STEWARDS REPORT GOLD COAST TURF CLUB

WED. 7 JANUARY 2004

WEATHER - FINE TRACK - GOOD RAIL - TRUE POSITION

STEWARDS PANEL: MR D. HENSLER (CHAIRMAN), MR A. REARDON, MR C. CLIFFORD, MR G. HARGRAVES, MR D. TAPSALL


RACE 1: PENNY RIDGE/AVONCOR H'CAP - 1800M.

Approaching the 1700m., ALLIE BOB and PEDRO'S POWER were crowded for room between TAKE STRIKE and BLACK HULA, both of which shifted ground.

Approaching the first turn, BLACK HULA shifted in, resulting in TAKE STRIKE having to be steadied off that runner's heels, and in doing so shifted in, tightening CREPITATE on to the rail. R. Hurley, rider of BLACK HULA, was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground.

When questioned regarding his tactics on MAXCAY, A. Kennedy stated that he had been instructed by trainer B. Moore to position the horse behind the leaders if possible, however due to the lack of early pace, he did not want to be trapped wide and elected to allow the gelding to stride forward and lead. He also stated that between the 1200m. and 1000m., because the horse had sweated up badly, the reins had become slippery and as a result he was unable to restrain the horse. He added that he was not aware that MAXCAY had established such a considerable lead until after entering the straight. Trainer B. Moore confirmed the instructions, however was suprised by the horse's performance having regard to the gelding's previous form. He added that his was the gelding's first attempt over 1800m. this preparation. Trainer Moore presented a betting ticket showing only nominal support for MAXCAY. Both exlanations were noted.

When questioned concerning his riding of SACRA CLAUSE, apprentice D. Ballard stated he was instructed to ride the gelding wherever it was comfortable. He explained that after being wide rounding the first turn he elected to restrain back approaching the 1400m. to take up a position closer to the rail. He further stated that rounding the home turn, when improving, he was held up behind the heels of TAKE STRIKE and CREPITATE until inside the 300m. when he had shifted out to obtain clear running.. D. Ballard further added that when tested with the whip in the straight, SACRA CLAUSE was inclined to lay in. Trainer A. Bailey confirmed these instructions and was satisfied with the manner in which his apprentice had ridden the horse. Both explanations were noted.


RACE 2: CASSEGRAIN WINES H'CAP QTIS - 1200M.

Due to a printing error, the QTIS prizemoney for this race was not advertised in the official race book. An announcement was made to on course patrons.

POOP DECK PAPPY jumped away awkwardly.

IVOR THE GREAT shifted in at the start and brushed HEUREUX.

FRAGMENTIZER was obliged to race 3 wide throughout the event.


RACE 3: GOLD COAST LIFE MAGAZINE H'CAP - 1400M.

BROCKWAY, which reared and struck its head in the barriers, was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and subsequently declared a late scratching at 1.40 p.m.. Subsequent to the event, all monies invested on BROCKWAY were ordered to be refunded, with deductions of 10 cents in the dollar on the face value of successful win and place bets placed prior to the withdrawal time.

RULING DANE was slow to begin.

Approaching the 1100m., VALIDATION had to be steadied off the heels of PETRENI, which shifted in.

Rounding the first turn, BELLA BELLUCCI overraced when being restrained off the heels of VALIDATION.

Rounding the home turn, ERGONOMIC was held up for clear running, and approaching the 200m., shifted out to improve and in doing so brushed BELLA BELLUCCI.


RACE 4: HINTERLAND MOWERS H'CAP - 1200M.

KEY OF GOLD reared as the gates opened and lost ground.

Rounding the home turn, NAVARRO was inclined to lay out.

BOCCONCINI shifted out to improve near the 250m. and made contact with the hind quarters of SEE THE VISION.

NAVARRO lost its off hind plate in running.


RACE 5: WATTLE BRAE STUD H'CAP - 1200M.

KSAR MAGIC was slow to begin.

Shortly after the start, SERIOUS HERO shifted out, taking SOUTHBROOK KID out on to ROMANTIC NOTE.

Rounding the first turn, FLORENTO shifted out, struck the heels of TENETS and blundered.

SOUTHBROOK KID was obliged to race wide throughout the event.

ENTEI and SOUTHBROOK KID both raced greenly when placed under pressure in the straight.

Following the event, trainer M. Thexton reported that KOONUNGA HILL returned to the enclosure with a laceration to the head.


RACE 6: CARLTON DRAUGHT H'CAP - 1800M.

G. Colless was examined by the club's doctor after riding in race 5 and was stood down from his engagement on ANDAHOY in this event. C. Whitely was substituted as the rider of that gelding.

TRULY A KING jumped away awkwardly.

DELLWOOD DANCER was slow to begin.

Due to the slow early pace approaching the 1300m., ANDAHOY shifted out from behind the heels of RAMPANT LION and in doing so forced PROUD NATIVE wider on the track.

Approaching the 1200m., RAMPANT LION had to be steadied off the heels of KEEP A DREAM ALIVE and lost ground.

Inside the 600m., RAMPANT LION was obliged to shifted wider on the track to improve its position. RAMPANT LION was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the event.

Shortly after entering the straight, KEEP A DREAM ALIVE was held up for clear running, and approaching the 200m., shifted out abruptly and in doing so hampered KENTIME. Z. Purton, rider of KEEP A DREAM ALIVE, was cautioned for shifting out on such an acute angle.

DELLWOOD DANCER was held up for clear running for some distance in the early stages of the straight.

RAMPANT LION was inclined to lay in when pressured with the use of the whip in the straight.


RACE 7: PENNY RIDGE RESORT SILK STOCKING - 1400M.

IN A BOUND jumped away awkwardly.

Rounding the home turn, BRITISH LION shifted out to obtain clear running from behind the heels of POACHERS LUCK. GOLDEN SNITCH, which was racing to the outside and inclined to hang out, shifted away from that runner, resulting in TA TA TATIANA having to be checked off the heels of GOLDEN SNITCH.

A veterinary examination of PEKAN LADY following the event revealed the mare was suffering from heat stress.


RACE 8: JOE BATTAGLIA H'CAP - 1400M.

CLASSIC KIWI LIP was slow to begin.

BAY OF PLENTY was obliged to race wide throughout.


ALL WINNERS WERE SENT TO BE SWABBED.