RACING QUEENSLAND
STEWARDS REPORT
TOOWOOMBA TURF CLUB – FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2014
WEATHER – OVERCAST TRACK RATING – GOOD 3 RAIL – TRUE
OFFICIALS
Chairman of Stewards – R. Hitchener
Stewards – S. Fletcher, J. Childs, A. Kitching
Betting Steward – Club
Clerk of Scales – Club
Judge – I. Schultz
Veterinarian – M. Lenz
Swab attendants – A. Jones, A. Challen
Starter – M. Henderson, P. Brennan
Stewards Secretary – W. Ostrofski
Race 1: WEETWOOD FUNCTION PACKAGES AVAILABLE C,G&E CLASS 3 H'CAP – 1200M
MORE LEVERAGE (B. Evans), which had a small amount of blood present in its mouth upon arrival at the barriers, was examined by the veterinary surgeon and deemed suitable to race.
FAYEZ (V. Venkaya), which became very fractious in the barriers, was removed, examined by the veterinary surgeon and cleared to take its place in the field. FAYEZ then stood flat-footed at the start and lost ground. Stewards issued a warning on FAYEZ’s barrier manners.
UNSEEN (B. Stower) raced ungenerously with its head in the air for a considerable distance in the early stages whilst being restrained.
MORE LEVERAGE threw its head in the air whilst being restrained near the 700m.
Near the 600m DWAN (S. Bogenhuber) improved on to the heels of BILLY GOAT (R. Ride) and had to be steadied.
Race 2: FOLLOW THE TTC ON FACEBOOK MAIDEN PLATE – 2100M
Upon arrival at the track LIGHTHORSE HARRY (Michael Palmer) was found to have sustained a laceration to the bridge of the nose. The gelding was examined by the veterinary surgeon prior to the event and deemed suitable to race.
LIGHTHORSE HARRY was tightened for room at the start between BENICIO’S JEWEL (G. Geran) and NEW ECLIPSE (J. Kokotajlo), which shifted in. A short distance later LIGHTHORSE HARRY was again tightened for room and lost ground when between BENICIO’S JEWEL and NEW ECLIPSE, which was taken in by CAVENDISH ROAD (L. Williams).
BENICIO’S JEWEL, MRS THATCHER (C. Spry) and LIGHTHORSE HARRY all raced very keenly in the early stages of the event.
After being caught wide in the early stages S. Drake (CLANGORANDA) allowed her mount to stride forward and obtain the leading position near the 1300m.
Approaching the 1200m LIGHTHORSE HARRY improved on to the heels of INESCAPABLE (J. Morris) and was forced to check and shifted wider on the track.
CAVENDISH ROAD, NEW ECLIPSE and BENICIO’S JEWEL all raced wide for the majority of the event.
INESCAPABLE was held up for clear running for a short distance rounding the home turn when attempting a narrow run to the inside of MATAWIN (J. Letherby).
NEW ECLIPSE laid in under pressure over the concluding stages of the event.
CLANGORANDA (S. Drake) commenced to shift wider on the track from approaching the 400m and at a point approaching the 300m shifted out abruptly and lost ground. After giving the matter consideration, Stewards ordered that CLANGORANDA be required to officially barrier trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards prior to its next race start. A post-race veterinary examination of CLANGORANDA revealed no abnormalities.
L. Williams (CAVENDISH ROAD) was reprimanded for using the whip more than 5 times in a forehand manner prior to the 100m.
Race 3: STRATHAYR TURF SYSTEMS QTIS 3YO MAIDEN PLATE – 1300M
The start of this race was delayed when ambulance officers were required to attend to a jockey prior to the event.
DEUTERONOMY (B. Stower) and ROWA’S MARK (G. Geran) made contact on jumping away.
SAPPHIRE BELLE (B. El-Issa) began awkwardly.
LIDO (R. Ride) was slow into stride.
KOALA LOU (K. Yoshida) raced wide for the majority of the event.
TAILORED SPUR (R. Goltz) was held up for clear running and unable to improve from near the 550m until a point after passing the 300m.
Near the 150m SNIP INTO TOWN (S. Bogenhuber) was forced to steady to avoid the heels of SAPPHIRE BELLE, which shifted in abruptly when placed under pressure despite the efforts of its rider.
Race 4: WIMMERS SOFT DRINKS MAIDEN H'CAP – 1300M
Correct weight was delayed to enable J. Morris, the rider of DEFINITELY BAY, which dead-heated for 1st, to view the photo finish print.
ONE BIG PARTY (A. Fancourt) and BODNANT (J. Orman) made contact on jumping away.
Passing the 600m DEFINITELY BAY (J. Morris) shifted out marginally, forcing ALL HOST (J. Byrne) out on to BODNANT, which was forced wider on the track.
