RACING QUEENSLAND

STEWARDS REPORT


SUNSHINE COAST TURF CLUB – SUNDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER 2011

WEATHER – FINE TRACK RATING – SLOW 6 RAIL – 2M
PENETROMETER – 6.4


OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – J. Williamson
Stewards – J. Dart, S. Kelly, A. Kitching
Clerk of Scales – C. Albrecht
Judge – I. Shultz, P. Chilton
Veterinarian – C. Johnson
Swab attendants – M. Johnstone, C. Fedrick
Bookmakers Supervisor – W. Flynn
Starter – M. Henderson, P. Briton
Stewards Secretary – P. Carey

Supplementary Report

From Eagle Farm meeting, Race 9 - 3.9.11.

Apprentice B. Wallace was fined $200 for returning to scale overweight on BILLITON MISS.

Race 1: Royal Flying Doctor Service Maiden Plate - 2200m
1st – Our Vanity 2nd – Maisonblanc 3rd – Tough Tactics 4th – La Belle Aurore

OUR VANITY (J. Byrne), which was slow to begin, was hampered on jumping away by LA BELLE AURORE (A. Spinks), which jumped away awkwardly.

A post-race veterinary examination of BLUE PEREGRINE, which was retired from the race near the 600m, revealed the mare to be suffering from cardiac arrhythmia. Connections were advised they would be required to provide to stewards a veterinary clearance, including the results of an ECG for BLUE PEREGRINE and that it must trial satisfactorily prior to its next race start.


Race 2: RABO Bank QTIS 3yo Maiden H'cap 1000m
1st – One To Go 2nd – Karma Force 3rd – Monjaya Boy 4th – Attack

CROATIAN QUALITY (R. Wiggins) was slow to begin.

ONE TO GO (D. Missen), which was held up for clear running rounding the home turn in the early stages of the straight, dipped of its own accord near the 500m.

MONJAYA BOY (P. Hammersley) had difficulty obtaining clear running rounding the home turn.

VEYSONNAZ (J. Byrne) raced greenly when placed under pressure in the home straight, resulting in DASH O’ VINO (A. Butler), which was following, being unable to secure clear running from the 300m onwards and went to the line without being fully tested.

Stewards sought an explanation from jockey K. Pope and trainer M. Mair regarding the below market expectation performance of MY MATE SULLY. K. Pope stated that after obtaining a favourable position behind the lead, the horse travelled well throughout until being placed under pressure near the 400m, however failed to respond and proved disappointing in the run to the line. Trainer M. Mair advised that the horse worked well leading into today’s race and could only offer that MY MATE SULLY was having its first start on the grass surface as a possible explanation for the performance. A post-race veterinary examination of MY MATE SULLY revealed the presence of a minor mucus discharge from the off-side nostril.

Stewards questioned R. Wiggins regarding the pre-race manners and performance of CROATIAN QUALITY. Jockey Wiggins stated that prior to the race the filly was reluctant to proceed to the barriers and he was forced to dismount and lead the horse. In relation to its performance, he stated that CROATIAN QUALITY was unable to muster speed and he was forced to pressure his mount throughout the race and at no stage did it take any competitive part in the race, and he was of the view that the filly would be more suited to races over longer distances. Trainer B. Guy was advised that a warning would be placed on CROATIAN QUALITY regarding its pre-race manners. He also agreed with the comments of jockey Wiggins and would now attempt to step the filly up to races over longer distances.


Race 3: Glenview Par 3 Golf Course Class 3 H'cap - 1000m
1st – Issues 2nd – Moicheia 3rd – Gran Torino 4th – Daneomite

DANEOMITE (P. Schmidt) jumped away awkwardly and lost ground.

Leaving the 600m, DANEOMITE improved on to the heels of ABBAJAZZ (M. Hughes) and had to be steadied and shift wider on the track.

After passing the 400m, ISSUES (E. Wilkinson) shifted out around the heels of GRAN TORINO (D. Browne) and in doing so forced DEVILS MELODY (P. Hammersley) wider on the track.

