TOWNSVILLE TURF CLUB STEWARDS REPORT SATURDAY 19/10/02

STEWARDS PANEL: D. GRIFFITHS (CHAIRMAN), C. BIRD.

WEATHER - FINE TRACK - GOOD RAIL - OUT 3 METRES TO THE 1000 METRES AND 6 METRES THEREAFTER TO WINNING
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RACE 1: CLASS 3 HANDICAP - 1300 METRES

DANCING PHOENIX, which proved difficult to load and when placed in the barriers continued to kick out, was examined by the Club veterinary surgeon and passed fit to start. When questioned Jockey D. Andrews explained that an attendant had accidentally brushed DANCING PHOENIX with his foot when exiting the stalls and in her opinion this may have resulted in the mare becoming agitated. Trainer Mr J. Warren was informed that a final warning had been issued concerning the barrier manners of DANCING PHOENIX.

When asked about the riding tactics adopted on DANCING PHOENIX, which raced wide in the small field after beginning awkwardly, Jockey D. Andrews said that DANCING PHOENIX, which had become extremely stirred up in the barriers, commenced to overrace approaching the 1000 metres and had to be steadied off the heels of JAZZY LANDING. She added that from the 1000 metres onwards she was unable to settle the mare, which continued to overrace throughout the remainder of the event. Trainer Mr J. Warren explained that DANCING PHOENIX was having its first start without blinkers and this may have contributed to the horse racing fiercely. He said that he would make an application to the stewards to permit DANCING PHOENIX to race in blinkers at its next start. The explanations were noted. A post-race veterinary examination of DANCING PHOENIX revealed that the mare had bruising to both hind legs, however the horse was not immediately lame.

When the pace steadied at the 600 metres JAZZY LANDING improved to the inside of the heels of CANADIAN QUICKSTEP and a short distance later made heavy contact with MISREAL, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced.

At the 350 metres CANADIAN QUICKSTEP was checked when racing between MISREAL (A. Molino) and JAZZY LANDING (P. Cullen), which shifted in marginally. However, just prior to the incident A. Molino had attempted to obtain a run between CANADIAN QUICKSTEP and PAY PHONE, which was hanging out, and this also had obliged CANADIAN QUICKSTEP to race in restricted room. In the circumstances P. Cullen and A. Molino were cautioned and advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances in future.

For the majority of the event PAY PHONE hung out.

RACE 2: CLASS 5 HANDICAP - 1960 METRES

Stewards considered an objection lodged by P. Cullen, the rider of MARTIAL AIR which finished second, against DOCTOR SILVESTER (A. Cox) being declared the winner, alleging interference over the final 200 metres. After considering all the evidence and from the stewards observations it was established that over the final 200 metres DOCTOR SILVESTER was hanging and near the 180 metres and again shortly before the winning post brushed MARTIAL AIR. However, in the opinion of the stewards the incidents did not affect the relative finishing positions of the two horses, therefore the protest was dismissed and the placings ordered to stand.

RACE 3: MAIDEN HANDICAP - 1000 METRES

MRS HASHIMOTO began awkwardly.

In the early stages and again over the concluding stages DONKHAL, which was having its first race start on the track, hung out. At the 300 metres LADY CARLA (D. Bradbery) was checked when attempting a run inside DONKHAL (C. Murphy). C. Murphy was given the benefit of a grave doubt as to whether she permitted DONKHAL to shift in after LADY CARLA had obtained a run to her inside. Nonetheless, C. Murphy was reprimanded for failing to show sufficient control of her mount and allowing it to roll in.

Throughout the event I'M STILL DREAMING, which was having its first race start, hung out badly. Trainer Mr P. Towning was advised that a final warning had been placed on the racing manners of I'M STILL DREAMING.

RACE 4: CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1400 METRES

Trainer Mr J. Doherty advised that FLYING GYPSY would be ridden forward today, contrary to the horse's normal recent racing pattern.

GENERAL SALIERI and FLOCKHART were slow to begin.

Passing the 1000 metres CAZMA got its head up and commenced to overrace.

At the 950 metres FLOCKHART had to be steadied when momentarily tightened for room by CAZMA, which had been racing greenly and was taken in marginally by TASTY DROP.

When questioned about the disappointing performance of CAZMA Jockey M. Cullen stated that he had been instructed to ride the mare off the pace, however in the early and middle stages CAZMA overraced and thereafter failed to run on. Trainer Mr G. Farrell said that he had heavily supported CAZMA in the event and was extremely disappointed with the horse's run. He added that in his opinion CAZMA has only average ability and in the near future he will attempt to sell the mare. A post-race veterinary examination of CAZMA did not reveal any abnormality and a swab sample was ordered to be taken.

D. Bradbery (TASTY DROP) was severely reprimanded for using a spur that had been modified. D. Bradbery was also questioned in regard to the manner in which he used his whip over the concluding stages. D. Bradbery was found guilty of a charge under AR.AR. 137. Any rider may be punished if, in the opinion of the Stewards,(1) and (2) in that he used his whip improperly by hitting TASTY DROP forward of the shoulder and in the vicinity of the head on two occasions over the concluding stages. In assessing penalty stewards took into account that D. Bradbery had been reprimanded a number of times for hitting his mounts forward of the shoulder. D. Bradbery was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence at midnight on 19th October 2002 up to and including 26th October 2002. He was further advised that any future breach of this Rule may attract a more severe penalty.


RACE 5: CLASS 4 HANDICAP - 1200 METRES

Prior to the race MR. HEALEY was examined by the Club veterinary surgeon and passed fit to start.

After taking evidence from Jockey D. Bradbery and Mr G. Baker, trainer of MOONAGHEE, D. Bradbery was fined $50 for accepting riding engagements on MOONAGHEE and EXCLUSIVE SON (LR.51(1)). D. Sewell was substituted as the rider of MOONAGHEE.

Making the first turn EXCLUSIVE SON got its head in the air, overraced and lost ground.

RACE 6: OPEN HANDICAP - 1200 METRES

When questioned about the poor performance of WHEELAWAY, which was well supported in betting, trainer Mr B. Baker advised that the gelding had worked well in the lead-up to today's event and he was extremely disappointed with its run. He added that WHEELAWAY was at the end of a long preparation and in his opinion was in need of a spell. He said that he intended to make this recommendation to the horse's owners. A post-race veterinary examination of WHEELAWAY did not reveal any abnormality and a swab sample was ordered to be taken.

ALL WINNERS, WHEELAWAY and CAZMA WERE SENT TO BE SWABBED.