RACING QUEENSLAND

STEWARDS REPORT


TATTERSALL’S RACING CLUB

EAGLE FARM – SATURDAY, 23 JULY 2011

WEATHER – FINE TRACK RATING – GOOD 3 RAIL – OUT 2M
PENETROMETER – 4.1M

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – W. Birch
Stewards – D. Aurisch, P. Gillard, C. Albrecht, D. Harrison
Betting Steward – M. Sweeney
Clerk of Scales – C. Fedrick
Judge – R. Morley
Veterinarian – C. Johnson
Swab attendants – M. Johnston, K. Warwick, B. Andrews, S. Flynn
Bookmakers Supervisor – W. Flynn
Starter – S. Ehlers
Stewards Secretary – W. Ostrofski

Race 1: HARDY BROTHERS JEWELLERS CLASS 6 H’CAP - 1810m
1st – Diago 2nd – Epic 3rd – Lovingthelimelight 4th – Sunshine Angel

Connections advised that If circumstances permit and EPIC (L. Cassidy) begins well, the intentions will be to ride the horse in a forward position. The horse was ridden accordingly. After being slow to begin EPIC raced three wide in the early stages before being ridden forward to assume the lead approaching the 1500m.

FIRE BREAK (Matthew Palmer) was slow to begin.

Rounding the turn near the 1600m DIAGO (P. Hammersley) hung out resulting in CERAMIC (C. Munce) and FIRE BREAK being inconvenienced.

CRAIC OF MAGIC (O. Turpin) raced three wide throughout.

Stewards sought an explanation from jockey C. Munce and trainer T. Hall in respect to the seemingly disappointing performance of CERAMIC. Jockey Munce stated that it was his intention to race in a position just off the speed, however the mare was again slow to begin today and as a result he settled further back than he would have liked. C. Munce added that the mare raced keenly in parts of the race at its first attempt at 1800m but he was nonetheless disappointed with today’s performance. Trainer T. Hall agreed with jockey Munce’s comments in respect to the horse’s racing position after missing the start and in view of the horse’s performance advised stewards that he would be looking for suitable races over lesser distance up to a mile.

Stewards sought an explanation from jockey J. Byrne and trainer R. Heathcote in respect to seemingly disappointing performance of SAM’S TOWN. J. Byrne stated that the horse travelled comfortably in a position worse than midfield and he was satisfied given the tempo of the race that SAM’S TOWN would finish the race off strongly, however the horse was impeded for clear running in the straight, but even taking this into account jockey Byrne was disappointed with the horse’s finishing effort. Trainer R. Heathcote also advised stewards that he was disappointed with the effort of SAM’S TOWN but felt that after viewing the films the horse was reluctant to press through a narrow run to the inside of SUNSHINE ANGEL (R. McMahon) in the straight. Mr Heathcote added that when the horse had room in the straight inside the final 100m, he was satisfied with the way the horse finished the race off and in future would instruct riders to get to the outside in the straight where possible. A post-race veterinary examination of SAM’S TOWN revealed no abnormalities.

Jockey L. Cassidy reported that EPIC overraced in the early part of the race.

Race 2: HAMILTON HOTEL QTIS 2YO H’CAP - 1500m
1st – Biggles 2nd – Peppered Black 3rd – Denwood 4th – Red Royal

Trainer B. Guy advised that, from the wide barrier, it would be the intention to have RED ROYAL (L. Cassidy) ridden quieter today. Trainer B. Guy was reminded of his obligations in respect of advising of change of tactics in accordance with AR. 135A and inform stewards no later than when the order to mount is given by stewards prior to the race. Following the event Mr Guy reported that RED ROYAL would now be sent for a spell.

THE INVENTOR (A. Mundy) and WISHBONE JACK (R. McMahon) made contact on jumping away. WISHBONE JACK then shifted in and bumped DENWOOD (T. Bell).

NOT TO SHARE (A. Butler) raced extremely wide throughout.

MR MOTO (O. Turpin) and THE INVENTOR raced three wide throughout the event.

Near the 1000m COSSOTTO (Matthew Palmer), which had commenced to overrace, had to be steadied when tightened for room by CALLAN PARK (R. Wiggins), which shifted in. Whilst stewards acknowledged that COSSOTTO had a tendency to overrace at the relevant time, R. Wiggins was nonetheless reprimanded and advised that he must give sufficient clearance in future when shifting ground.

Near the 400m TEHUTI (P. Hammersley) faltered and had to be steadied when disappointed for a run between DENWOOD and COSSOTTO which was weakening. A short distance later THE INVENTOR shifted out around the heels of TEHUTI, making contact with RED ROYAL.

