SEVEN DAYS (THE WEDNESDAY REPORT) - THE WEEK IN REVIEW (JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 4)

By Graham Potter | Wednesday, February 5, 2014

HRO's news feature - SEVEN DAYS (THE WEDNESDAY REPORT) - provides a weekly review of racing activity, both on and off the track.

ON THE TRACK:

A Matthew Dunn training double at Eagle Farm last Wednesday (with Beach Babe and Giovanna Bella) ensured that the Murwillumbah based trainer would hold the lead in the Brisbane Trainers Premiership at the halfway mark of the season.

Dunn led multi-premiership winner and defending champion Robert Heathcote by two-and-a-half wins and the third placed Tony Gollan by six wins in what has basically already come down to a three cornered contest.

Dunn’s strike-rate (an impressive 21%) further underlines the quality of the results produced by the stable so far this season. (Heathcote and Gollan sit on an 11% and 12% strike-rate respectively). (Eagle Farm – Jan 29).

“We are going well,” acknowledged Dunn. “We targeted a top ten finish this year. That was our goal. I dropped out of the top ten last year which was a bit disappointing. It’s funny when things all come together though. Things flow and that just breeds further success.

"Honestly though, I don’t think we can win the Premiership. We don’t really have enough runners. Our strike-rate is above twenty percent and you can’t expect to maintain that, which we would probably have to do to a chance at the Premiership.

“In any event, a Premiership is something that comes on top of a successful season. You don’t plan for it. You just plan to have winners and see what develops from there. But we are going to keep turning up and doing our best.

“Our base at Murwillumbah is great for us. It does have a wet weather downside. I would never leave where we are, but I might establish a second stable in Queensland.

"That would give us the best of both worlds. What we lack down there we could have up here and vice versa. It would allow us to give the horses a change of scenery between stables to freshen them up. When they finish what they’re going to do at Eagle Farm we can have a look at things. It will happen, even though it will certainly be a lot more work for me.

“We’ve got a real problem with numbers now. We’ve got seventy-five in work and we get offers of horses every week. I like to take every horse. They all deserve their chance whether they’ve got bad form or good form … and that policy also introduces new clients into the stable and if we do well enough for them, maybe they’ll buy us another horse.

“And of course the young horses are moving in as well. I bought six horses at the Magic Millions sale and I think I sold the last share of the last horse on the last day of the sale, which was great being able to go home without the worry of still finding clients to make up the numbers.

“So we have had a very fortunate six months. It’s all about hard work though. Like I said before, if you aren’t prepared to put in two-hundred-and-ten percent effort as a trainer, you might as well not do it. So, it doesn’t matter where you sit on the ladder, the hard work is always waiting for you.” (Doomben - Feb 1).

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With television now supplying all of the best views (replays and otherwise), all of the latest news and all of the form pundits input, could actually being at the racetrack still give you an edge over those armchair punters?

Interesting to ponder this fact on the back of two incidents in the parade ring over the last week.

On Wednesday In Bangkok fell over when Anthony Allen went to mount up before the second race and, on Saturday, Allen was involved again when Mishani Troy dislodged in the parade ring before the first race. In Bangkok’s fall seemed innocuous enough. By contrast, Mishani Troy’s rear, run, slip and fall antics were quite violent.

On both occasions, even after these incidents, the money kept on rolling in for both In Bangkok (who started favourite) and Mishani Troy (who was a very well supported $3.80 second favourite). Foolish money … or were those punters just taking their chances anyway, who were they perhaps not informed in detail about what had happened?

The best judgement for punters to follow is often their own based on what they themselves have witnessed. In other words, for the all the angles that TV can offer, sometimes you have to be at the track to get the full picture.

*Both horses finished unplaced. Incidentally, horses don’t always lose when they get revved up beforehand … so it is a fine call. (Eagle Farm – Jan 29 and Doomben Feb 1).

Interestingly enough, when I quizzed several trainers about whether they had the right to scratch if there horse had been involved in a pre-race incident, none of them knew the rule but supposed that it was entirely up to the vet to clear the horse to run or not.

As far as I can ascertain, that is largely the case with the stewards happy to go with the decision of the vet who will make a call on both the physical and mental well-being of the horse.

Most trainers will also follow that lead although they obviously can make representations to the contrary if they disagree with the vet’s assessment. Having prepared the horse to race … having brought it to the track … it is understandable that few will withdraw if the horse is declared fit to race.

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If there was a better looking thoroughbred than Agitate racing at Doomben on Saturday I must have missed it.

While his dark colouring and the way he carries himself makes Agitate an easy mark, the fact that he clearly has an attitude is very much part of the attraction. Easy to say for the spectator … a bit more difficult to handle for the rider.

Agitate certainly was entitled to be fresh as he was resuming after a six month layoff but it should also be noted that Agitate is still a colt which can bring its own issues.

Jockey Glen Colless gave his review, “He was pretty aggressive. Most leaders will come back to you. He doesn’t. He wants to keep running through the bridle. Last time in we rode him off the speed a couple of times but he is such a brilliant barrier horse. I ridden some good old horses … flying horses … but nothing leaves the barriers better than him. I think he can learn with experience though.”

*Agitate stopped the clock in 58.19 and ran the last 600m in 32.96. (Doomben – Feb 1).

