TOWNSVILLE TURF CLUB STEWARDS REPORT SATURDAY, 20/07/02

STEWARDS PANEL: D. GRIFFITHS (CHAIRMAN), W. BETHEL, C. BIRD, R. DOYLE, M. BRAUNBERGER, A. GREEN (CADET)

WEATHER - FINE TRACK - DEAD RAIL: In true position

RACE 1: MAIDEN HANDICAP - 1200 METRES

Shortly after the start MY ABERLEEN was tightened for room between CYPRESS POINT and GRAZIE ANRICO, which was taken in by CYBER STAR.

HANK THE CRANK began awkwardly and carried WOBBO TOBY out onto MADISON AVENUE.

At the 300 metres WOBBO TOBY (A. Molino) hung in when struck with the whip. When corrected a short distance later WOBBO TOBY shifted out and CYBER STAR shifted away from WOBBO TOBY, resulting in CAZMA being checked and taken out across the heels of CANADIAN PRINCE. FREE WORLD, which was following, had to change course in consequence. Whilst the stewards considered that the waywardness of WOBBO TOBY was the major contributor to the incident, nevertheless A. Molino was cautioned and advised that in similar circumstances he must show greater control of his mount.

A post-race veterinary examination of CYPRESS POINT revealed that the filly had pulled up distressed and had a heart irregularity. Connections were advised that CYPRESS POINT would not be permitted to race again until a full veterinary certificate of fitness, including the results of an ecg examination, had been provided.

RACE 2: CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1400 METRES

At the start PADDY'S SISTER was tightened between MR. SLATE and KLOCCO.

When the pace eased approaching the first turn AMBITIOUS YEATS began to pull fiercely and had to be steadied off the heels of MISCHNIKOV.

Near the 250 metres KLOCCO (G. Kliese) attempted to take a run between SEA LEGEND and GEE ESS TEE, shifted out and made heavy contact with THE OUTBACK RAT. As KLOCCO attempted to improve, the run forward of him closed. Jockey G. Kliese was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances.

Approaching the 100 metres THE OUTBACK RAT was disappointed for a run between GEE ESS TEE, which shifted out under pressure, and MR. SLATE.

On returning to scale Jockey C. Murphy advised that in her opinion GEE ESS TEE had gone amiss in the straight. A post-race veterinary examination revealed that the gelding had an acute swelling of the near fore tendon. Trainer Mr R. Rix was advised that a veterinary certificate of fitness must be provided before GEE ESS TEE will be permitted to race again.



RACE 3: CLASS 2 HANDICAP - 1000 METRES



Shortly after the start NO RESPECT (P. Cullen), which began awkwardly, shifted out and DANCING PHOENIX (D. Andrews) simultaneously shifted in, causing severe crowding to KAHAYLA, KOSHIBO and PICCADILLY GIRL. D. Andrews was unable to relieve the pressure as SNAZZY JO (Apprentice M. Dracos) was dictating her running. P. Cullen and D. Andrews were cautioned for not making a greater endeavour to initially straighten their mounts which resulted in tightening to other runners. Apprentice Dracos was also advised that in future he must allow sufficient room for runners to his inside.

Near the 300 metres CELESTAMOR hung in and contacted DANCING PHOENIX.

In the straight KOSHIBO and KAHAYLA were unable to obtain clear running until the 200 metres.

At the 100 metres KRABLOONIK (R. Ryan) shifted in and tightened SNAZZY JO and NO RESPECT. R. Ryan was reprimanded.

BOLD COMBINATION, which had been heavily supported and finished well back, was sent to be swabbed.

RACE 4: CLASS 6 HANDICAP - 1000 METRES

Trainer Mr G. O'Dea was fined $50 for presenting RAINCOATS in the enclosure without blinkers, part of its approved gear (AR.140A).

When the gates opened IMPERIAL LENGTH reared and shifted out. At the same time COPRAKHAN and FUTURE ROAD bumped, resulting in FUTURE ROAD shifting in and hampering IMPERIAL LENGTH.

Shortly after the start MR. DIDDLES, which began awkwardly, shifted out and checked EL ALAMADOR.

Making the home turn RAINCOATS was held up and unable to obtain clear running.
Approaching the 150 metres the whip of Apprentice L. Abbott (QUIVER'S ANGEL) became entangled in her mount's mane and dropped as she attempted to retrieve it.

RACE 5: CLASS 4 HANDICAP - 1200 METRES

BEATING THE BLUES was slow to begin, then raced wide throughout and on straightening was inclined to hang in.

SHODAMA reared as the gates opened.

After being slow to begin NADZAB DRIVE was unable to improve and got on the heels of MISREAL, which shifted out.
On a number of occasions in the early part of the straight EARLY BRIGHT was disappointed for a run.

RACE 6: CLEVELAND BAY HANDICAP - 1200 METRES

TYPHOON BARNEY, EMINENT CHEVAL and HEMINGWAY were slow to begin.

Shortly after the start SAINTLY SPY had to be checked across the heels of APPREHENDED, which had a tendency to shift out. G. Evans (APPREHENDED) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding (AR.135(a)) in that near the 1100 metres he failed to make sufficient endeavours to prevent his mount from continuing to shift out, resulting in TELLING BLOW having to be checked and HE'S UNFORGETTABLE being crowded for room. G. Evans was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence at midnight on 20th July 2002, up to and including 30th July 2002 (3 meetings).

K. Mahoney (MR. KABARLA) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding (AR.137(a)) in that approaching the first turn he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of HARLEY and SOVEREIGN ROAD. HE'S UNFORGETTABLE, which was racing to the inside of SOVEREIGN ROAD, was tightened for room and lost its position in consequence. K. Mahoney was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence at midnight on 20th July 2002, up to and including 3rd August 2002 (3 NQ meetings). In assessing penalty stewards took into account that prior to the event stewards reminded all jockeys of their obligation to allow two lengths full clearance before crossing at the first turn.

HEMINGWAY compounded over the concluding stages and was eased by its rider. A post-race veterinary examination of HEMINGWAY did not reveal any obvious abnormalities.

RACE 7: OPEN HANDICAP - 1630 METRES

Stewards opened an inquiry into the licensing status of Mr A. Homann, who was in charge of HOT SCORPION. After Mr Homann was questioned at length as to whether he had a letter of authority to be in charge of HOT SCORPION in the absence of trainer Mr T. Hall, the inquiry was adjourned until 11.00am on Tuesday, 30th July 2002 at the offices of the QTRB to allow Mr . Hall to be in attendance.

In the early and middle stages INIGO STORM overraced.

When the pace steadied approaching the 1000 metres GLENELLA LAD had to be steadied off the heels of GROSE WONDER. GENE'S INTEREST, BOYER, PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE and VALETTA FLYER were all checked in consequence.

RACE 8: CLASS 6 HANDICAP - 1960 METRES

MARTIAL AIR jumped out at the start and contacted COURAGE UNDER FIRE.

Making the home turn GRAND SALIERI was held up for clear running.

ALL WINNERS and BOLD COMBINATION WERE SENT TO BE SWABBED.