STEWARDS REPORT

GOLD COAST TURF CLUB – 4 FEBRUARY 2012

WEATHER – FINE
TRACK RATING – SLOW 6
(UPGRADED DEAD 5 AFTER R1) (UPGRADED DEAD 4 AFTER R5)
PENETROMETER – 5.04
RAIL – OUT 3M ENTIRE COURSE

OFFICIALS
Chairman of Stewards – J Williamson
Stewards – P Gillard, G Lane, G Palmer
Clerk of Scales – T Bartlett
Judge – S McMahon
Veterinarian – C Johnson
Swab attendant – A Challen & H Schodel
Betting Supervisor – R See
Starter – S Andrews & C Jacobs
Secretary – S Rolls

SUPPLEMENTARY: Nil


Race 1: Gillian Heinrich Maiden SW Plate – 1800m
1st – Twinkleton 2nd – Croatian Quality 3rd – Samaxamia 4th – Bandita

Near the 400m SAMAXAMIA (D. Missen) shifted out to obtain clear running and in doing so made contact with CROATIAN QUALITY (App T. Harrison) on a number of occasions.

Stewards questioned trainer G. Shaw and rider L. Cheshire regarding the tactics adopted on TWINKLETON, in particular their reasons for having the gelding positioned at the tail of the field which is in contrast to its most recent start in which TWINKLETON led. Mr Shaw stated that it had not been the stable’s intention at its most recent start to have TWINKLETON lead however, due to the slow tempo in that event L. Cheshire had elected to allow the gelding to stride forward to the lead. Mr Shaw added that today’s instructions were to obtain cover if possible. L. Cheshire confirmed these instructions and also confirmed the instructions from TWINKLETON’S most recent start. Mr Shaw was reminded of his obligations under the Rules to inform stewards of any changes in tactics.

Following the running of this event the track was upgraded to a Dead 5.


Race 2: Trevor Bailey Maiden 4YO & Up H’Cap – 900m
1st – Coup Rayvan 2nd – Heart Throb 3rd – Rye Filly Ours 4th – Mosstango

HEART THROB (D. Missen) was slowly into stride at the start.

Near the 800m COUP RAYVAN (App T. Harrison) shifted in and bumped MY ACADEMY (K. Forrester). As a result ZABEAUTY (D. Griffin) which was racing to the inside had to be steadied. A short distance later PORTLAND PUZZLE (App R. Jamieson) shifted in causing RYE FILLY OURS (A. Pattillo) to be steadied.

For a short distance approaching the 700m ZABEAUTY hung in and away from HEART THROB, which shifted in causing both PORTLAND PUZZLE and MA ROYAL HINEY (App J. Johnson) to be tightened for room and steadied. D. Missen the rider of HEART THROB was advised to exercise more care.

MOSSTANGO (L. Cheshire) laid in under pressure in the home straight causing its rider to stop riding and straighten on a number of occasions.

A. Pattillo reported to stewards that it had not been his intention to have RYE FILLY OURS positioned at the tail of the field however after being forced to steady shortly after the start he was left with no other option and in his opinion as the mare is not suited to racing over 900m, this had a detrimental affect on the overall performance. He added that despite this the mare finished the race off strongly.


Race 3: Barry Bowditch QTIS 3YO Maiden H’Cap – 900m
1st – Dibella 2nd – Zozuqualo 3rd – Aspy Bay 4th – Gusto

Connections advised stewards of their intention to ride DIBELLA in the second half of the field in an attempt to have the horse settle as it has previously had a tendency to overrace. DIBELLA began well and as a result settled in a position just behind the leaders.

The start of this race was delayed when a section of the bridle on LET’S PARTY broke and had to be replaced.

PHAN RANG (C. Whiteley) was slow to begin.

ASPY BAY (A. Pattillo) blundered on jumping away and lost ground.

PACHINO GIRL (App T. Harrison) jumped away awkwardly making contact with EURASIAN GIRL (N. Seymour).

Near the 700m STORMY ARRIVAL (App R. Jamieson) had to be steadied when tightened for room between DIBELLA (D. Griffin) and GUSTO (App S. Arnold), which shifted in. A short distance later ZOZUQUALO (App A. Kitson) became awkward when racing in restricted room between GUSTO and MANTASTIC (D. Missen), which shifted in.

