RACING QUEENSLAND

STEWARDS REPORT


BRISBANE RACING CLUB

EAGLE FARM – SATURDAY, 30 APRIL 2011

WEATHER – FINE RAIL – 2.5M (400m-1000m); True Remainder
TRACK RATING – HEAVY 8/SLOW 7 (Race 2 - Race 8)

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – W. Birch
Stewards – D. Aurisch, J. Dart, G. Palmer, T. Quick, C. Albrecht
Betting Steward – M. Sweeney
Clerk of Scales – C. Fedrick
Judge – R. Morley
Veterinarian – C. Johnson
Swab attendants – K. Warwick, A. Challen, F. Andrews, R. Gonchee, S. Flynn, M. Johnstone
Bookmakers Supervisor – W. Flynn
Starter – M. Henderson
Stewards Secretary – W. Ostrofski

Race 1: BECKS QTIS TWO-YEARS-OLD H'CAP – 1200m
1st – Lucky Morna 2nd – Paladin 3rd – Easy Successful 4th – Collector

Stewards accepted the explanation tendered by trainer B. Guy for the late declaration of L. Cassidy as the rider of EASY SUCCESSFUL.

LAVISH LIFESTYLE (Matthew Palmer) and SPURTASTIC (J. Byrne) made contact on jumping away.

FEROKKA (E. Wilkinson) jumped away awkwardly.

EASY SUCCESSFUL (L. Cassidy) raced three wide without cover throughout.

J. Byrne reported at scale that SPURTASTIC did not handle the rain-affected surface. Trainer C. Williamson agreed with jockey Byrne’s assessment and advised stewards that it is his intention to proceed with the horse’s current preparation.

J. Cassidy reported that BITUMINOUS, after beginning well, commenced to hang out approaching the 1000m and did so for a major part of the remainder of the race and proved difficult to ride. A post-race veterinary examination of BITUMINOUS revealed no significant findings.

Stewards sought an explanation from E. Wilkinson regarding the performance of FEROKKA. E. Wilkinson explained that the filly was fractious in the barriers and jumped away awkwardly and he then had to ride aggressively in the early stages to take up a forward position and when racing to the outside of the leader FEROKKA travelled comfortably but when placed under pressure upon straightening did not respond to his riding and was disappointing. E. Wilkinson added that FEROKKA was not entirely suited to today’s rain-affected track, although the manner in which it weakened in the home straight could not be attributed to the prevailing track conditions. Trainer J. McLachlan advised that FEROKKA had worked very well leading up to today’s race and he was of the view that the filly did not handle today’s heavy track conditions. He advised that it would be his intention to give FEROKKA a short let-up and he undertook to report to stewards in the coming days the results of a veterinary examination that will be carried out at his stables. A post-race veterinary examination of FEROKKA revealed no abnormalities.

Following the running of Race 1 the track was upgraded to SLOW 7.

Race 2: BUDWEISER BENCHMARK 89 H’CAP - 1000m
1st – Nickiera 2nd – Sarge In Charge 3rd – Anyways 4th – Honest Truth

SARGE IN CHARGE (P. Hammersley) was slow to begin.

Apprentice M. Hellyer, the rider of ANYWAYS, was reprimanded under AR. 137A(4)(b) for raising his whip above shoulder height.

A post-race veterinary examination of ANYWAYS (M. Hellyer) revealed no significant findings.

Race 3: HEINEKEN CLASS 6 PLATE - 1600m
1st – Primed 2nd – Heartshaker 3rd – Craquelure 4th – Imperial Command

Correct weight was delayed to allow J. Byrne (IMPERIAL COMMAND) and trainer J. McLachlan an opportunity to view the photo finish for 3rd.

PRIMED (S. Seamer) was tightened for room shortly after the start between PUNCH UP (J. Bowditch) and AMERICAN GANGSTER (N. Thomas), which was taken out by MOTOWN LADY (T. Bell).

AMERICAN GANGSTER overraced in the early stages.

S. Seamer reported at scale that PRIMED hung in throughout the event.

Stewards sought an explanation from apprentice T. Bell in regards to the seemingly disappointing performance of MOTOWN LADY. Apprentice Bell stated that the pace was slow in the early stages and as a result he settled in a more forward position than the mare’s usual racing pattern. T. Bell added that MOTOWN LADY travelled comfortably and he was able to improve it into the race rounding the home turn. He further added that MOTOWN LADY was a little reluctant to take a tight run to the inside of PUNCH UP (J. Bowditch) in the early part of the straight, however once the run fully opened MOTOWN LADY failed to accelerate and proved disappointing.

HEARTSHAKER (L. Cassidy) lost its near fore plate in running.

A post-race veterinary examination of PUNCH UP, which compounded in the straight, revealed the gelding to be lame in the near foreleg and to have a slower than normal recovery rate. Trainer P. Balzen was advised that he must produce a veterinary clearance for PUNCH UP prior to its next start.


