TOWNSVILLE TURF CLUB STEWARDS REPORT SATURDAY 19/4/03

STEWARDS PANEL: D GRIFFITHS (Chairman), W BETHEL, R SMITH

WEATHER – FINE TRACK:-DEAD RAIL – Out 5 metres from 1600 metres to 1400 metres, 3 metres from the 1400 metres to the 1000, 7.5 metres from the 1000 metres to home turn, and 3 metres in the Straight.

RACE 1:.MAIDEN HANDICAP – 1000 Metres

SIR LUCK, HONK ‘N’ TED and PRINCE OF CENTRES came together at the start. Jockey W Kenning (PRINCE OF CENTRES) was severely reprimanded for attempting a run between SIR LUCK and HONK ‘N’ TED approaching the 550 metres where there was insufficient room. As a result of this incident PRINCE OF CENTRES made heavy contact with HONK ‘N’ TED and became unbalanced and was taken back in across the heels of SIR LUCK. At the 450 metres PRINCE OF CENTRES and HONK ‘N’ TED collided again.

RACE 2: CLASS 1 HANDICAP – 1630 Metres

CURVING was slow to begin.

RACE 3: CLASS 2 HANDICAP – 1400 Metres

Prior to moving into the barriers, Jockey J Cairns was dislodged from LYNCHIE. Jockey Cairns was examined by the Club Ambulance Officers and passed fit to ride the gelding. At the 850 metres KLOCCO was steadied off the heels of ARDRITZ and lost a little ground, simultaneously LYNCHIE was also steadied off the heels of MOUNTAIN AIR as the pace steadied.

RACE 4: CLASS 6 PLATE – 1000 Metres

No Incidents.

RACE 5: QTIS 2YO MAIDEN HANDICAP – 1000 Metres

CRYSTAL EXPRESS and COOL ALLEY were both late scratchings at 3:00 pm when there were no riders available. Jockey G Kliese was permitted to ride SPEED REBEL 0.5 kg overweight when there was no other available Jockeys. Jockey Kliese was advised that he was not to accept rides unless he was able to make the allocated weight. MEAND, which was slow to begin had to be checked shortly after the start off the heels of SPEED REBEL. At the 900 metres BAY FELT was steadied by App L Abbott away from REAL REBEL. PEACEFUL MISSILE, which was racing to the outside of BAY FELT, shifted out hampering SPEED REBEL which was taken out onto PECKJATA which was severely checked. As a consequence, PECKJATA made heavy contact with the hind quarters of MAJESTIC NATIVE. After interviewing all riders in relation to this incident, the Stewards found that no particular horse or rider was to blame for the incident and noted the circumstances. At the 450 metres PEACEFUL MISSILE, which was pulling hard, was checked and lost ground when steadied off the heels of GYPSY MOON. REAL REBEL commenced to hang out from the 600 metres and made the home turn extremely wide. Trainer R Rix was advised that REAL REBEL will be required to Barrier Trial to the Stewards satisfaction before being permitted to race again. A post race Veterinary examination of REAL REBEL failed to reveal any abnormalities.

RACE 6: OPEN HANDICAP – 1960 Metres

Jockey J Cairns and Trainer B Purcell were questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HEAVENLY CID. Jockey Cairns advised that HEAVENLY CID was under pressure after passing the 1000 metres and failed to run on as expected. Trainer B Purcell advised that, in his opinion, HEAVENLY CID did not appreciate the dead track, and does not race his best on tracks rated dead or worse. The explanation of both parties was noted. A Veterinary examination of HEAVENLY CID failed to reveal any abnormalities and the gelding was sent to be swabbed.

ALL WINNERS and HEAVENLY CID WERE SENT TO BE SWABBED.