Stewards questioned apprentice P. Schmidt regarding the tactics adopted on DANEOMITE, particularly the reason for staying to the inside of DEVILS MELODY shortly after straightening, which resulted in her being held up for clear running and obliged to alter course between the 150m and 50m. Miss Schmidt stated that after initially straightening and shifting wider on the track a run presented itself forward of her between ISSUES and GRAN TORINO and she rode with vigour in an attempt to obtain this position, however leaving the 200m this run closed and she was obliged to alter course to the inside to obtain clear running. Stewards advised Miss Schmidt that, in their opinion, her riding lacked judgement in that in the circumstances shifting to the outside would have ensured clear running all the way to the winning post. However given Miss Schmidt’s relative inexperience, stewards could not be satisfied that her actions were that unreasonable for her to be held culpable under the rules.


Race 4: Fort Knox Storage F&M Maiden H'cap 1400m
1st – Lady’s Command 2nd – Keep In Time 3rd – Bella Heritage 4th – Fish Dive

FISH DIVE (J. Byrne) was slow to begin.

DANZI PEARL (K. Gates), MOSSMAN’S RANSOM (P. Hammersley) and LADY’S COMMAND (D. Browne) were all tightened for room at the start between MOUNTAIN OF GOLD (A. Erhart) and IMA GEM (C. Priest), which jumped awkwardly. In this incident, LADY’S COMMAND was forced to steady from the heels of MOUNTAIN OF GOLD.

AVOCA BELLE (A. Spinks) overraced in the early and middle stages of the race.

LADY’S COMMAND was held up for clear running rounding the home turn and until near the 250m.

HILL AND GRACE (P. Schmidt), which was held up rounding the home turn, was obliged to steady when tightened for room at a point near the 350m to the inside of AVOCA BELLE, which shifted in to obtain clear running.

MOUNTAIN OF GOLD and BELLA HERITAGE (G. Colless) raced wide throughout.

Stewards afforded jockey J. Byrne the opportunity comment on the performance of FISH DIVE. J. Byrne stated that after being slow to begin, the horse improved into the race well and travelled favourably throughout. He added that when placed under pressure, FISH DIVE did not improve quickly, however was doing its best work over the concluding stages and, in his opinion, would take benefit from the race experience and be better suited to races over longer distances.


Race 5: Buderim Pharmacy CG&E Maiden H'cap - 1400m
1st – Express Warrior 2nd – Roselon 3rd – Nativity 4th – Brilliant Dragon

BRILLIANT DRAGON (D. Browne) and DAT PUFF (J. Stanley) were slow to begin.

JUSTAZ (K. Gates) commenced to hang out passing the 800m and had to be steadied from the heels of ROSELON (E. Wilkinson) approaching the 700m.

DELANNIKA (D. McWhinney), BLOOMIN TIPSY (G. Goold) and KING ECHELON (O. Turpin) raced 3 wide throughout.

FLYING HOME (M. Hellyer) raced 4 wide throughout.

Stewards afforded P. Hammersley the opportunity to comment on the performance of HEART THROB. Jockey Hammersley stated that the horse overraced during the early stages and then commenced to hang out after leaving the 800m. It was his opinion that the horse was disappointing in the run to the finish line and may have come to the end of its preparation. Trainer D. Hansen confirmed his intention to spell HEART THROB.

Trainer B. Guy was questioned regarding the improved performance of EXPRESS WARRIOR. He stated that following the horse’s last start, he did give consideration to retiring the gelding, however elected to try the horse over the 1400m of today’s race and had not expected such a forward showing. Mr Guy added that there had been no stable support for EXPRESS WARRIOR today. The comments were noted.

A post-race veterinary examination of DIET revealed the horse to be lame in the off foreleg. Connections were advised that a veterinary clearance would be required for DIET prior to its next race start.


Race 6: Pelican Waters Shopping Centre Class 2 H'cap - 1400m
1st – Dubai Prospect 2nd – Sophies Prospect 3rd – I’m Busy 4th – Sargasso

THEGREATANDTHEGOOD (R. McMahon) was slow to begin.