A post race veterinary of MANTASTIC which yielded ground quickly from the 400m revealed no significant abnormalities. Jockey D. Missen reported that shortly after straightening the gelding became very awkward in its action, lost ground and as a result he elected to retire MANTASTIC from the event. Trainer L. Birchley reported to stewards that in light of today’s performance and the gelding’s previous racing history he would be recommending to the owners to retire MANTASTIC. Stewards advised Mr Birchley that prior to the horse racing again a full veterinary examination and barrier trial to the satisfaction of stewards is required.

K. Fujii the rider of POWER OF MACKIN reported that after beginning well the filly was unable to muster early speed and despite riding vigorously for the first 400m the horse was unable to keep in touch with the main body of the field. K. Fujii added however that POWER OF MACKIN finished the race off well and would be better suited to races over longer distances.

C. Whiteley the rider of PHAN RANG reported that after being slow to begin the filly hung in throughout the event and raced awkwardly until a point near the 200m where he was obliged to restrain the filly from the heels of the tiring MANTASTIC. C. Whiteley added that a short distance later PHAN RANG shifted in abruptly of its own accord causing him to stop riding and straighten. Trainer T. Whittington was advised that a warning would be placed on the racing manners of PHAN RANG. Mr Whittington advised stewards of his intention to barrier trial the filly prior to its next race start.

K. Pope the rider of SMITH STREET reported that despite beginning well the filly was unable to muster early speed and he was obliged to ride vigorously during the early stages. K. Pope further added that the filly raced awkwardly throughout the event and he was obliged to steady from the heels of the tiring MANTASTIC at a point approaching the 200m. He stated that as the horse in his opinion was doing its best work during the early stages of the home straight the filly would take benefit from the performance.


Race 4: Neville Stewart Maiden H’Cap – 1200m
1st – Dehere I Am 2nd – Windsplitter 3rd – Winning Recipe 4th – Queen Doreen

Trainer M. Thexton was fined the sum of $100.00 for the late declaration of rider for QUEEN DOREEN.

WINDSPLITTER (App A. Badger) and WINNING RECIPE (C. Whiteley) both jumped away awkwardly and made heavy contact.

WINDSPLITTER overraced when being restrained from heels during the early stages of the event.

Stewards questioned trainer K. Purdy and rider D. Missen regarding the tactics adopted on MCNEICE, in particular the reasons for the gelding leading in today’s event which is in contrast to its most recent starts. Miss Purdy stated that as the horse has previously had a tendency to be slow to begin she instructed D. Missen to pressure the horse out of the barriers with the intention to settle in a midfield position. Miss Purdy added that she was extremely surprised that the gelding began well and secured a position in the lead. D. Missen confirmed these instructions and added that after MCNEICE began well he was able to obtain the lead with little effort and felt that the gelding travelled comfortably in this position. Miss Purdy advised stewards that despite leading today it would be her intention to attempt to obtain cover with MCNEICE in its future starts. Stewards accepted the explanations tendered.

Stewards questioned trainer M. Thexton and App T. Harrison regarding the tactics adopted on QUEEN DOREEN, in particular the reasons for settling in a position outside the lead which is in contrast to its established racing pattern. App Harrison advised that she had been instructed from the wide alley to ride the filly forward to assume a position outside the lead if possible. Mrs Thexton confirmed these instructions and added that whilst on paper it appeared it was an alteration to tactics, QUEEN DOREEN had initially been positioned in the forward half of the field at its most recent starts however suffered interference shortly after the start and as a result settled in a rearward position. Stewards noted the circumstances however reminded Mrs Thexton of her responsibilities to notify stewards of any tactical changes.


Race 5: Maryann Thexton Colts, Geldings & Entires Class 1 H’Cap – 1200m
1st – Barrassie Brother 2nd – Run With Me 3rd – Solar Heart 4th – Perfect Puzzle

MOTACADE (K. Fujii) jumped away awkwardly making contact with RUN WITH ME (Matthew Palmer).

MATTY’S SEQUEL (C. Whiteley) had a tendency to hang out shortly after the start. MATTY’S SEQUEL continued to hang out until a point approaching the 1000m and when restrained from the heels of BARRASSIE BROTHER (D. Griffin) refused to settle and raced with its head in the air shifting wider on the track forcing both TWO NIPS (App T. Harrison) and HEBRON ROAD (D. Missen) wider. HEBRON ROAD was then permitted to stride forward to a position outside the lead approaching the 600m. MATTY’S SEQUEL then commenced to yield ground from the 500m and finished a distant last. Trainer H. Page was advised that in light of MATTY’S SEQUEL racing manners and overall performance the gelding would be required to trial to the satisfaction of stewards prior to its next race start.

RUN WITH ME raced wide during the early stages before being restrained to obtain cover approaching the 600m.