Race 4: JAMES SQUIRE 'THE CHANCER' GOLDEN ALE TAILS STAKES - 2136m
1st – Royal Reign 2nd – Little Stranger 3rd – Winmara 4th – Tabulate

HUMMA (L. Cassidy) jumped away awkwardly and shifted out hampering WINMARA (Matthew Palmer).

C. Munce, the rider of ROYAL REIGN, dropped his whip near the 200m.

Stewards sought an explanation from S. Galloway, the rider of LITTLE STRANGER, as to the reasons he vacated his position on the fence to race wider on the track from a point leaving the 600m, which enabled ROYAL REIGN (C. Munce) to gather momentum and obtain the lead to his inside near the 500m. S. Galloway stated that during discussions with trainer B. Smith they agreed, taking into account the pattern of the first few races, that the ground on the inside was inferior to that wider on the track in the home straight and therefore Mr Smith instructed him to move wider approaching the home turn to ensure he had an opportunity to progress wider on the track at the entrance to the straight. After stewards confirmed the instructions with trainer B. Smith, S. Galloway’s explanation was accepted.

Race 5: KIRIN TWO METRO WINS-LAST YEAR H'CAP - 1400m
1st – Dee Bee Nine 2nd – Steel Lips 3rd – Mr Orient 4th – Charming Rogue

MR ORIENT was presented late in the enclosure due to being reshod.

IN REHEARSAL (E. Wilkinson) was slow to begin.

MR ORIENT (P. Hammersley) and TISANI BOY (D. Gauci) overraced in the early stages.

MR SLICK (J. Bowditch), when overracing near the 900m, had to be restrained off the heels of CHARMING ROGUE (G. Colless).

G. Colless reported at scale that CHARMING ROGUE laid in when placed under pressure in the straight.

When questioned, M. Palmer, the rider of CHANGING EYES, explained that from the wide barrier, rather than being caught wide he elected to ride the gelding in a forward position today which resulted in him settling in a position outside of the leader near the 1000m.

Race 6: JAMES SQUIRE SUNDOWN AUSTRALIAN LAGER GUNSYND CLASSIC - 1600m
1st – Chateau Fort 2nd – Equissential 3rd – Igles Star 4th – Snip ‘N’ Duck

At the request of G. Colless, SLICE AND DICE underwent a veterinary examination behind the barriers and was cleared to start.

LAUDIT (S. Seamer), MAN FROM OZ (C. Munce) and UNDERTHEBONNET (J. Wood) were slow to begin.

HOUR OF PERIL (J. Byrne) began awkwardly.

A short distance after the start MAN FROM OZ had to be steadied from the heels of FROM LONDON (S. Galloway) which was taken out by CRAIGELLACHIE (Matthew Palmer).

Near the 1300m LAUDIT improved up on to the heels of CHATEAU FORT (D. Browne) and was continually steadied off that runner. MAN FROM OZ, which was following, improved up on to the heels of LAUDIT and was steadied and shifted out and in doing so hampered UNDERTHEBONNET and HOUR OF PERIL.

Approaching the 1000m LEVI'S CHOICE (J. Cassidy) improved up on to the heels of FILLYDELPHIA (L. Cassidy) and had to be steadied.

SNIP 'N' DUCK (S. Scriven) overraced in the middle stages.

SLICE AND DICE (G. Colless), EQUISSENTIAL (P. Wolfgram), ALTAI WARRIOR (R. Wiggins) and SATCH (P. Hammersley) raced wide throughout.

After passing the 600m FILLYDELPHIA improved up on to the heels of IGLES STAR (J. Taylor) and had to be restrained.

LEVI'S CHOICE shifted out to improve near the 500m which resulted in EQUISSENTIAL being taken wider on the track.

Leaving the 300m CHATEAU FORT shifted out which resulted in KISS ME DEADLY (B. Stewart) being inconvenienced and taken out and making contact with FILLYDELPHIA, which shifted out and hampered LEVI'S CHOICE.

In the early stages of the home straight FILLYDELPHIA was held up and unable to improve when awkwardly placed at the heels of KISS ME DEADLY.

After passing the 200m FILLYDELPHIA was tightened between EQUISSENTIAL and SLICE AND DICE which shifted out under pressure.

Stewards sought an explanation from J. Cassidy regarding the performance of LEVI'S CHOICE. J. Cassidy explained that the gelding seemed agitated prior to the race and in the early stages settled in a favourable trailing position behind FILLYDELPHIA, but from the 800m he became concerned as LEVI'S CHOICE was not travelling comfortably and when placed under pressure approaching the home turn did not quicken as he expected and proved disappointing in the home straight. Trainer J. Thompson agreed with J. Cassidy that LEVI'S CHOICE seemed to be agitated prior to the race. Mr Thompson added that whilst the horse had done well since arriving in Brisbane during the week, he suggested that LEVI'S CHOICE may be feeling the effects of its last start on a heavy track. A post-race veterinary examination of LEVI'S CHOICE revealed no abnormalities.

