TOWNSVILLE TURF CLUB STEWARDS REPORT SATURDAY 5/4/03

STEWARDS PANEL: D GRIFFITHS (Chairman), M BRAUNBERGER, R SMITH

WEATHER –FINE TRACK:GOOD- RAIL – Out 5 metres from 1600 metres to 1400 metres, 4.5 metres from 1000metres to home turn, and 3 metres in straight.

RACE 1:.MAIDEN HANDICAP – 1200 Metres

Approaching the 1000 metres NAPKIN commenced to hang out, and as a consequence BOUNDARY NICK, EDUCATOR and ESSADARIUS were all forced extremely wide on the track. BOUNDARY NICK, EDUCATOR and ESSEDARIUS raced extremely wide thereafter. NAPKIN continued to hang out until the home turn and trainer R Garner was advised that a warning was issued concerning this trait. A post race Veterinary examination of NAPKIN revealed no abnormalities. Approaching the 500 metres, RHUBARB RED commenced to over race. App S Kavanagh was severely reprimanded for using his whip in an excessive manner on EDUCATOR when the Gelding was in a rearward position over the concluding stages (AR 137 A 2b). At the request of Trainer J Maconachie BOURDARY NICK was inspected post race by the Club Veterinary surgeon who found no abnormalities.

RACE 2: CLASS 6 HANDICAP – 1200 Metres

App L Abbott was questioned regarding the disappointing performance of DEVIL’S DEN. Ms Abbott advised that Trainer Mr J Barr had instructed her to race in a forward position however, DEVIL’S DEN was unable to muster early pace and had been caught wide for the majority of the event. Ms Abbott advised that coming into the home turn, DEVIL’S DEN was under extreme pressure, and failed to run on. The explanation of App Ms L Abbott was noted.

RACE 3: CLASS 1 HANDICAP – 1300 Metres

CANADIAN PRINCE was slow to begin. The saddle of ENDIUS shifted approaching the finishing line, and as a result Jockey J Cairns experienced difficulty pulling the horse up at the completion of the event. On returning to scale, Jockey J Stopps (CANADIAN PRINCE) reported that he had been denied a fair start as CANADIAN PRINCE, in his opinion, was being held by an attendant when the start was effected. After taking evidence from the Starter Mr P Nielson, the Asst Starter Mr C Yardley and barrier attendant, Mr D Campbell and also Jockey J Stopps and Trainer E Covell,. Stewards determined that CANADIAN PRINCE had been extremely fractious prior to the start being effected which required the horse being held by barrier attendant Mr Campbell. Mr Campbell in evidence, stated that he had released CANADIAN PRINCE when the gates opened and was not restraining the horse from jumping away cleanly. After considering all the evidence, Stewards were of the opinion that CANADIAN PRINCE had been afforded a fair start and accordingly the horse was declared a starter.


RACE 4: CLASS 4 HANDICAP – 1400 Metres

EIRIE RETREAT jumped extremely awkwardly and made heavy contact with DEVICE which in turn was tightened simultaneously by WANDDINI which shifted in. Approaching the 1000 metres EIRIE RETREAT which was over racing, shifted in abruptly and made contact with the hind quarters of HARRY DE HOON. At the 600 metres EIRIE RETREAT had to be steadied when crossed by GRISMA. Whilst the Stewards were of the opinion that App S Kavanagh(EIRIE RETREAT) may have over reacted when crossed by GRISMA, Jockey J Stopps the rider of GRISMA, was none the less advised to allow more room when crossing in future.


RACE 5: OPEN HANDICAP – 1630 Metres

App L Abbott and Trainer Mr J Petersen were questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MAS FINA. Ms Abbott advised that after beginning well, she attempted to occupy a forward position on MAS FINA, however, was caught extremely wide at the 1400 metres. Ms Abbott stated that she was obliged to allow MAS FINA to stride forward however, she was unable to cross closer to the rails in the early and middle stages of the event as a result of other runners showing speed to her inside Trainer J Petersen advised that in his opinion, MAS FINA was racing like a tired horse after having a campaign in Brisbane and that he would endeavour to freshen the horse up in coming weeks. Mr Petersen advised that connections of MAS FINA had supported the horse in today’s event. MAS FINA was inspected by the Club Veterinary Surgeon, who reported no abnormalities and the horse was sent to be swabbed. The explanation of Trainer J Petersen, and App L Abbott was noted.
Approaching the 250 metres MAS FINA, when struck with the whip, shifted in abruptly towards the fence.

ALL WINNERS & MAS FINA WERE SENT TO BE SWABBED.