Racing Queensland - Stewards Report


GOONDIWINDI RACE CLUB – 6 DECEMBER 2014

WEATHER - FINE TRACK RATING – SOFT 5/SOFT 6 AT 12.00 PM RAIL - TRUE

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – S. Fletcher
Stewards – T. Reed
Clerk of Scales – Stewards
Judge – G. Donovan, T. Biggers
Veterinarian – Dr
Swab attendants – A. Jones
Starter – J. Edmonstone


GENERAL
Stewards on inspecting the track downgraded it to a SOFT 6 at 12.00pm. Due to the prediction of afternoon storms, stewards brought forward the starting times of all races and made public announcements to this effect.


Race 1: B & S Benchmark 55 Handicap 1400m

COSTA LOTSA was declared a late withdrawal at 12.25 pm after trainer S. Thomas contacted stewards and advised them that he had not allowed enough suitable travelling time and would not arrive at the track in time to race. Stewards subsequently fined Mr Thomas $100 for negligence.

CYRANO – Forced wider on the track near the 1200m and then raced wide for the remainder of the event.

MYSTERY ANGEL – Hung out rounding the turn at the 1000m and shifted wider on the track.

BLACK SALT – Began awkwardly and lost ground.

COVER UP – Commenced to hang out near the 1100m and when being restrained, threw its head in the air and raced ungenerously until near the 800m.

ACTIVE STAR – Underwent a pre-race veterinary inspection and passed to race after rearing over in the enclosure.


Race 2: QUBE Ports Class 1 Handicap 1000m

The start of this race was significantly delayed after it was established that a clerical error had been made by the Clerk of Scales when weighing out jockey D. McIntosh (PUNK STAR). As a result PUNK STAR was returned to the enclosure and the rider reweighed. Stewards subsequently stood down the Clerk of Scales after this race and Stewards assumed this position.

BOTH EARS was declared a late withdrawal at 2.52 pm on veterinary advice when the mare was found to be lame in the near hind leg after rearing over behind the barriers. Stewards ordered that all monies invested on BOTH EARS be refunded in full, with the following deductions to apply to successful wagers:

8 cents in the dollar for the Win #4
11 cents in the dollar for place of winner #4
11 cents in the dollar for 2nd place #5

Trainer G. Teal will be advised that a veterinary clearance would be required for BOTH EARS before racing next.

JOKES ASIDE – Shifted out near the 200m and bumped PUNK STAR.

BUZZCAT – Bumped at the start.

PUNK STAR – Slow into stride.

RED WARNING – Commenced to hang out approaching the home turn and a short distance later shifted out and had to be checked from the heels of BUZZCAT which shifted in slightly.

SORELLE – Bumped at the start.

IMA BRONZE – Raced wide for the majority of the race. Steadied to avoid heels rounding the home turn when RED WARNING which shifted out. W. O’Connell (RED WARNING) was reprimanded and advised to make greater effort to straighten his mounts when they have a tendency to shift ground.


Race 3: Wagners Maiden Handicap 1000m

LALI SOLEIL – Bumped at the start. A post-race veterinary examination of the mare which raced tailed off, failed to reveal any abnormalities.

HOLLA LEGS – Began awkwardly and a short distance later was hampered when FIELDS OF OXLEY shifted in. Raced wide throughout.

POET LAUREATE – Bumped at the start.


Race 4: Port of Brisbane Open Handicap 1000m

JAM TIN – Underwent a veterinary examination after becoming fractious in the barriers and subsequently passed to start.

DR BARNARD – Stewards questioned M. Schrapel regarding the tactics adopted on the horse, of particular concern to stewards was his riding in the early and middle stages whereby his mount raced a significant distance from the leading group and his vigour from the home turn. He stated that his instructions from the trainer were have the horse travelling comfortably from the barrier, and as the gelding only possesses a short sprint, that he was to time his final run as to afford the horse the best possible chance in finishing the race off. He added that the pace of the race from the start was quicker than expected and as a result his mount settled further back than anticipated. He further added that while he was mindful of his instructions, he began to apply some pressure to the horse from the 800m. He went on to say that the horse which he has ridden before does not appreciate the whip and for this reason he continued to ride hands and heels from the home turn. When interviewed, trainer T. Dougall confirmed the instructions adding that the horse does not possess early speed and got back on today’s tighter track, adding that he was satisfied with the ride. Stewards in considering the evidence before them, advised apprentice Schrapel that despite his instructions it would have been beneficial to make his run sooner than he did on this occasion, however bearing in mind apprentice Schrapel’s relative inexperience and that he has only recently returned to race riding after an extended lay off, stewards did not take the matter any further. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.

BERNADECIO – Slow to begin. When questioned regarding the mare racing a significant distance behind the main body of the field, rider G. Snowden stated that his mount was beaten for speed in the early stages which required him to place the horse under pressure from the 800m. He added that he rode his mount along from this point and that it finished the race off well. Stewards noted the explanation.


Race 5: Graincorp Class 4 Handicap 1200m

LATIN AMERICAN – Hung out rounding the home turn and shifted extremely wide on the track, then continued to shift out in the home straight proving difficult to ride.

FAULT LION – Bumped at the start.

RIP RIP WOODCHIP – Rider reported at scale that it was his intention to ride the horse on speed however it was slowly away and unable to muster any early speed.

MRS ASIA – Bumped at the start.


Stewards Race Day Summary


Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 2 – W. O’Connell – Jockey – C/riding – AR137(a)

Fines
Race 1 – S. Thomas – Trainer – $100 - Negligence – AR175(k)


Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed – All winners plus 1 other

Warnings/bars
Race 2 – Both Ears – Lame near hind – Vet certificate - AR8(t)


Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 1 – Cyrano – D. Baker


Late Scratchings
Race 1 – Costa Lotsa – 12.25 pm – Failed to arrive at track
Race 2 – Both Ears – 2.52 pm – Veterinary advice


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