Near the 400m FUNEN ISLAND (K. Forrester) had to be steadied from the heels of the tiring MATTY’S SEQUEL.

PERFECT PUZZLE lost its off fore plate during running.


Race 6: Stephen Jones Fillies & Mares Class 1 H’Cap – 1200m
1st – Little Miss Ombra 2nd – Mia 3rd – Moroccan Dancer 4th – Edinglassie Girl

QUIZETTE (D. Griffin) blundered badly on jumping away losing significant ground.

ROCKIN’ ROXY (K. Fujii) jumped away awkwardly losing significant ground.

When the pace slackened approaching the 800m GORGEOUS GOLDIE (App R. Jamieson) improved onto the heels of MOROCCAN DANCER (A. Pattillo) and had to be steadied. QUIZETTE (D. Griffin) which was following also had to be steadied and shifted wider on the track as a consequence to avoid that horse’s heels.

MIA (L. Cheshire) hung out rounding the home turn forcing EDINGLASSIE GIRL (C. Whiteley) wider on the track.

EDINGLASSIE GIRL laid in under pressure in the home straight forcing its rider to stop riding with the whip and pressure his mount hands and heels.

ROSE SOFIA (D. Missen) raced wide throughout the event.

Stewards questioned A. Willick trainer of LITTLE MISS OMBRA regarding the improved performance of that mare. Miss Willick stated that the horse’s most recent start was its third start in a fortnight and as a result in her opinion raced very flat and subsequent to this start the mare had had a brief spell. She added that in her opinion this had benefited the mare and she would endeavour to space the horse’s runs during this preparation.

Stewards sought an explanation from K. Fujii the rider of ROCKIN’ ROXY regarding the below market performance of the mare. K. Fujii stated that after being slow to begin he was forced to ride vigorously during the early stages as the mare was unable to muster any early speed and failed to run on over the concluding stages. Trainer M. Eggleston’s representative Miss A. Jupp confirmed the stable’s disappointment in the performance and gave an undertaking to report anything that comes to light in the coming days that may have affected the performance. A post race veterinary examination of ROCKIN’ ROXY revealed no significant abnormalities.

Stewards sought an explanation from D. Griffin regarding the below market performance of QUIZETTE. D. Griffin stated that as a result of blundering at the start he was forced to ride the horse at the tail of the field, which is in contrast to its normal racing pattern and this in his opinion had a detrimental affect on the filly’s overall performance. A post race veterinary examination of QUIZETTE revealed no abnormalities.


Race 7: Bryan Guy Class 2 H’Cap – 1800m
1st – Noble Jester 2nd – Peppseelon 3rd – Spring Violet 4th – Ticking

SPRING VIOLET (K. Pope) and RETRACTED (App T. Harrison) were both slow to begin.

TICKING (C. Whiteley) jumped away awkwardly.

BETTER LATER (D. Griffin) jumped away awkwardly, made heavy contact with the barrier partition and lost ground.

TICKING shifted in shortly after the start hampering UTMOST FAITH (N. Thomas).

NOBLE JESTER (D. Missen) and SANDY’S DRAGON (App S. Arnold) made the 1500m turn awkwardly and shifted out forcing both CRAZY WAYS (C. Eaton) and DOMRAS (Matthew Palmer) wider on the track and as a result both horses raced wide until approaching the 1200m.

SANDY’S DRAGON hung out from the 1000m and raced wide from that point onwards.

Approaching the 600m RETRACTED improved onto the heels of TICKING and had to be checked.


Race 8: Pat McCartney’s 60th Birthday – Go You Beach Class 2 WR 2KG – 1400m
1st – Big Ken The Celt 2nd – I’m A Single Lady 3rd – President 4th – Egyptian Tomb

CAR THREE (L. Cheshire) raced with its head in the air whilst being restrained shortly after the start and lost ground.

GENEVA GOLD (N. Seymour) commenced to overrace approaching the 1000m and as a result shifted wider on the track racing wide from that point onwards.

EGYPTIAN TOMB (A. Pattillo) which was racing wide was forced wider on the track leaving the 700m when PRESIDENT (D. Missen) shifted wider on the track to improve.

BIG KEN THE CELT (C. Whiteley) shifted out under pressure in the home straight.


Race 9: Mel Eggleston Benchmark 80 H’Cap – 1400m
1st – Mr Slick 2nd – Lucky Songs 3rd – Newsnight 4th – My Elixa

As App A. Hearn was indisposed due to injury stewards permitted App A. Kitson to be substituted as the rider of BELL ACADEMY.