Near the 100m TEHUTI had to be steadied when THE INVENTOR shifted in.
Apprentice A. Butler (NOT TO SHARE), M. Gray (SPINHRO) and jockey L. Cassidy (RED ROYAL) were reprimanded for failing to ride their mounts out to the line.

Stewards sought an explanation from jockey P. Hammersley in respect to the seemingly disappointing performance of TEHUTI. Jockey Hammersley stated that the horse seemed agitated today prior to the event and was slow to begin and did not travel as kindly as he would have liked when racing in amongst other horses. P. Hammersley added that TEHUTI had a tendency to lay in from a point near the 600m and whilst it was held up for clear running in the early part of the straight behind the tiring COSSOTTO, when he was able to obtain clear running the horse’s finishing effort was only fair. Trainer B. Hill was unable to explain the disappointing performance of TEHUTI and it is his intention to proceed with the current preparation with a view to stepping the horse up in distance. A post-race veterinary examination of TEHUTI revealed no abnormalities.

R. McMahon, the rider of WISHBONE JACK, advised that at the start his saddle shifted which resulted in the gelding having a tendency to overrace and as he would have been caught wide he elected to proceed forward to obtain the lead after passing the 1100m.

Race 3: SOUTHBANK INSURANCE BROKERS BENCHMARK 90 H’CAP - 2112m
1st – Simmering 2nd – King Of The Nile 3rd – Little Stranger 4th – Fantastic Blue

Trainer J. Morrisey advised that LAKE GEORGE (C. Munce) will be ridden in a handy position with cover if possible. The horse was ridden accordingly.

Connections advised that LOVES A CHALLENGE (R. Wiggins) would be ridden in a more forward position today if circumstances permitted.

KING OF THE NILE (N. Thomas), ZI MUSIC (S. Apthorpe) and WALPERSDORF (P. Hammersley) were slow to begin.

EDDIE RAPIDO (J. Bowditch) overraced for a short distance in the early stages.

Race 4: DES LAMBART MEMORIAL CLASS 6 PLATE - 1400m
1st – Solzhenitsyn 2nd – Belltone 3rd – Unsupervised 4th – Ausworld

BELLTONE (C. Munce) shifted out at the start and made contact with UNSUPERVISED (L. Cassidy).

A short distance after the start WHITE PHOSPHORUS (L. Rolls) had to be steadied when tightened for room between SCHIPPER (T. Bell), which shifted out slightly, and HEARTSUN (D. Browne), which shifted in when not sufficiently clear. D. Browne was issued with a reprimand and advised to make a greater effort to provide his fellow riders with sufficient racing room in future.

For a short distance approaching the 1200m SCHIPPER overraced at the heels of THREE SWALLOWS (R. McMahon).

Leaving the 1200m UNSUPERVISED, which was racing keenly, had to be steadied when momentarily tightened for room between WHITE PHOSPHORUS and SOLZHENITSYN (J. Byrne), both of which shifted ground slightly.

KELLY (B. Looker) and I’M RUTHLESS (P. Hammersley) raced wide throughout.

SOLZHENITSYN and HEARTSUN (D. Browne) overraced in the middle stages.

Leaving the 400m UNSUPERVISED shifted out to obtain clear running and made contact with WHITE PHOSPHORUS.

SCHIPPER had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the straight and approaching the 200m had to be steadied when momentarily impeded between THREE SWALLOWS and MR ORIENT (J. Bowditch), which shifted in slightly.

Race 5: CARLTON DRAUGHT COUNTRY CUP SPECIAL CONDITIONS H’CAP - 1200m
1st – Tea Tattle 2nd – Heart To Fear 3rd – God’s Window 4th – Cyclone Brad

As apprentice S. Munro was injured and no available apprentice was able to take advantage of any claim, permission was granted for N. Thomas to ride KING OF DRIFT.

Stable representative Ms Debbie Hansen was issued with a reprimand for presenting PERUGIN THOUGHT (A. Butler) without its tongue tie, which was part of the gelding’s normal gear. Stewards accepted the explanation tendered by Ms Hansen for the late presentation of PERUGIN THOUGHT.

PIMPALA LASS (K. Fuji), RATTLE 'N' RUN (O. Turpin) and KING OF DRIFT (N. Thomas) were slow to begin.

PERUGIN THOUGHT (A. Butler) raced three wide without cover throughout.

CHARLTONIAN (Matthew Palmer) raced extremely wide throughout before compounding badly in the home straight.

CYCLONE BRAD (J. Byrne), ANCHOR BOLT (S. Apthorpe) and TEA TATTLE (G. Geran) raced three wide throughout.