ALL THE TORQUE (A. Kitson), SARGASSO (E. Wilkinson) and SOPHIES SPECIAL (J. Stanley) all raced wide throughout.

G. Colless reported that after travelling well in a favourable position throughout, SLICK IMAGE failed to respond to his riding over the final 400m and proved disappointing in the run to the finish. Trainer’s representative Mr J. Hamersley agreed with jockey Colless’s comments and confirmed the stable’s disappointment in the performance of SLICK IMAGE, adding that the gelding would now be sent for a short spell.

Stewards sought an explanation from J. Byrne regarding the below market expectation performance of IF IT CAN IT WILL. J. Byrne stated that throughout the event he was positioned on the fence inside other runners and at no stage did the horse race comfortably and, in his opinion, was inclined to run away from runners to his outside. He added that it was his recommendation to connections that IF IT CAN IT WILL be stepped up over more ground and perhaps be allowed to stride forward so as not to be cluttered up when racing in restricted room. The comments were noted.

Stewards also sought an explanation from D. Missen regarding the performance and tactics adopted on GO AMIGO, which raced in a midfield position, which was in contrast to its most recent start in which it led. Jockey Missen stated that at the horse’s most recent start he had been left with no option but to race forward when placed wide in the early stages and that it had not been his intention to lead on that occasion. He further stated that today, with being placed midfield, it was more in line with the horse’s traditional racing pattern. In relation to the overall performance of GO AMIGO, he believed it to be very disappointing after travelling well to the home turn, at which point the horse failed to respond to his riding and did not finish the race off well. Trainer’s representative M S. Harden gave an indication that following today’s performance the stable may experiment with the horse’s gear prior to its next race start.

Stewards asked R. McMahon, rider of THEGREATANDTHEGOOD, to explain the performance of that gelding. He stated that after being slow to begin the horse was positioned further back in the field than anticipated and it overraced during the early stages. Despite this, he said his mount travelled well until leaving the 600m, at which stage he was forced to pressure the gelding, however it proved disappointing over the concluding stages. Stewards intend interviewing the connections of THEGREATANDTHEGOOD regarding the horse’s racing future.

A post-race veterinary examination of TELEBOY, which compounded badly over the concluding stages, revealed no significant abnormalities.


Race 7: Royal Flying Doctor Service Class 6 Plate - 1200m
1st – Big Chance 2nd – De Bois 3rd – Tabassi 4th – Mt Kosciuszko

ST CLEMENT DANES was incorrect advertised as being weight at 55.5 kilograms. The correct weight is 54 kilograms.

Stewards intend to interview apprentice T. Huxham, who was subsequently stood down, regarding his failure to fulfil his engagement on SLEPNER. G. Goold was substituted as the rider of that horse.

SLEPNER (G. Gould) was tightened for room shortly after the start between MOUNT KOSCIUSZKO (M. Hellyer) and VERRIDON (T. Harrison), which shifted out.

ULTRA (A. Kitson) commenced to overrace approaching the 900m and after improving onto the heels of BIG CHANCE (R. McMahon) shifted out placing ULTRA and THE JOKER (D. Missen) in restricted room between BIG CHANCE and DE BOIS (E. Wilkinson), which was awkwardly placed inside the heels of MEDESANO (P. Schmidt). A. Kitson, rider of ULTRA, was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances.

MEDESANO raced 4 wide and overraced during the early and middle stages.

MOUNT KOSCIUSZKO and DE BOIS raced 3 wide throughout.

Stewards questioned rider P. Schmidt as to why she did not when overracing endeavour to allow MEDESANO to stride forward to position outside the leader during the early stages when it appeared an opportunity to do so was available to her. Miss Schmidt stated that at this point of the event when placed wide, other runners to her inside had improved quickly and she would not have been able gather sufficient speed to cross them. Stewards advised Miss Schmidt that, in their opinion, the pace of the race at that point was only moderate and her mount would have been better served had she ridden forward. She was advised her ride lacked judgement and it would be expected that an apprentice of her experience would show more initiative when placed in similar circumstances in future.


