention to have HIDDEN KISSES (B. Stewart) ridden further back in the field. The horse was ridden accordingly.

DIENEKES (J. Byrne) was slow to begin.

SANTO DE LAGO (T. Bell) overraced in the early and middle stages.

PLAYACTION (J. Taylor) laid in under pressure in the straight.

Race 2: WWW.BRC.COM.AU 2MW H’CAP - 1200m
1st – Audacious Spirit 2nd – Miss Barwang 3rd – Purettan 4th – Dux Bellorum

SUSASHI (Matthew Palmer) overraced in the early stages.

When the pace steadied near the 800m DUX BELLORUM (R. McMahon) commenced to overrace and near the 700m had to shift out to avoid the heels of HEART TO FEAR (C. Munce), which resulted in PONZI SCHEME (J. Brown) being taken wider on the track. Following this incident DUX BELLORUM continued to overace and passing the 500m became awkward at the heels of SUSASHI.

SUSASHI and PONZI SCHEME raced wide throughout.

Approaching the 800m NICKIERA (J. Byrne) shifted out and bumped PONZI SCHEME.

NICKIERA (J. Byrne) laid out rounding the home turn.

HEART TO FEAR had to be steadied inside the final 50m when tightened for room between MERRYANNA (J. Taylor) and CATASHEE (J. Bowditch), both of which shifted their ground.

Stewards sought an explanation in respect of the seemingly disappointing performance of HEART TO FEAR. Rider C. Munce stated that HEART TO FEAR did not show its customary early speed today and he was obliged to pressure the horse in the middle stages in order to maintain a position just behind the speed. C. Munce added that HEART TO FEAR did not accelerate as expected in the straight and proved disappointing. Trainer A. Willick informed stewards that she was disappointed with the performance of HEART TO FEAR and advised that the mare had worked well leading into today’s race. Ms Willick added that HEART TO FEAR does not appreciate firmer track surfaces. A post-race veterinary examination of HEART TO FEAR revealed the horse to be exhibiting a slower than normal post-race recovery rate.

Stewards sought an explanation from rider R. McMahon in respect of the tactics he employed on DUX BELLORUM in the early stages resulting in the horse settling further back in the field than anticipated. R. McMahon informed stewards that trainer R. Heathcote asked him to ride the horse just off the speed as Mr Heathcote was of the view that the horse did not have the necessary speed to lead the race today. Jockey McMahon added that the pace of the race in the early stages was strong and he therefore took the decision to attempt to position the horse close to the fence trailing HEART TO FEAR. He further added that when AUDACIOUS SPIRIT (G. Colless) reached the lead the pace of the race slowed, at which stage DUX BELLORUM overraced and had to be restrained for some distance from the heels of HEART TO FEAR. R. McMahon further explained that he had anticipated the speed of the race being more genuine through the middle stages and believed that the competitive chances of DUX BELLORUM were diminished when AUDACIOUS SPIRIT was able to control the tempo of the race through the middle section.

Race 3: SKYRACING.TV BENCHMARK 85 H’CAP - 1020m
1st – Nuptse 2nd – Inventory 3rd – Mr Favulous 4th – Cyclone Brad


INVENTORY (M. Hellyer) was slow to begin.

FAVELA STAR (C. Munce), TYCOON TATTOO (J. Brown) and NUPTSE (T. Berry) raced wide throughout.

Near the 500m INVENTORY commenced to overrace and improved up on to the heels of CYCLONE BRAD (J. Byrne) and when being restrained shifted out resulting in WARRIOR GIRL (P. Keane) having to be checked when tightened for room between INVENTORY and FAVELA STAR. On the basis of the horse’s racing manners, stewards took no direct action in the matter and gave M. Hellyer (INVENTORY) the benefit of the doubt as to whether he could be deemed responsible for the incident.

INVENTORY was held up when unable to obtain clear running rounding the home turn and in the straight until after passing the 300m.