Rounding the home turn NAMBAWAN (R. Goltz) improved on to the heels of the tiring I AM ROGUE (M. McKenzie) and was forced to shift to the inside to obtain clear running.
POET LAUREATE (R. Ride) shifted in under pressure in the home straight and near the 100m made contact with ALL HOST.
ONE BIG PARTY shifted in under pressure in the home straight and approaching the winning post made contact with the running rail.
Stewards questioned jockey J. Byrne in relation to the seemingly disappointing performance of ALL HOST. Jockey Byrne advised that after obtaining a good position during the early stages of the event ALL HOST dropped the bit during the middle stages and travelled only fairly. Jockey Byrne added that from the 800m the gelding commenced to hang out and proved somewhat difficult to ride out, which jockey Byrne believed was the major contributing factor to the disappointing performance today. Jockey Byrne further added that as the gelding was first up today from a spell, it would derive a fitness benefit from today’s event. Stewards noted the explanation.
Stewards questioned trainer’s representative R. Smith in relation to the seemingly improved performance of DEFINITELY BAY (J. Morris). Mr Smith advised that two starts ago the gelding was not suited when racing in a forward position in a 1666m event at Ipswich. Mr Smith further advised that at its most recent start on 22 February over 1625m the gelding overraced during the early and middle stages of the event which he felt was to its detriment. He further added that for this reason the horse was dropped back in distance today where it was able to travel more comfortably and he expected an improved showing.
Race 5: BECOME A TTC MEMBER TODAY F&M CLASS 3 H'CAP – 1200M
LADY PRIMM (J. Morris) and JUST A ROCKSTAR (D. McIntosh) made contact on jumping away.
Near the 700m GREY COUNTESS (S. Fawke) improved to the inside of ESTHER CAROLINE (B. Stower), resulting in ESTHER CAROLINE racing three wide for the remainder of the event.
ESTHER CAROLINE laid in under pressure in the home straight.
Race 6: FEDERAL HOTEL WEETWOOD CALCUTTA CLASS 1 H'CAP – 1300M
GRAND DUKE, which sustained a laceration to its head after being fractious in the tie-up stalls, was a late scratching at 1.26 pm on veterinary advice.
TO BE BOLD (N. Evans) was tightened for room at the start between SUNSET RAIDER (R. Goltz) and ELIAZAR (A. Fancourt) which jumped in.
YOUTHFUL PRINCE (T. Wolfgram) and TO BE BOLD both raced wide for the majority of the event.
Apprentice A. Fancourt, the rider of ELIAZAR, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding under AR. 137(a) in that approaching the 900m she permitted her mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of ROXENBURGH (R. Ride), resulting in that runner being forced to check to avoid the heels of ELIAZAR and as a result became unbalanced and lost ground. Apprentice Fancourt’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 6 meetings, with the term of suspension to commence at midnight on Saturday, 1 March, and expire at midnight on Monday, 10 March 2014. In assessing penalty, Stewards took into account apprentice Fancourt’s good record in relation to careless riding matters.
When the pace of the race steadied approaching the 800m, ROXENBURGH (R. Ride) improved on to the heels of ELIAZAR and had to be steadied. As a result, KHAANTANTES (T. Harrison) and LONG LEGGED LIZZIE (C. Spry), which were following, also had to be restrained by their respective riders. Apprentice A. Fancourt (ELIAZAR) was reminded of her obligations in respect of excessively slowing the speed of the event.
ELIAZAR lost its off hind plate in running.
Race 7: STEPHANIE DUFF MEMORIAL CLASS 1 H'CAP – 1650M
Connections advised that FALKOR (D. McIntosh) would be ridden in a midfield position or worse. The horse was ridden accordingly.
PRINCESS DAT (S. Bogenhuber) was slow to begin.
Approaching the 1300m JAVA BAY (S. Payne) commenced to race keenly, threw its head in the air, improved on to the heels of BILLABONG BIRD (B. El-Issa) and had to be steadied. At the same point of the race, BOLD EMBRACE (R. Ride) improved on to the heels of TING TONG TIGER (C. Spry) and had to be steadied.
After being caught wide in the early stages apprentice T. Harrison (PAPA GEE) allowed her mount to stride forward and obtain a position outside the leader near the 700m.
Approaching the 750m BOLD EMBRACE (R. Ride) improved on to the heels of TING TONG TIGER (C. Spry) and was forced to steady.
Approaching the 400m BOLD EMBRACE improved on to the heels of TING TONG TIGER and had to be steadied.