A post-race veterinary examination of SLICE AND DICE revealed the gelding to be lame in the off foreleg and to be also suffering from the thumps. Trainer L. Birchley will be advised that he must produce a veterinary certificate of fitness for the gelding prior to it racing again.

L. Cassidy was provided with the opportunity of explaining the performance of FILLYDELPHIA. L. Cassidy explained that FILLYDELPHIA travelled comfortably in the early and middle stages and although he had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the home straight the filly was disappointing once able to secure clear running. Trainer R. Heathcote was also disappointed with the performance of FILLYDELPHIA and undertook to report to stewards anything that may come to light in coming days which may have had an effect on the performance. Following this he would make an assessment as to whether to continue with FILLYDELPHIA’s current preparation.

D. Gauci, the rider of GHOSTNTHEDARKNESS, reported to stewards that he was instructed to ride the horse so as to ensure a genuine tempo throughout the race, however GHOSTNTHEDARKNESS did not handle the prevailing track conditions and commenced to tire from the 600m.

Race 7: BRISBANE RACING CLUB VICTORY STAKES - 1200m
1st – Buffering 2nd – Atomic Force 3rd – Azzaland 4th – Albert The Fat

AZZALAND (S. Scriven) began awkwardly and shifted out forcing MY FIRST AFFAIR (Michael Palmer) out on to BUFFERING (L. Cassidy).

ALBERT THE FAT (E. Wilkinson) began awkwardly and shifted in tightening WOORIM (D. Browne).

Near the 1000m BUFFERING shifted in taking AZZALAND in on to ATOMIC FORCE (G. Colless), which was steadied. In this incident MY FIRST AFFAIR, which was following, was also steadied off the heels of ATOMIC FORCE. L. Cassidy, the rider of BUFFERING, was issued with a reprimand under AR. 137(a).

C. Munce was reprimanded under AR. 137(b) for failing to ride ZERO ROCK out to the finish line.

Stewards questioned both G. Colless, the rider of ATOMIC FORCE, and S. Scriven, the rider of AZZALAND, regarding the tactics those riders adopted in the early stages whereby they allowed BUFFERING to cross their running in the early part of the race and obtain the lead which led to a slower than average first half sectional time. G. Colless advised that he was instructed to ride his mount with a sit and was told specifically not to ride the horse aggressively from the barriers as it has a history of overracing when ridden in that manner. S. Scriven explained that he was reluctant to be aggressive on AZZALAND in the early stages as the gelding, in his view, has to be ridden conservatively to assist it in running out a strong 1200m. Whilst he conceded that BUFFERING was able to set a slow pace in the middle stages he felt it would have been detrimental to his own horse’s chances to apply pressure to BUFFERING through that section of the race. Both explanations were accepted.

Race 8: XXXX SUMMER BRIGHT LAGER CLASS 6 PLATE -1200m
1st – Favela Star 2nd – In A Bind 3rd – General Purple 4th – Show A Lion

SHOW A LION HEART (S. Seamer) and PUMPLECHOOK (J. Byrne) were slow to begin.

JUNGLE HEAT (S. Galloway), which raced extremely wide throughout, hung out in the middle stages.

SLUGSBROTHERNUGGET (T. Bell), GENERAL PURPLE (R. McMahon) and LEGISLATURE (M. Hellyer) raced wide throughout.

S. Seamer reported that SHOW A LION HEART lost ground in the early part of the straight when it was reluctant to occupy a tight position between DR BARNARD (J. Bowditch) and GENERAL PURPLE.

Stewards sought an explanation from trainer L. Birchley in regards to the seemingly improved performance of FAVELA STAR (P. Hammersley). L. Birchley said that historically the horse had taken a couple of runs to reach peak fitness and at its two previous starts it had gone up to win on both occasions and just faded over the concluding stages. Mr Birchley added that he would rather not have backed the horse up today, however was unable to find suitable races for it for some time subsequent to today’s race.


STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 2. App. M. Hellyer – raise whip above shoulder height – AR. 137A(4)(b)
Race 7. C. Munce – fail to ride mount out to finish line – AR. 137(b)
Race 7. L. Cassidy – careless riding – AR. 137(a)

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
Steel Lips, Mr Slick, Kiss Me Deadly, Levi's Choice, Pumplechook, Buffering, Catallion, Zero Rock, Atomic Force, Lavish Lifestyle, Paladin, Dee Bee Nine, Molotov, Royal Reign, Little Stranger, Motown Lady, Heartshaker, Sarge In Charge, Fidakat, Borsha's Warrior,

Horses swabbed post-race
All winners, In A Bind, Atomic Force, Equissential, Steel Lips, Heartshaker, Paladin

Warnings/bars
Race 3. PUNCH UP – lame, poor recovery rate – veterinary clearance – AR. 8(t)
Race 6. SLICE AND DICE lame, thumps – veterinary clearance – AR. 8(t)

Summary of rider changes/Late notifications

Race 1: 6 EASY SUCCESSFUL – L. Cassidy