Race 8: M.H.M Accountants Class 1 H'cap - 1600m
1st – Gotcha 2nd – Phoeb’s Flyer 3rd – Rosanov 4th – Aessex

TIZZY LIZZY was declared a late scratching on veterinary advice at 9 am.

Connections advised that as CATCH THE RHYTHM had not been finishing its races off, and given the wide barrier today, the instructions to jockey Gray were to ride the horse back in the field. CATCH THE RHYTHM was ridden accordingly. Trainer B. Ahrens reported to stewards that in light of today’s performance it would be his recommendation to connections that CATCH THE RHYTHM be retired from racing.

Near the 700m BARNESY (A. Butler) shifted out to improve and in doing so forced HIRVIENTE (P. Schmidt) and WAR STORIES (J. Hoopert) wider on the track.

Approaching the 300m, both UNTOWARD (A. Spinks) and BARNESY (A. Butler) became awkward and made contact when UNTOWARD was forced to shift out away from the heels of ROSANOV (R. Wiggins), which shifted out under pressure. R. Wiggins, rider of ROSANOV, was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances.

WAR STORIES (J. Hoopert) raced wide throughout.

R. McMahon, rider of PHOEB’S FLYER, dropped his whip over the concluding stages.

Jockey P. Schmidt was questioned regarding the tactics adopted on HIRVIENTE, particularly at a point leaving the 1100m when awkwardly placed outside BARNESY her reasons for not allowing her mount to stride forward to a position outside the leader when that position was available to her. This resulted in BARNESY being permitted to shift out to improve, forcing her horse wider near the 700m. Stewards further questioned Miss Schmidt as to her reasons for failing to continue forward when placed to the outside of BARNESY rather than shift back to the inside behind BARNESY, resulting in HIRVIENTE being held up for clear running rounding the home turn. Miss Schmidt stated that near the 1100m she felt that allowing her mount to stride forward, when in her opinion the pace of the race was genuine, would not have been to her horse’s benefit. Apprentice Schmidt then explained that she had not wished to place pressure on her horse too early in the event and was satisfied to allow BARNESY to proceed, and she felt that trailing that gelding from this point would be beneficial. Stewards advised Miss Schmidt that, in their opinion, her ride lacked judgement in that near the 1100m the pace of the race had only been moderate and she would be expected in similar circumstances to allow her horse to stride forward to improve. Furthermore stewards advised Miss Schmidt that in similar circumstances when afforded clear running rounding the home turn she should endeavour to remain in that position, which would afford her clear running into the home straight. However given HIRVIENTE’s failure to finish the race off well, no action was taken.

A post race veterinary examination of UNTOWARD, which lost ground quickly over the concluding stages, revealed the gelding to have twisted its near fore plate in running, causing the horse discomfort, which may have explained the overall performance. Jockey A. Spinks also reported that it had not been the connections’ intention to lead today, however when placed wide on the track in the early stages he elected to stride forward and assume the lead rather than be caught 3 wide.













STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Fines
From Eagle Farm meeting, 3.9.11
Race 9. Bradley Wallace – A/jockey – AR145 – Return to scale o/weight - $200

Adj inquiries

Race 6. Performance of Thegreatandthegood – Trainer J. Thompson)
Race 7. Re T. Huxham – fail to fulfil engagement on Slepner.


Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
Catch The Rhythm, Untoward, Eldoshar, Nativity, Heart Throb, King Echelon.

Horses swabbed post-race
All winners, Untoward, Karma Force, Tough Tactics


Warnings/bars
Race 1. Blue Peregrine – Cardiac arrhythmia – Vet. clearance, ECG, b/trial – AR 8(t)
Race 5. Diet – Lame off foreleg – Vet. clearance – AR8(t)
Race 2. Croatian Quality – Pre race behaviour - Warning


Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 7. Slepner – G. Goold

Late scratchings
Race 8. Tizzy Lizzy – 9 am



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