QUEENSLAND TURF CLUB STEWARDS REPORT SAT. 26.01.02

STEWARDS PANEL: Mr A Reardon (Chairman), Mr J Hackett, Mr C Clifford, Mr C McLune, Mr R Sanders, Mr W Birch

WEATHER – FINE TRACK - GOOD RAIL – IN TRUE POSITION

RACE 1: W GLASSON H'CAP – 1600M

NEUTRAL SKY was slow to begin.

In the early stages of the straight VALIANT BID was held up for clear running.

When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of THE IRON PIKE, G Colless stated that the gelding had travelled well through the event, however approaching the home turn when endeavouring to hold its position when the pace quickened, THE IRON PIKE lost ground quickly and in his opinion was very disappointing. A veterinary examination of THE IRON PIKE subsequent to the event failed to reveal any abnormality.

RACE 2: J C CLARK SUPER QRIS ADDED STAKES H'CAP – 1200M

DIFFICULT jumped away awkwardly.

Shortly after the start ORIGIN HERO shifted out causing THE BOWRAL BATSMAN to be checked. At the same stage BLAZING DANCER had to be steadied to avoid the heels of STAND TO OVATION which shifted out.

When brushed by SIT HERE DEAR approaching the 1000m, ORIGIN HERO was reluctant to hold its position inside that runner and lost ground. THE BOWRAL BATSMAN, which was following, also had to be steadied.

After leaving the 800m BLAZING DANCER shifted out to avoid the heels of FLASH VALENTINE, forcing DIFFICULT wider on the track.

RACE 3: J H BARNES H'CAP – 1800M

VOLCANIC HURRAH reared as the gates opened and lost ground.

When questioned regarding the performance of FRENCH MOVIE STAR, M Cahill reported that he was instructed to ride the gelding quietly, however was under pressure prior to the 600m and failed to respond to his riding. A veterinary examination of FRENCH MOVIE STAR failed to reveal any abnormality and a swab sample was taken.

RACE 4: W H BUCHANAN SUPER QRIS ADDED STAKES H'CAP – 1200M

STAR OF TELESTO was slow to begin.

BRAVE ACTION was inclined to race ungenerously in the early stages.

Passing the 1000m PRINCESS CLANG, which was racing ungenerously, had to be restrained off the heels of NATTIE.

Near the 950m BIONIC NED had to be checked when tightened for room by POETIC HEIGHTS which shifted in. Whilst stewards acknowledged that Z Purton, the rider of POETIC HEIGHTS, was unable to relieve the tightening to BIONIC NED when STAR OF TELESTO improved to its outside, he was nonetheless reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he must exercise more care.

Near the 700m SUNDAE JESTER shifted out from behind the heels of MIGHTY STRONGHOLD and in doing so tightened the running of POETIC HEIGHTS.

Near the 650m BIONIC NED was hampered and taken wider on the track by BRAVE ACTION.

Approaching the home turn MIGHTY STRONGHOLD had to be checked when attempting to improve to the inside of KILLACHI where there was insufficient room.

Shortly after entering the straight, KILLACHI shifted out to improve and made contact with PRINCESS CLANG.

G Colless, the rider of STAR OF TELESTO, accidentally dropped his whip leaving the 300m.

The Club's veterinary surgeon reported that STAR OF TELESTO sustained a laceration to the outside of the off hind fetlock.

RACE 5: W KENT H'CAP – 1500M

RED PYRAMID was slow to begin.

RACE 6: J CADELL-GARRICK H'CAP – 1200M

Making the first turn EMINENT CHEVAL had to be steadied to avoid the heels of KULNURA which shifted in. G Colless, the rider of KULNURA, was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure he is fully clear when shifting ground in future.

SAHARA COVET was obliged to race wide throughout the event.

S Galloway reported that PIONEER was inclined to hang out throughout the race and near the 100m shifted out abruptly and he was of the opinion that there was something amiss with the gelding. On returning to scale PIONEER was examined by the Club's veterinary surgeon who could find no abnormality.

RACE 7: J M GRAY-BUCHANAN H'CAP – 1000M

REGAL CLASS was slow to begin and was hampered shortly after the start by TURF ACE which shifted in.

Near the 600m TURF ACE shifted out forcing SISTER IN LAW wider on the track.

When racing wide on the track approaching the crossing at the 600m, BETTER WAKE UP was inclined to race ungenerously.

Approaching the home turn HE'S UNFORGETTABLE had to be checked off the heels of IRISH BUNNY.

Rounding the home turn IRISH BUNNY had to be steadied off the heels of UNTITLED which shifted in. Shortly after entering the straight, IRISH BUNNY was accidentally struck across the head by the whip of apprentice B Albuino, the rider of UNTITLED.

SASSI SWITCH was held up for clear running behind the tiring TURF ACE from the 400m to the 200m.

HE'S UNFORGETTABLE and REGAL CLASS were held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight.

K Pope reported that his saddle shifted back on SISTER IN LAW, placing him at a disadvantage for the race.

RACE 8: M RYAN H'CAP – 1300M

Apprentice Z Purton was fined $100 by the starter for failing to obey a direction.

Near the 1200m BAGOLINO shifted in and made contact with KISSES.

Approaching the first turn BEAU BELLO raced tight to the outside of DAMIGOS and as a result both horses made contact on a number of occasions.

Near the 50m VANISHING POWDER shifted out under pressure, which obliged its rider L Cook to stop riding and straighten her mount.

ALL WINNERS AND FRENCH MOVIE STAR WERE SENT TO BE SWABBED.