Near the 350m WARRIOR GIRL had to be steadied momentarily when MR FAVULOUS shifted out. T. Bell (MR FAVULOUS) was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in future.

MR FAVULOUS was held up unable to obtain clear running in the straight until near the 250m.

Stewards questioned aprentice T. Bell and trainer D. Baker regarding the riding tactics employed on MR FAVULOUS, which settled at the rear of the field, which is in contrast to its customary racing pattern. Apprentice Bell stated that he was instructed to ride MR FAVULOUS behind the leading division with cover if possible, however after beginning only moderately he was reluctant to pressure the horse as he was of the opinion that with the fast tempo of the race he would not have had sufficient speed to clear NUPTSE, which would have resulted in him having to race wide. Apprentice Bell added that when he took hold of MR FAVULOUS, the gelding lost more ground than he anticipated. Mr Baker confirmed the instructions and added that he was surprised that the gelding drifted so far back in the early stages. He further added that MR FAVULOUS has had a tendency in the past to drop the bit if not ridden with vigour from the barrier. Stewards advised apprentice T. Bell that they were not satisfied that he had attempted to comply with the instructions given before taking the decision to position MR FAVULOUS towards the rear of the field, and whilst he is a senior apprentice, stewards expected him to make a greater effort to carry out the instructions given by the trainer.





Race 4: SEQUALO @ LYNDHURST OPEN H’CAP - 2020m
NO RACE

As R. McMahon was to be overweight, J. Bowditch was substituted as the rider of PINOT GIRL.

As apprentice B. Wallace had riding commitments at the Gold Coast, apprentice J. Brown was substituted as the rider of TOPPING.

After passing the winning post on the first occasion INTERTHEBLACK (P. Hammersley) commenced to overrace and had to be checked to avoid the heels of SHEZAHOTSHOT (E. Wilkinson) and shifted out which resulted in SECRETS UNTOLD (S. Seamer) striking the heels of INTERTHEBLACK and falling. As SECRETS UNTOLD had sustained an injury and was unable to be moved off the track, the decision was made to declare the event a no race as stewards were of the view that the field would not have been able to safely negotiate the fallen horse. A post-race veterinary examination of SECRETS UNTOLD revealed that the horse had broken its offside shoulder and was euthanased on humane grounds. S. Seamer was stood down from his remaining engagements and riding replacements were made as per the Stewards Race Day Summary.

Race 5: THE GOOD GUYS B.J. MCLACHLAN STAKES - 1200m
1st – Driefontein 2nd – Sizzling 3rd – Snipzu 4th – Sookie

Connections advised that from the awkard barrier it would be the intention to have SIZZLING (C. Munce) ridden further back in the field. The horse was ridden accordingly.

GREEK ISLAND (Matthew Palmer) and MORE THAN WILLING (J. Taylor) were slow to begin.

SHOW A NOEE (P. Hammersley) was restrained from a wide barrier in the early stages to gain a position closer to the rail.

Approaching the 800m GREEK ISLAND commenced to overrace and had to be restrained to avoid the heels of DISCREET (J. Byrne).

MORE THAN WILLING failed to negotiate the first turn passing the 800m, shifted out abruptly, became unbalanced and lost ground.

Also after passing the 800m SNIPZU (G. Colless), improved up on to the heels of NOOGOORA BURR (R. McMahon) and had to be steadied. DISCREET, which was trailing, also had to be steadied as a consequence. At the same stage GRAND BUSINESS (M. Hellyer) also commenced to overrace and had to be restrained to avoid the heels of SOOKIE (T. Bell) for some distance.

PURE WHISPER (E. Wilkinson), MILITARY BRIDE (J. Bowditch) and COURTZ BOY (R. Wiggins) raced wide throughout.

Approaching the 400m COURTZ BOY became awkward at the heels of MILITARY BRIDE when that runner commenced to tire.

Approaching and rounding the home turn SHOW A NOEE was held up when unable to secure clear running.

SNIPZU was held up when unable to improve in the early stages of the home straight until near the 300m.

