TOWNSVILLE TURF CLUB STEWARDS REPORT FRIDAY 24/1/03

STEWARDS PANEL: D GRIFFITHS (Chairman), W BETHEL, G HARGRAVES, R DOYLE, M BRAUNBERGER

WEATHER FINE TRACK:-GOOD RAIL –TRUE

RACE 1:.MAIDEN PLATE – 1630 Metres

J Lewis replaced M Campbell on FIRE SPIRIT when Jockey M Campbell could not make the weight. M Campbell was fined $100 (AR 120 b). TELLY’S GANG was slow to begin TELLY’S GANG and BELLMISTER commenced to over race at the 1400 metres. At the 1000 metres and 650 metres BELLMISTER which was again over racing had to be steadied off the heels of TELLY’S GANG. STRUCTURE returned to scale with a small amount of blood in its mouth.

RACE 2: OPEN HANDICAP – 1300 Metres

CRAFTY LAD hung out in the early and middle stages of the event.

RACE 3: MAIDEN HANDICAP – 1000 Metres

The start was delayed due to LIPSWITCH breaking through the front of the Barriers. A pre-race Veterinary examination of LIPSWITCH passed the Gelding fit to start. LIVE WITH PASSION reared as the gates opened and lost ground. Shortly after this incident LIVE WITH PASSION was unable to improve as a result of KINGENI jumping inwards. EXSULTARE jumped extremely awkwardly and severely checked CALI BACKI BEAU. GRAND PRETENDER jumped with its head in the air and lost ground. At the 850 metres CARRY ON TAZ which was racing greenly shifted out abruptly and checked PAPERMATE. Approaching the 800 metres PRINCELY SECRET which was hanging out was tightened momentarily by FLASH FELLOW which was taken in by LIPSWITCH. Jockey A Molino (LIPSWITCH) was cautioned and advised to allow a full 2 lengths when crossing in future. LIVE WITH PASSION checked of heels at the 600 metres and shifted out making contact with KINGENI which was taken wider on the track. COOL ALLEY shied at KINGENI and ran wide as a consequence. PREMIUMS raced greenly approaching the home and in the early stages of the straight.

RACE 4: CLASS 6 HANDICAP – 1400 Metres

When the pace slackened at the 1000 metres STRAWBERRY KISSES got its head up in the air and over raced. At the 400 metres, JAZZY LANDING was disappointed for a run, and was held in a pocket by MOONAGHEE. JAZZY LANDING was further disappointed for a run between POCKETSFIL and STRAWBERRY KISSES at the 200 metre mark. JAZZY LANDING failed to secure clear running thereafter. At an Inquiry Jockey G Cox (STRAWBERRY KISSES) was granted the benefit of the doubt as to whether he had allowed his mount to shift in and tighten the running of JAZZY LANDING at the 200 metres.


RACE 5: 3yo MAIDEN HANDICAP – 1300 Metres

S Simon replaced R Mules on SOUND KNOWLEDGE due to Jockey Mules being ill. A Medical Certificate verifying same will be required from Jockey R Mules. App K Penrose (SOLOMEIO) was fined $50 for only claiming 2kg of her full 3kg allowance. (AR 92 12). ROMAN CHARIOT jumped awkwardly and made contact with SCARLET LACE at the start. SILVER BACK was slow to begin. SILVER BACK hung out and raced very ungenerously throughout the event and finished a considerable distance behind the remainder of the field. A Veterinary examination of SILVER BACK revealed no abnormalities and a representative for trainer C Cox was advised that SILVER BACK will be required to Barrier Trial to the Stewards satisfaction before being permitted to race again. SHOTS was checked off the heels of OUR FRISKY FILLY at the 750 metres. MR BRONX was disappointed for a run and had to be checked at the 200 metres.

RACE 6: - CLASS 3 HANDICAP – 1300 Metres

No racing incidents.

RACE 7: - CLASS 5 HANDICAP – 1000 Metres

At the 700 metres DANCING PHOENIX shifted in marginally placing DEVIL;S DEN and VARMINT in restricted room. DARK SCOUT was held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight. At the 250 metres DEVIL’S DEN was tightened for room between TROJAN WAR and SNIP ‘N’ SEA, both of which shifted ground marginally.

RACE 8: - CLASS1 HANDICAP – 1200 Metres

CREVHAWA stood flat footed when the gates opened and lost ground.

ALL WINNERS WERE SENT TO BE SWABBED.


GENERAL:

The adjourned Inquiry into the reason for Jockey R Ryan falling from TYCOON CHARLIE in Race 1 – Maiden Handicap at Townsville on 27/9/2002, was re-convened. After taking evidence from Jockey R Ryan (TYCOON CHARLIE), Apprentice L Abbott (REAL ASSET), J Felix (AL FRISKY) and from the Stewards observations it was established that after passing the 600 metres AL FRISKY had been racing greenly and as a consequence a short distance later REAL ASSET was steadied marginally off AL FRISKY which resulted in a slackening of the pace. Simultaneously TYCOON CHARLIE improved up onto the heels of REAL ASSET causing TYCOON CHARLIE to clip the heels of REAL ASSET and fall. Jockey R Ryan sustained a heavy fall in this incident. The Stewards deemed the incidents to be accidental and no blame could be attached to any particular horse or rider, and accordingly no further action was taken.