STEWARDS REPORT
TOWNSVILLE TURF CLUB
THURSDAY 11TH MAY 2000

Weather: Fine Track: Good
Stewards: D Griffiths, C Bird, W Bethel, P Cooper, J McIntosh, M Braunberger
Rail: True position

RACE 1 CLASS 5 HANDICAP 1630 METRES 5 STARTERS
Jockey R Moses, (TOGNOTTI) was questioned regarding the riding tactics he adopted on that gelding, which raced 3 wide for the entire event. Jockey Moses advised that his instructions were to push forward on the gelding today as the Trainer Mr T Ryan was of the opinion the horse would be best suited racing in a forward position taking into account TOGNOTTI was carrying top weight. Jockey Moses advised that after beginning well, he pressed forward on TOGNOTTI but was unable to clear NEXT IN LINE. He further stated that on a number of occasions in the back straight he attempted to clear NEXT IN LINE, however, that gelding was over racing and he was unable to safely cross. He advised that TOGNOTTI relaxed and was comfortable in that position, and the horse travelled well until placed under pressure on the home turn, from which time TOGNOTTI finished gamely. The explanation of Jockey R Moses was noted.

RACE 2 MAIDEN HANDICAP 1000 METRES 7 STARTERS
Trainer N Fulmer (MASTER OF DISASTER) was fined $50 for failing to notify a rider by the prescribed time LR 70 (1). FOREVER MISS was difficult to load, and a warning was issued to the connections of that filly.

RACE 3 CLASS 1 HANDICAP 1400 METRES 7 STARTERS
At the 1100 metre mark, GOLDEN FLUER had to be steadied off the heels of CONGO POWER as the pace eased. EXPLOSIVE BOY which was trailing also had to be checked as a consequence.

RACE 4 2YO MAIDEN HANDICAP 1000 METRES 15 STARTERS
ANTICIPATE jumped awkwardly. BLUE FACET jumped out and brushed KING KWILA who was taken out onto NOVACAN which had blundered shortly after the start. A short distance after the start PIPSLOT hung out across the heels of GOLDEN SPECIAL. PIPSLOT hung out in the middle stages of the event. After passing the 200 metres KING KWILA improved to the inside of the heels of RUN FOR HOME which shifted in placing KING KWILA in restricted room. A short distance later KING KWILA was further tightened for room as a result of RUN FOR HOME being taken in marginally by JETAWAY which had a tendency to hang in. Jockey R Ryan (RUN FOR HOME) accidentally dropped his whip at the 150 metre mark. A post race veterinary examination of PEACE FLOWER which was tailed off revealed no abnormalities.

RACE 5 CLASS 3 HANDICAP 1000 METRES 7 STARTERS
At the 550 metres KORN JULIO was steadied off the heels of MISS WITTEN. KORN JULIO was disappointed for a run between HE'S UNFORGETTABLE and MISS OPPORTUNIST at the 250 metre mark.

RACE 6 CLASS 4 HANDICAP 1200 METRES 9 STARTERS
RUBIQUE ROYALE reared over in the Barriers, and acting on veterinary advice was declared a late scratching at 3:33 p.m. Bookmakers were ordered to draw a line in their ledgers and on declaration of correct weight, a deduction of 15c Win, and 13c Place on all bets made above the line was imposed. Trainer I Robertson was advised that RUBIQUE ROYALE will be required to barrier test to the satisfaction of the stewards before being permitted to race again. EXPLAIN was slow to begin. KILMARNOCK jumped awkwardly. SPRAY DECK got its head in the air and raced ungenerously for some distance in the early and middle stages of the race. Passing the 800 metres EL CENTRO commenced to race fiercely and when steadied off the heels of LOADED GUN, shifted out forcing KILMARNOCK and DEVIL'S WALK to race wider on the track.

RACE 7 3YO CLASS 6 HANDICAP 1400 METRES 14 STARTERS
Jockey M Tolley replaced Jockey R Mules on ALL ODDS when R Mules was indisposed. BOK'S DAY OUT, after being slow to begin, was further tightened for room between CREDIT RISK and ALL ODDS which was taken out by LOCAL HERO. An inquiry was held into the reason for CANADIAN CHARM being severely checked approaching the 1100 metre mark. It was established that approaching the first turn COVET SIGN and JACOB'S PRIDE had shifted in which placed CREDIT RISK, LADY ROSE and CANADIAN CHARM all in restricted room. At the 1100 metres CREDIT RISK shifted in and away from JACOB'S PRIDE and brushed LADY ROSE which resulted in LADY ROSE shifting closer to the fence causing CANADIAN CHARM to be severely checked. FOX DOCTOR and LOCAL HERO which were trailing, both had to be steadied as a consequence to this incident. After taking evidence from all riders concerned, the Stewards could not apportion blame to any particular horse or rider, however, issued a general warning to all riders to allow more clearance when crossing, particularly after the start of a race. Making the home turn CREDIT RISK shifted out to improve which resulted in ALL ODDS being hampered. Jockey K Mahoney (CREDIT RISK) was severely reprimanded, and advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in future.

RACE 8 OPEN HANDICAP 1630 METRES 11 STARTERS
DRIVE INDY jumped awkwardly. Passing the 1300 metres MR. MAX shifted out and made contact on 2 occasions with DRIVE INDY. At the 250 metre mark, FLASH JUDE was disappointed for a run between BRONZE HERO and SILVER MERLIN which shifted out. Jockey R Ryan (SILVER MERLIN) was severely reprimanded for allowing his mount to shift ground when under pressure.

All winners were sent to be swabbed.