NORTH QUEENSLAND AMATEUR TURF CLUB STEWARDS REPORT SATURDAY 30/08/03


STEWARDS PANEL: P. COOPER (CHAIRMAN), W. BIRCH, W. BETHEL, R. SMITH, M. STEHBENS (TRAINEE).


WEATHER -OVERCAST TRACK - GOOD

GENERAL:

Upon checking the prize money shown in the race book stewards noted that all prize money break-ups should be "Plus trophy", not "including trophy". The prize money shown for race 4 was incorrectly shown in the race book. The prize for 1st should be $6,250 plus trophy; 2nd $1,900; 3rd $900; 4th $400. The appropriate announcements were made on course.

Stewards today concluded the inquiry into Jockey S. Watkin's handling of TO THE TEST, opened on 29th August 2003. After taking further evidence stewards charged S. Watkin with a breach of A.R.135(b) in that as the rider of TO THE TEST in Race 1, the Maiden Handicap of 1000 metres on the program of the North Queensland Amateur Race meeting at Townsville on 29th August 2003 from approximately the 950 metres to near the 300 metres he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that his mount was given full opportunity to obtain the best possible place in the field. S. Watkin was found guilty as charged and subsequently his licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of two calendar months, to commence at midnight on 30th August 2003, up to and including 30th October 2003.

RACE 1: MAIDEN HANDICAP - 1400 METRES - 16 STARTERS

D. Tanti, the rider of SCARVILLE, reported that he lost his iron when his mount began awkwardly placing him at a disadvantage in the early stages.

Near the 700 metres HOME GIRL (S. Simon) raced greenly.

At the 700 metres PLUMS (P. Cullen) was unable to obtain clear running.

Approaching the 300 metres GO NATURAL (A. Cox) shifted out and inconvenienced BOLD TACTICS (D. Crossland). A. Cox was severely reprimanded and advised to show more care.

RACE 2: CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1300 METRES - 16 STARTERS

As the start was effected FINAL COUNTY (D. Crossland) jumped outwards and bumped EXALTER (I. Toward), which shifted out and checked SAMANDER (S. Simon).

At the 1000 metres EXALTER (I. Toward) shifted in and inconvenienced TRICKY DICKY (P. Cullen). I. Toward was admonished.

C. Beets (FINAL SUITE) was severely admonished for permitting his mount to shift out to obtain clear running approaching the 200 metres, taking TRICKY DICKY (P. Cullen) out across the heels of SHINACOVA (L. Abbott), resulting in TRICKY DICKY having to be eased. In the opinion of the stewards SHINACOVA had contributed to the incident by shifting in slightly.

Near the 200 metres SILK SURAH (W. Kenning) hung out, resulting in FINAL SUITE (C. Beets) being taken out onto FINAL COUNTY (D. Crossland), which was inconvenienced. Stewards accepted Jockey Kenning's explanation that the mare had hung badly and that he had made every effort to prevent it from shifting ground. Jockey Kenning also reported that SILK SURAH had returned to the enclosure sore in the off foreleg.

The Club's veterinary surgeon reported that VON GALA (K. Mahoney) had sustained a broken sesamoid in the off foreleg during the event.

RACE 3: CLASS 3 HANDICAP - 1300 METRES - 9 STARTERS

PAPILLO (P. Cullen) knuckled on jumping.

Near the 500 metres PYRITICAL (D. Tanti) brushed the running rail.

RACE 4: SPECIAL CONDITIONS HANDICAP - 1000 METRES - 13 STARTERS

J. Stopps (MOONLIGHTER) was severely reprimanded for permitting his mount to shift out at the 200 metres, inconveniencing BRASSY JIM (D. Tanti). In considering the reprimand imposed on J. Stopps, stewards noted the quality of the evidence of D. Tanti.
RACE 5: OPEN HANDICAP - 1960 METRES - 16 STARTERS

As Jockey S. Campton, the declared rider for PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE, was to be overweight, stewards permitted Apprentice S. Kavanagh to be substituted, as no suitable senior rider was available. S. Campton was fined $100 for accepting a ride for which he was overweight (AR. 120(b)).

In the early and middle stages EARLY BRIGHT (A. Merritt) got its head up and refused to settle. Upon returning to the enclosure it was noted that EARLY BRIGHT had bled from both nostrils. This was confirmed by the Club's veterinary surgeon and the registration papers were endorsed accordingly, noting that the horse will not be permitted to race again. Trainer S. Potiris was advised of the embargo now placed upon the horse.

In the middle stages PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE (App. S. Kavanagh) overraced.

RACE 6: CLASS 5 HANDICAP - 1200 METRES - 13 STARTERS

As S. Campton was to be overweight, M. Elliott was substituted as the rider of COURT COBAIN. S. Campton was fined $100 for accepting a ride for which he was overweight (AR.120(b)).

ALL WINNERS WERE SENT TO BE SWABBED.