B. El-Issa, the rider of BILLABONG BIRD, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR. 137(a) in that leaving the 150m he permitted his mount to shift out when insufficiently clear of JAVA BAY (S. Payne), contributing to that runner being forced to relinquish its position and lose its rightful running and further that he continued to permit his mount to shift out, initially contributing to buffeting to CAVU (B. Stower). B. El-Issa’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 5 meetings, with the term of suspension to commence at midnight on Saturday, 8 March, and expire at midnight on Friday, 14 March 2014. When assessing penalty Stewards considered jockey El-Issa’s riding record and that jockey El-Issa also rides in the northern region.
M. Hellyer, the rider of GREY ASSASSIN, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR. 137(a) in that leaving the 150m he permitted his mount to shift in under hard riding when insufficiently clear of CAVU, resulting in that runner being taken in on to JAVA BAY, contributing to that runner being forced to relinquish its position and lose its rightful running, and further that he continued to permit his mount to shift in, contributing to buffeting to CAVU, resulting in that runner becoming unbalanced. M. Hellyer’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 5 meetings, with the term of suspension to commence at midnight Saturday, 8 March, and expire at midnight on Saturday, 15 March 2014.
After passing the 100m BOLD EMBRACE was disappointed for a run to the inside of HIDDEN DANCER (A. Fancourt), which shifted in marginally.
Stewards questioned M. Hellyer in relation to the tactics adopted on GREY ASSASSIN today, which settled further back in the field than at its most recent starts. Jockey Hellyer advised that the gelding began somewhat awkwardly and after being caught wide in the early stages and with the view that he was unable to obtain a position forward and close to the rails, he elected to restrain his mount and settled further back in the field that he had anticipated. In the circumstances Stewards accepted the explanation.
Stewards intend to question apprentice B. Stower in relation to her riding of CAVU over the concluding stages of the event.
Race 8: FOLLOW THE TTC ON INSTAGRAM BM70 H'CAP – 2100M
MAGNETIC STAR (J. Taylor) and BEAU BOY (B. Newport) raced wide for the majority of the event.
COWORTH PARK (T. Harrison) overraced during the middle stages of the event.
From the 500m KESTHIN (B. Stower) improved onto the heels of the tiring WITHOUT REPROACH (N. Yamada) and was held up for a short distance.
CUBAN (M. Hellyer) was held up for a short distance rounding the home turn.
Rounding the home turn, after being taken out marginally by DON’T WALK AWAY (N. Tomizawa), PREACHER BOY (A. Fancourt) clipped the heels of CROSS THE STAR (R. Ride) and blundered when awkwardly placed at the heels of that runner.
SONIC HILL (K. Yoshida) hung in in the home straight, resulting in the rider being unable to fully test that gelding.
Near the 300m MAGNETIC STAR, which was tiring, was tightened for room and forced to check when racing between NATURE BITES (C. Spry), which was taken out marginally by HARDMAN HARRY (B. El-Issa), and BEAU BOY, which shifted in. Apprentice B. Newport (BEAU BOY) was reprimanded for permitting his mount to shift in when not completely clear.
From the 250m to the 150m KESTHIN was held up when awkwardly placed at the heels of PREACHER BOY (A. Fancourt).
Approaching the 150m NATURE BITES was forced to steady to avoid the heels of BEAU BOY which shifted in under pressure.
A post-race veterinary examination of MAGNETIC STAR revealed the gelding to have slow post-race recovery, to be short-striding in both forelegs and to have been galloped on on the off foreleg. Trainer J. Holcombe was advised that he will be required to produce a veterinary clearance for MAGNETIC STAR prior to its next race start.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
Summary of action concerning licensees
Reprimands
Race 2. L. Williams – excessive forehand whip use prior to 100m – AR. 137A(5)(a)(ii)
Race 8. App. B. Newport – careless riding – AR. 137(a)
Suspensions
Race 6. App. A. Fancourt - careless riding - 6 mtgs (1.3.14 - 10.3.14) – AR. 137(a)
Race 7. B. El-Issa - careless riding - 5 mtgs (8.3.14 - 14.3.14) – AR. 137(a)
Race 7. M. Hellyer - careless riding - 5 mtgs (8.3.14 - 15.3.14) – AR. 137(a)
Adjourned inquiry
Race 7. App. Stower’s riding of CAVU over the concluding stages
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses swabbed pre-race
Inescapable, Lighthorse Harry, Smokin’ Elle Magnetic Star
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners, New Eclipse, Rowa’s Mark, Esther Caroline, Couldn’t See It
Warnings/bars
Race 1. FAYEZ – very fractious in the barriers – warning
Race 2. CLANGORANDA – shifted out abruptly and lost ground – official barrier trial – AR. 8(t)
Race 8. MAGNETIC STAR – slow post-race recovery, short-striding both forelegs – veterinary clearance – AR. 8(t)
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 7. FALKOR – D. McIntosh
Late scratchings
Race 6. GRAND DUKE – 1.26 pm – veterinary advice