G. Geran, the rider of TEA TATTLE, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR. 137(a) in that over the concluding stages he failed to make sufficient effort to prevent his mount shifting in, resulting in PERUGIN THOUGHT having to be checked to avoid the heels of TEA TATTLE, and further that he permitted his mount to shift in resulting in CYCLONE BRAD having to be checked to avoid the heels of TEA TATTLE. G. Geran’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 8 meetings, with the term of suspension to run concurrently with the term of suspension imposed in Race 8.

On return to scale apprentice A. Butler reported that PERUGIN THOUGHT hung out for a major part of the race. Stable representative Ms Debbie Hansen was advised of this and she indicated that PERUGIN THOUGHT would now be sent for an immediate spell.

Stewards sought an explanation from trainer J. Dann in regards to the seemingly improved performance of TEA TATTLE. Mr Dann informed stewards that the horse does not appreciate racing amongst other runners and it its last start was reluctant to improve between other runners in the straight and did not make ground. Mr Dann said that he had consistently instructed his riders to get the horse to the outside and he felt that jockey Geran’s ability to do so today was the principal reason for the horse’s improved performance.

G. Geran, the rider of TEA TATTLE, was fined $200 for weighing in overweight.



Race 6: TATTERSALL’S ARCADE OPEN H’CAP - 1200m
1st – Tierqualo 2nd – Age Of Heroes 3rd – Favela Star 4th – Koranovsky

THE SIXTIES (A. Butler), FAVELA STAR (T. Bell) and KORANOVSKY (L. Cassidy) raced wide throughout.

P. Hammersley, the rider of BRIGADOON JACK, was reprimanded for permitting his mount to shift in near the 1000m, taking ROCKDALE (B. Looker) in on to AGE OF HEROES (D. Browne), which had to be steadied.

A post-race veterinary examination of BRIGADOON JACK revealed no abnormalities.

Race 7: TATTERSALL’S MILE - 1600m
1st – Work The Room 2nd –Silent Movie 3rd – Frozone 4th – Absent Friends

Trainer B. Baldwin advised that if possible CICARELLI (C. Munce) will settle in a better than midfield position with cover.

ABSENT FRIENDS (T. Bell) was slow to begin.

CICARELLI and SECRETS UNTOLD (L. Cassidy) raced wide throughout.

ABSENT FRIENDS was unable to obtain clear running in the home straight until near the 150m.

Stewards sought an explanation from R. Wiggins regarding the performance of HUME. R. Wiggins stated that he had to apply pressure on the gelding to get it to travel in the early and middle stages and when he placed HUME under pressure in the home straight it had a tendency to lay in, which necessitated him changing the whip over to his right hand and during this time HUME was awkwardly placed at the heels of CICARELLI and could not improve. Nonetheless, R. Wiggins was still disappointed in its finishing effort.

Apprentice L. Rolls, the rider of SOPHIE'S SPIRIT, was asked to explain the riding tactics he adopted on that mare, in particular, when leading, the reason for setting a fast tempo, going through the first 1000m in 58.8 seconds. L. Rolls explained that he was instructed to lead on the mare and if pressured by another runner, to allow the mare to stride forward so as to ensure that it was unchallenged in the lead. Trainer M. Hinton confirmed the instructions and was of the opinion that the speed set in the first 1000m may have been a little too fast and considering this he was not disappointed with the mare’s performance. Stewards advised L. Rolls that it would have been a better option to attempt to restrain SOPHIE'S SPIRIT in the middle stages to conserve the horse for a finishing effort. Stewards were of the opinion that his riding did not fall below the requisite standard under the rules and took no direct action.

Stewards sought an explanation from D. Browne, the rider of MYSTICAL GREY, in respect to its disappointing performance. D. Browne stated that an opportunity presented itself to trail SOPHIE'S SPIRIT (L. Rolls) and he felt that this was his best option, however in hindsight, given the tempo in the early stages, jockey Browne felt that MYSTICAL GREY raced too close to the speed and as a result did not finish the race off as expected even though he had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the straight. Trainer C. Stott expressed disappointment at the gelding’s effort and informed stewards that he intended to spell MYSTICAL GREY.

Race 8: TOTAL SPORTS TRAVEL QTIS 3YO H’CAP - 1500m
1st – Chandra 2nd – Emoticon 3rd – River Lad 4th – Craigellachie

FOREVER GENTLE (L. Rolls) was a late scratching at 4.27 p.m. by stewards acting on veterinary advice that the horse was lame in the near foreleg. On the announcement of correct weight, stewards ordered that all monies invested on FOREVER GENTLE be refunded, with no other alteration to betting. Trainer P. Sexton was advised that he must produce a veterinary clearance for FOREVER GENTLE prior to its next start.