Trainer T. Bailey was fined the sum of $100.00 for the late declaration of rider for MY ELIXA.

STRAP THEORY (C. Whiteley) jumped away awkwardly and lost ground making contact with THEBLACKHAND (D. Tanti).

LUCKY SONGS (App T. Harrison) overraced during the early stages and at a point leaving the 1000m NEWSNIGHT (App S. Arnold) was forced to steady from the heels of LUCKY SONGS.

K. Pope the rider of HOROSCOPES was found guilty of a charge of careless riding under the provisions of AR137(a) in that he allowed HOROSCOPES to shift in at a point leaving the 900m when insufficiently clear of LUCKY SONGS, which was overracing resulting in LUCKY SONGS being taken in and tightening the running of STREETSON, which resulted in both horses losing ground. K. Pope’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of six (6) meetings to commence midnight 4 February 2012 and expire midnight 12 February 2012.

CHILLED (Matthew Palmer) which raced wide throughout was forced wider leaving the 800m when LUCKY SONGS shifted out around the heels of HOROSCOPES (K. Pope).

Near the 400m the tiring CHILLED was tightened for room and lost ground between STRAP THEORY and THEBLACKHAND, which shifted out whilst being ridden along after having received pressure from MR SLICK (D. Missen), which was being angled out to secure clear running. D. Missen the rider of MR SLICK was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. D. Tanti the rider of THEBLACKHAND will be interviewed at a later date regarding this incident and also regarding his leaving the course without permission.

STREETSON (D. Griffin) had to be steadied at a point leaving the 200m when hampered by LUCKY SONGS, which shifted out under pressure. App T. Harrison the rider of LUCKY SONGS was reprimanded for failing to stop riding and straighten her mount.

FELON (App R. Jamieson) raced wide throughout the event.


Race 10: Valentines Raceday Packages – Book Now Class 4 H’Cap – 1200m
1st – Footstepsinthedust 2nd – Mini Delago 3rd – Miss Napolli 4th – Politely

Near the 900m FOOTSTEPINTHEDUST (App T. Harrison) had to be steadied from the heels of ELLE MAJESTY (C. Whiteley), which shifted in. POLITELY (J. Bowditch) which was following was also obliged to steady.

POLITELY was held up for clear running from the 600m until leaving the 300m.

FOOTSTEPSINTHEDUST laid in under pressure in the home straight.

Leaving the 100m ELLE MAJESTY was obliged to stop riding and alter course to avoid the heels of the tiring ROYAL CHARGER (N. Seymour).

N. Seymour the rider of ROYAL CHARGER dropped his whip near the 150m.

SKY EFFORT (Matthew Palmer) and MINI DELAGO (K. Forrester) both raced wide throughout the event.

SKY EFFORT lost an off fore plate in running.



STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
GOLD COAST TURF CLUB – 4/2/2012

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 9. T. Harrison – App Jockey – Careless riding – AR137(a)

Fines
Race 4. M. Thexton – Trainer – Late rider - $100.00 – LR67
Race 9. T. Bailey – Trainer – Late rider - $100.00 – LR67

Suspensions
Race 9. K. Pope – Jockey – Careless riding – 6 meetings(m/n4.2.12-m/n12.2.12) – AR137(a)

Absent jockeys
Race 9. App A. Hearn – Injured – Medical Cert.
Race 9. D. Peisley – Ill – Medical Cert.

Adjourned Inquiry
Race 9. D. Tanti – Chilled (Matthew Palmer) being tightened for room.
Also regarding reason he left course without permission.

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Pre-Race Horses swabbed
Heart Throb, Mantastic, Funen Island, Hill And Grace, Sandy’s Dragon, Explorer Club

Post-Race Horses swabbed
All winners + Peppseelon, I’m A Single Lady, Mini Delago

Bars/Warnings
Race 3. Mantastic –Poor performance– Vet Cert. & Barrier trial – AR8(t)
Race 3. Phan Rang – Racing manners – Warning – AR8(t)
Race 5. Matty’s Sequel – Racing manners – Barrier trial – AR8(t)

Change of Rider Tactics
Race 3. Dibella – Connections advised will attempt to ride horse in second half of field in an attempt to have horse settle as it has previously had a tendency to overrace.

Rider Replacements/Changes
Race 4. Queen Doreen – App T. Harrison
Race 9. Bell Academy – App A. Kitson
Race 9. My Elixa – K. Forrester
Race 9. Theblackhand – D. Tanti