BURDEKIN RACE CLUB STEWARDS REPORT SATURDAY22/2/03

STEWARDS PANEL: D GRIFFITHS (Chairman), R SMITH.

WEATHER – FINE & HOT TRACK:- FAST RAIL –TRUE

RACE 1:.CLASS 2 HANDICAP – 1460 Metres

Approaching the crossing EARLY RISER lost ground when steadied off the heels of BELL ROAD. EARLY RISER then commenced to over race for some distance in the back straight. GUINN was held up and was unable to improve until the 250 metre mark.

RACE 2: OPEN HANDICAP – 1460 Metres

JOLTIN JOE jumped extremely awkwardly and severely checked ABEERAH when the gates opened.

RACE 3: MAIDEN HANDICAP – 900 Metres

The start was delayed when LIPSWITCH refused to load. After being loaded into the Barrier LIPSWITCH reared and caught it’s off side hind leg in the Stall divider. All horses that had been loaded were taken out of the Barriers while LIPSWITCH was freed. LIPSWITCH was a late scratching at 3:10 p.m. and Bookmakers were ordered to draw a line on their ledgers. BOROSSA MISS refused to be loaded and was declared a late scratching at 3:15 p.m.. Bookmakers were ordered to draw a second line on their ledger. At the declaration of correct weight, Stewards ordered that all bets made above the 1st line prior to the withdrawal of LIPSWITCH be paid less.68c Win and .41c Place. The deductions following the withdrawal of LIPSWITCH and prior to the withdrawal of BORROSSA MISS be paid 19c Win & 16c Place on the face value of the ticket. Trainers P Mullins (LIPSWITCH) and J Russo (BOROSSA MISS) were advised that they would have to obtain Barrier Certificates again for LIPSWITCH and BOROSSA MISS. Over the concluding stages, SHOTS shifted out to improve and PREMIUMS had to be momentarily steadied Jockey P Cullen (PREMIUMS) was reprimanded for failing to weigh in for fourth(4th) placing. (AR142).
Trainer P Mullins was fined $50 for nominating CURVING for this event when it was ineligible. (AR 64) The Veterinary Surgeon reported that LIPSWITCH received injuries to the off side coronet band and cannon when entangled in the Barriers.

RACE 4: CLASS 5 HANDICAP – 1000 Metres

Trainer B Purcell was question in relation to the nomination and acceptance of DARK SCOUT in this event. Mr Purcell explained that he had not declared a rider for DARK SCOUT as the horse had raced at Townsville on the 15/2/03 and he was undecided as to wether he would back the horse up in today’s event. Mr Purcell advised that DARK SCOUT had not eaten well in the days leading up today’s event and it was his decision to not start the gelding. The explanation of B Purcell was noted. Jockey A Molino (MRS LEDDEN) was questioned regarding the riding tactics he adopted on the Mare, in particular from the 500 metres to the finish. Jockey Molino advised that MRS LEDDEN was unable to lead and he had been unable to improve in the small field at the 500 metres. He further stated that on straightening, he was of the opinion a run would be obtained to the inside of BELLA DEANNA however, this run closed at the 150 metre mark and that he was disappointed for clear running thereafter. The explanation of A Molino was noted.

RACE 5: CLASS 3 HANDICAP – 1100 Metres

RED BAY was slow to begin and was then severely checked shortly after the start as a result of RAW PRAWN taking TIN MAG and DYOBY out onto RED BAY. Simultaneously TIBROGARGAN jumped awkwardly, checking I’M NOT NOSY in onto RED BAY which compounded this incident.

RACE 6: CLASS 1 HANDICAP – 1100 Metres

PRINCE EAGLE hung in abruptly at the 150 metre mark, resulting in App S Kavanagh having to stop riding and attempt to straighten his mount. PRINCE EAGLE continued to hang in thereafter. The Judge, Mr L Oates advised Stewards that the Finish Lynx photo finish system had failed to operate for Race 6, and that he would have to place all horses in the event manually. After reviewing the Stewards patrol film, the Judge placed AZUCAR 1st, GOODBYE BLUES 2ND, and a Dead Heat with BALBRIDIE and TIGER’S COURAGE 3rd.

ALL WINNERS WERE SENT TO BE SWABBED.