STEWARDS’ REPORT

GOLD COAST TURF CLUB

Monday, 3 April 2000

WEATHER: FINE TRACK: GOOD

RAIL: OUT 4 METRES

STEWARDS’
PANEL: MR T. BAILEY (CHAIRMAN), MR J. GRAHAM, MR J. HAIGH,
MR D. TAPSALL AND MR M. TUTT (CADET)



RACE 1 – INSTANT SCAFFOLDS HANDICAP – 1200 METRES

CLAYTON GOLD jumped awkwardly and almost dislodged its rider.

HILLBILLY EXPRESS was slow away.

Approaching the 1000 metres HILLBILLY EXPRESS was checked when crowded for room between MANY PIPERS which was overracing and TELFIRE MISS which shifted in whilst racing very greenly. This incident was also compounded as a result of a further shift from the outside by SHOPPING which also was hanging in quite badly. For some distance after this incident MANY PIPERS refused to settle and continually had to be checked off the heels of other runners.

A Veterinary examination of VINCUM was ordered after that gelding finished well beaten. This revealed VINCUM to be suffering from a respiratory infection. As Trainer H. Wilson had commitments at Eagle Farm Stewards will interview him at later date regarding the matter.


RACE 2 – DULUX HANDICAP – 1400 METRES

For some distance in the middle stages of the race PRINCELY POWER refused to settle and raced fiercely with its head in the air.

Near the 500 metres MONTY’S ROAD shifted out and made contact with PLANOVA.

When questioned regarding the manner in which PRINCELY POWER was ridden today Jockey G. DOUGHTY explained that the gelding had a tendency in its previous starts to take charge of its riders in the early stages of its races. For this reason he was instructed to endeavour to settle his mount early and have it travelling but was unable to do so as the horse again had a tendency to overrace and throw its head about until the 700 metres.


RACE 3 – GOLD COAST INTERNATIONAL HANDICAP – 1400 METRES

DUSTY CHIEF jumped awkwardly and lost ground.

Inside the 200 metres GRIEGER GIRL shifted in abruptly causing crowding to DUSTY CHIEF which had to be checked. Stewards were satisfied that M. BENNETT (GRIEGER GIRL) made sufficient effort to try and relieve the situation therefore, no further action was taken.

When questioned regarding the apparent improved performance of PARIS MUSIC today as compared as to its last start at Gatton on the 9th March, 2000, Trainer P. Duff explained that at Gatton it was their intentions to try
and ride the gelding in a forward position due to the structure of the course however, to do this PARIS MUSIC was obliged to cover excessive ground in the early and middle stages to obtain a position closer to the fence. He added as a result of the manner in which it was ridden PARIS MUSIC failed to run on in the straight. His explanation was noted.

N. JOLLY was questioned with regard to the manner in which DUSTY CHIEF was ridden today and he explained that he was instructed to ride his mount in a rearward position as that was its usual racing trait and to place his mount under pressure from the 600 metres and to ensure that it is given an uninterrupted run in the home straight. N. JOLLY added that he was able to carry out his instructions to a certain degree however, was unable to improve his position from the 800 metres when held up behind PARIS MUSIC and to the inside of GRIEGER GIRL. He said that nearing the home turn he was in a position where he was obliged to improve his position to the inside of other runners and nearing the 200 metres his mount was then crowded for room when GRIEGER GIRL shifted in. Trainer M. Palmer confirmed these instructions however, did express some concern as to why DUSTY CHIEF was ridden so far back. In all the circumstances no further action was taken however, N. JOLLY was reminded of his obligations to ensure that his mounts are ridden in such a manner that leaves no room for query.


RACE 4 – GRAND MERCURE HANDICAP – 1200 METRES

For some distance approaching the 200 metres KING’S CARREL had to be eased when disappointed for clear running between BALCREST and HOW HIGH SIR.


RACE 5 – BRIDGESTONE AUSTRALIA HANDICAP – 1400 METRES

MAGICO was slow away.

Near the 300 metres FOREVER GRAND had to be steadied and shifted out to avoid the heels of PYFO which shifted in under pressure. P. CUDDIHY (PYFO) was issued with a reprimand and advised to make a greater effort to keep his mounts on a straight course in future.

Stewards questioned Jockey D. KELLY regarding the poor performance of THE HEAT IS ON today. He explained that his mount travelled well during the race however, when he asked his mount for an effort at the top of the straight it became unbalanced and failed to run on. Trainer M. Campbell could offer no excuses for the performance however, he indicated that he may apply to have the gelding race in blinkers and would ensure that the Stewards were also notified should it develop any condition in the near future. A Veterinary examination of THE HEAT IS ON revealed no obvious abnormality and was sent to be swabbed.

The Club’s Veterinary Surgeon also reported that FOREVER GRAND suffered a laceration to the off hind leg during the race.

When questioned regarding the improved performance of DARCY DANCER today Trainer G. Stewart explained that the gelding had taken some time to come to hand after a five month spell and had benefited from its previous three runs back. He also added that in his opinion DARCY DANCER was somewhat unlucky at its last start at the Gold Coast on the 25th March, 2000, when it had difficulty in obtaining clear running in the straight and he was of the view that DARCY DANCER should have at least run a place on that occasion. Stewards accepted G. Stewart’s explanation.

RACE 6 – ROBINA RETIREMENT SERVICES HANDICAP – 1800 METRES

For some distance leaving the 700 metres BRAND NEW was unable to improve when held up behind a number of runners.

Leaving the 600 metres BRAND NEW was obliged to cover excessive ground to improve and on at least two occasions in the straight Jockey T. DUCKETT had to stop riding and straighten his mount when it was inclined to lay in under pressure.

SILVER SONIC also raced wide for a major part of the race.



RACE 7 – PROGRAMMED MAINTENANCE SERVICES HANDICAP – 1300 METRES

BIJOU DE MER was very fractious in the barriers.

Leaving the 500 metres until approximately the 300 metres IT’S A GUN was unable to improve when held up behind KRONA WALK and DASHING COURIER.



RACE 8 – JIM BEAM BLACK HANDICAP – 1400 METRES

Leaving the 600 metres TERTIARY covered excessive ground and made the home turn very wide.

M. BENNETT (VINCERO) was fined the sum of $100.00 for returning to scale in excess of one-half kilo over his declared weight.

A.COWIE was questioned regarding the manner in which RISING ROYAL was ridden today and he explained that he was instructed to have the gelding in a position where it raced comfortably. Trainer J. Wade confirmed the instructions however, felt that due to RISING ROYAL being ridden closer to the lead in his opinion may have contributed to its disappointing performance today. A Veterinary examination of RISING ROYAL revealed no obvious abnormality.




EIGHT WINNERS PLUS THE HEAT IS ON WERE SENT TO BE SWABBED