GCTC JUL 01 - REPORT FOR DUTY SALUTES AT THE COAST

By Matthew Grimson | Friday, July 3, 2009

Gold Coast, July 1, 2009.
QTIS Three-Year-Old Maiden Handicap - 1200m. Time: 1-13.87.
Track - Slow 6. Rail - True.
1 Report For Duty; 2 Lonesome Tycoon; 3 Barmazal.

It got very close in the end as Report For Duty (Alannah Badger) and Lonesome Tycoon (Laura Cheshire) battled for supremacy right down to the wire. The photo went the way of Report For Duty who has quickly paid his way after being an inexpensive purchase for owner / trainer Noel Doyle.

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Noel Doyle: “She (Alannah Badger) rode him very well, the young lady. She’s only had a couple of rides here at the Gold Coast. But she’s learning - she going very well actually, extremely well. This horse ... it’s only he’s second run for me. I bought him at a dispersal sale for $1300 so he’s done a pretty good job.

“He just got there in the end. He beat the rest of them by a long way though. There was three lengths between second and third. On today’s run I think 1200m might be about his pet distance. He might get a bit further later on as he gets fitter. But I think 1200m / 1300m is about his mark. ”

Apprentice jockey Alannah Badger: “We jumped out pretty good. He was up there travelling at his own pace so I wasn’t holding him back. Coming to the home turn I looked back at the others and there was a couple scrapping. I was just travelling really nice and I let him go. It was close but I knew we’d just got there.

“That’s the second time I’ve ridden him. Last start we finished fourth here. Last time we got caught in behind them. We got boxed in and didn’t get a clear run up the straight. This time he was a lot fitter and he did what he had to.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Report For Duty): 17.00 out to 21.00.
Favourite (Helluva Hurry): 2.60 out to 2.90 out to 2.60.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of this race was delayed as a result of Red Mohican (D. Griffin) proving difficult to load. The gelding's trainer G. Cornish was advised that a further barrier certificate must be obtained before Red Mohican again races. Approaching the 1000m Rae (D. Tanti) had to be steadied off the heels of Cubby House (App J. Piper), which shifted in. Leaving the 800m Corcorvada (J. Byrne) improved up onto the heels of Sequina and had to be steadied. Approaching the 600m Cubby House was tightened for room when racing to the inside of Red Mohican (D. Griffin), which was taken in by Tristabrave.

Near the 300m Lonesome Tycoon (L. Cheshire) improved up onto the heels of Tristabrave and shifted out causing Red Mohican to become unbalanced and lose ground. L. Cheshire was severely reprimanded and instructed exercise more care in similar circumstances. Report For Duty (App A. Badger) raced wide for the majority of the event.

When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Hellava Hurry jockey G. Colless stated that although he was in a more forward position than expected today the horse was under pressure approaching the home turn and he confirmed his disappointment with the gelding's performance. Stewards intend to question trainer J. Wallace regarding the post race recovery of Helluva Hurry.

A post race veterinary examination of Sequina revealed the filly to be lame in the near-hind leg. Trainer T. Catip was advised that a veterinary certificate of fitness must be produced before Sequina again races.