CRAIGELLACHIE (Matthew Palmer) and HIDDEN BABE (A. Mundy) were slow to begin.

Near the 1100m SCENE OF THE CRIME (O. Turpin) had to be steadied when tightened for room between EQUISSENTIAL (D. Browne) and TOMBOY (M. Hellyer), which shifted in slightly.

RIVER LAD (R. Wiggins) raced three wide without cover throughout.

LE CONNOISSEUR (S. Seamer) and NEKOTORI (R. McMahon) also raced three wide throughout.

In the early part of the straight RODRIGEUZ (L. Cassidy) and CRAIGELLACHIE were held up for clear running and near the 300m RODRIGEUZ, when attempting a run between SNIP 'N' DUCK (A. Butler) and HIDDEN BABE became awkward on the heels of SNIP 'N' DUCK.

D. Browne, the rider of EQUISSENTIAL, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR. 137(a) in that near the 250m he permitted his mount to shift out when insufficiently clear of HAMPDEN (P. Hammersley), resulting in EQUISSENTIAL making heavy contact with HAMPDEN, which became very unbalanced. D. Browne’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 9 meetings, with the term of suspension to commence at midnight on Sunday, 24 July, and expire at midnight on Tuesday, 9 August 2011.

G. Geran, the rider of CHANDRA, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR. 137(a) in that near the 200m he failed to make sufficient to prevent his mount shifting in, resulting in EMOTICON having to be checked to avoid the heels of CHANDRA. G. Geran’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 9 meetings, with the term of suspension to commence at midnight on Saturday, 30 July, and expire at midnight on Saturday, 13 August 2011.

P. Hammersley was provided with the opportunity of explaining the performance of HAMPDEN. He explained that the gelding did not travel comfortably as a result of the fast tempo in the early stages, and in an endeavour to get the horse to travel he steadied the horse to a midfield position in the middle stages of the race. P. Hammersley stated that whilst the horse struck interference down the running he was disappointed with its performance and attributed the performance to the sharp rise in weight today.

Stewards sought an explanation from M. Hellyer regrading the performance of TOMBOY. He explained that the filly was travelling well and he was unable to secure clear running in the early stages of the home straight and approaching the 300m was steadied from the heels of HIDDEN BABE when that runner shifted out slightly under pressure. M. Hellyer added that following this he was again unable to secure clear running until inside the final 100m.

STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 1. App. A. Butler – fail to ride mount out to line – AR. 137(b)
Race 1. M. Gray – fail to ride mount out to line – AR. 137(b)
Race 1. L. Cassidy – fail to ride mount out to line – AR. 137(b)
Race 2. R. Wiggins – careless riding – AR. 137(a)
Race 4. D. Browne – careless riding – AR. 137(a)
Race 5. Tnr’s rep. D. Hansen – present horse with incorrect gear – AR. 140A
Race 6 P. Hammersley – careless riding – AR. 137(a)

Fines
Race 5. G. Geran – $200 – weigh in overweight – AR. 145

Suspensions
Race 5. G. Geran – careless riding – 8 mtgs (concurrent with susp. in Race 8) – AR. 137(a)
Race 8. D. Browne – careless riding – 9 mtgs (24.7.11-9.8.11) – AR. 137(a)
Race 8. G. Geran – careless riding – 9 mtgs (30.7.11-13.8.11) – AR. 137(a)

Absent jockeys
S. Munro – injured – medical cert
S. Galloway – injured – medical cert

Adjourned inquiries
Race 7. ABSENT FRIENDS – Tnr. L. Mayfield-Smith to be interviewed re late rider

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
Benefaction, Sunshine Angel, Perugin Thought, Fire Break, Missy Windy Weepu, The Inventor, King Of The Nile, Ceramic, Denwood, Belltone, Stag, Simmering, Koranovsky, Brigadoon Jack, Work The Room, Nicole Amy, Spot On Target, Forever Gentle, Hampden

Horses swabbed post-race
ALL WINNERS, Epic, Peppered Black, Age Of Heroes, Emoticon

Warnings/bars
Race 8. FOREVER GENTLE – lame near foreleg, late scratching – veterinary clearance – AR. 8(t)

Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 2. COSSOTTO – Matthew Palmer
Race 4. CATALLION – Matthew Palmer
Race 5. KING OF DRIFT – N. Thomas
Race 7. ABSENT FRIENDS – T. Bell

Late scratchings
Race 8. FOREVER GENTLE – 4.27 p.m. – lame, at barriers