M. Hellyer reported that GRAND BUSINESS hung in when placed under pressure over the final 300m.

The veterinary surgeon reported that COURTZ BOY had been galloped on on the off hind leg.

A post-race veterinary examination of MILITARY BRIDE revealed the filly to be exhibiting some soreness in both forelegs. Trainer G. Heinrich was advised that a veterinary clearance for MILITARY BRIDE must be produced prior to its next start.

Race 6: CARLTON MID BERNBOROUGH H’CAP - 1615m
1st – Kontiki Park 2nd – Fillydelphia 3rd – Emvoss 4th – Carry Me Bluey

As apprentice M. Wood was injured, R. McMahon substituted as the rider of JAZZ HEART. Subsequently, R. McMahon was to be overweight and was replaced by M. Hellyer. R. McMahon was fined $500 under AR. 120(b) for three instances of being overweight and having to be replaced.

As P. Hammersley was to be overweight, P. Keane was substituted as the rider of FEMINA FASHION. P. Hammersly was fined $200 under AR. 120(b).

Connections advised that, from the better barrier, EMVOSS (J. Bowditch) would be ridden closer to the speed if circumstances permit. The horse was ridden accordingly.

Shortly after the start KING OF THE KONGO (Matthew Palmer) shifted out and made contact with the hind quarters of EMVOSS.

Near the 1300m ZA MAGIC (S. Galloway), when being restrained to take a trailing position behind FILLYDELPHIA (J. Byrne), commenced to race fiercely. DANAGAZE (J. Taylor), which was trailing, had to be restrained to avoid the heels of ZA MAGIC.

In the early stages KING OF THE KONGO raced ungenerously when the gelding refused to settle.

KONTITI PARK (T. Berry) and SHUFFLE THE CASH (E. Wilkinson) raced wide throughout.

WONDERFUL LASS (T. Bell) raced extremely wide thoughout.

Near the 300m EMVOSS had to be steadied when tightened for room between FILLYDELPHIA and CARRY ME BLUEY (C. Munce), which was taken out slightly by PEPPERWOOD (G. Colless).

Approaching the 200m PEPPERWOOD was inconvenienced by CARRY ME BLUEY when CARRY ME BLUEY shifted to the inside of POOR JUDGE (K. Yoshida) in order to improve.

Near the 200m EMVOSS shifted out and made contact with the hind quarters of KONTITI PARK. Following this EMVOSS shifted out under pressure and brushed with KONTITI PARK on a number of occasions.



Race 7: CHANNEL SEVEN VO ROGUE PLATE - 1350m
1st – Punch On 2nd – Noisy Ocean 3rd – Lucky Morna 4th – Playtime

As J. Bowditch was dually engaged, S. Galloway was substituted as the rider of EASY SUCCESSFUL.

SHOW A PRINCE (G. Colless) jumped away awkwardly and then had to be steadied from the heels of BIGGLES (T. Bell).

Leaving the 800m EASY RUNNING (R. McMahon) shifted in and bumped ROCKET TO GLORY (C. Whiteley). ROCKET TO GLORY then raced fiercely and refused to settle. At the same stage PUNCH ON (P. Hammersley), which had commenced to overrace, laid in across the heels of RED ROYAL (J. Bowditch) and had to be steadied.

PUNCH ON, NOISY OCEAN (E. Wilkinson) and PEPPER JET (R. Wiggins) raced wide throughout.

SHOW A PRINCE had difficulty obtaining clear running until a point approaching the 100m.

DIVINE CITY (C. Munce) was unable to secure clear running until near the final 100m, which resulted in the rider being unable to fully test his mount over the concluding stages.

Stewards sought an explanation from apprentice T. Bell and trainer N. Doyle in respect of the tactics adopted on BIGGLES today which resulted in the horse settling in a rearward position which is in contrast to the horse’s customary racing pattern. Trainer N. Doyle informed stewards that it was his intention to have the horse positioned in the first half of the field as is normal, however apprentice Bell reported to him straight after the race that BIGGLES, despite his urgings, was reluctant to take up a position and did not show its usual early speed. After viewing the film, Mr Doyle informed stewards that he would consider removing the blinkers from BIGGLES for its next start in an attempt to have the horse race in a more prominent position. Apprentice Bell stated that he is familiar with the horse and at its most recent starts it has travelled strongly in the early stages and been able to take up a prominent position without being pressured. He said that today, however, the horse began well but did not show its customary early speed and he was obliged to apply pressure to the horse in the middle stages in order to maintain contact with the field. Their explanations were noted.

E. Wilkinson reported that the saddle on NOISY OCEAN slipped back considerably, which in his view may have had an effect on the horse’s performance.

Race 8: RACING RETRO CLASS 6 PLATE - 1350m
1st – Demanding Miss 2nd – Feuer Drache 3rd – Tomboy 4th – Prost

LEFT STANDING (R. Wiggins) knuckled at the start, shifted out and hampered GHOSTNTHEDARKNESS (B. Richardson).

TOMBOY (J. Byrne) began awkwardly.

VIA DEL CORSO (C. Munce) jumped away awkwardly and then was tightened soon after the start between FEUER DRACHE (R. McMahon) and DEMANDING MISS (T. Berry), which shifted in slightly.

Near the 800m VIA DEL CORSO improved up on to the heels of TOMBOY and when being restrained shifted out making contact with PROST (T. Bell). At the same stage FEUER DRACHE, which was overracing, also had to be restrained from the heels of PUNCH UP (P. Hammersley).

GHOSTNTHEDARKNESS, JACKPOT (P. Keane) and PROST raced wide throughout.

START AGAIN (S. Galloway) had difficulty obtaining clear running from the 300m to the 200m.

When asked to explain the disappointing performance of VIA DEL CORSO, C. Munce stated that the horse pleased him in a track work gallop on Tuesday, but when placed under pressure today failed to respond to his riding. A post-race veterinary examination of VIA DEL CORSO revealed the colt to be suffering from atrial fibrillation. Trainer B. Baldwin was advised that prior to the horse starting again it must perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and the results of an ECG must be produced.


STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Fines
Race 1. D. Kelly - $100 – negligence in engaging rider – AR. 175(k)
Races 4, 5 & 6. B. Stewart - $400 – overweight –AR. 120(b)
Races 1 & 4. R. McMahon - $500 – overweight –AR. 120(b)
Races 6. P. Hammersely - $200 – overweight –AR. 120(b

Race day injuries/illness
Race 5. S. Seamer – dislodged – medical clearance req’d

Absent jockeys
M. Wood – medical clearance req’d

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
Driefontein, Snipzu, Maling, Royal Reign, Nuptse, Inventory, Warrior Girl, Purettan, Susashi, Shadow Buster, Santo De Lago, Hidden Kisses, Via Del Corso, Tomboy, Emvoss, Femina Fashion, Biggles, Rocket To Glory, Pepper Jet, Sizzling

Horses swabbed post-race
All winners and 2nd placegetters in Races 1, 3, 5-8

Warnings/bars
Race 5. MILITARY BRIDE – lame – vet clearance – AR. 8(t)
Race 8. VIA DEL CORSO – atrial fibrillation – barrier trial, results of ECG – AR. 8(t)

Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 1. BUGSYTWOSHOES – P. Keane, PREACHER BOY – J. Brown
Race 4. TOPPING – J. Brown, FIFTEEN CARAT – Matthew Palmer
Race 5. MILITARY BRIDE – J. Bowditch, GRAND BUSINESS – M. Hellyer
Race 6. JAZZ HEART – M. Hellyer, DANAGAZE – J. Taylor, FEMINA FASHION – P. Keane, CAP VILANO – R. Mason
Race 7. EASY SUCCESSFUL – S. Galloway
Race 8. START AGAIN – S. Galloway





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