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AT CLUB LEVEL:

Implementing small initiatives can make a big difference both in terms of presentation and perception. If you improve the presentation of any offering related to your product and do so in a manner which makes your customers aware that you value their presence it becomes a win / win situation for all concerned.

In the race-book produced by the Rockhampton Jockey Club for their Thursday meeting last week the silks worn by the jockeys were printed in full colour for every race on the card. It goes without saying how this decision made life easier for on-track punters with regard to looking at their fancy pre-race who watching its progress during the race itself.

The race-book was priced at $4. Maybe that price will have to be raised to accommodate the increased production cost moving forward … or maybe the race-book will revert to type but, for now, congratulations are in order to the Rockhampton club for initiating positive change on behalf of the punter.

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Dave Whimpey, who will take up the position of CEO at the Brisbane Racing Club on February 24, attended the meeting at Doomben on Saturday in his private capacity.

While obviously not being fully aware of the details of the difficulties facing him, he certainly seemed to be under no illusions about the task ahead but he does look to be ready for the challenge.

He does have one advantage in that he brings a fresh enthusiasm to the role and it can only be hoped that the many ‘advisors’, who will doubtless emerge to have a word in his ear, will encourage that optimism instead of propagating the old ‘tried and failed’ defensive and defeatist mantra that has plagued racing officials for far too long.

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AT RACING QUEENSLAND:

While some job descriptions have been revised internally supposedly with the aim of reeling in expenses, RQ have created some new roles which are now open for applications.

RQ has advertised for three, yes three, Brand Manager positions. They have been made available to look after each specific racing code. The fourth new position is that of Marketing Manager who role will be all encompassing over the three codes. An advertisement has also been placed for a new Communications Manager.

I have always touted the belief that if cost-cutting is your only approach you will soon reach a stage where you have nothing left to cut. I further firmly believe that sometimes the only way out of a financial difficulty is to spend money … wisely.

So, I won’t argue with any attempt to build a stronger team. But therein lies the rub.

Appointing people with strong skill-sets and giving them the freedom to put that expertise to full use is a successful two-part formula with both factors being of equal importance.

So, for now, we can tick the ‘being proactive’ box but it remains important to understand that the success, or otherwise, of this latest undertaking will depend on how RQ handle what is really a fine balancing act between identifying the right talent and then giving that talent free rein to perform.

The daunting bottom line is that there is no room for error.

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Sam Woolaston thas been appointed to the position of Senior Steward in Northern Queenland. He will be based in Townsville.

Woolaston’s racing resume includes service as Deputy Chairman of Stewards in the Central and Western Districts and Northern Rivers District of New South Wales. In 2010 he moved to the Sydney Metropolitan Panel based in Newcastle, a position he has held until the present time.

The nationally and internationally advertised position of Chief Steward in Brisbane has still to be finalised while the in-house settlement on a Chief Steward at the Gold Coast is also still pending.

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SHORTS:

Not certain if this will be a developing partnership or not, but it was interesting to see where the Tony Gollan / Bobby El-Issa combination go from here. El-Issa had three rides for Gollan last Wednesday and came back on two winners (Satirical Lass and Pulsar, the former being a 14-1 chance). (Eagle Farm – Jan 29).

Apprentice jockey Matthew McGillivray made his mark this week. The young rider landed a race-to-race treble from only four rides at Rockhampton and he then franked that form at Warwick on Saturday when going one step better by claiming a one hundred percent success on the day with two wins from two rides. Getting results is the best way to open up opportunities and this week certainly saw McGillivray do his part in promoting his cause. (Rockhampton – Jan 30 & Warwick – Feb 1).

Trainer David Lawlor was called in for a ‘please explain’ by stewards after Noogoora Burr ($13) saluted in the fourth race at Doomben. (See Stewards Report Extracts). If Matthew Dunn is a slightly surprising Premiership leader at this stage, Lawlor is a highly surprising inclusion in the top ten of Trainers Premiership. With just forty-eight runners to date, Lawlor has landed eleven winners at a strike rate of 22.9% … which has carried him onto ninth place on the ladder, level in terms of number of winners with Kelly Schweida and Barry Baldwin and ahead of the likes of Kelso Wood. (Doomben – Feb 1).

Excellantes was finally back in the winners’ enclosure on Saturday. Even with the setbacks the horse has had along the way, it was hard to believe that this was his first win since his Listed victory in the Chief De Beers back in May 2012. Patience certainly is a virtue although it sometimes can be a bitter pill to swallow. In this case, it was all worthwhile.

No luck for Maija Vance. Riding under a stay of proceedings she picked up her third suspension this year and was outed for another ten meetings. (See Jockey Suspensions). (Doomben – Feb 1).

Trainer Ben Currie scratched both of his runners from Doomben on Saturday. He stayed home instead and saddled two winners at Toowoomba (Grey Countess and Could’t See It). Fellow Toowoomba based trainer Paul Facoory enjoyed the best of both worlds. He sent Total Authority down to Doomben where it upstaged its more fancied rivals and he also has Darlisha salute at Toowoomba to round off a good day’s work. (Doomben & Toowoomba – Feb 1).

Following the abandonment of Sunday’s Townville TC race meeting, a replacement date of Sunday 16 February 2014 has been approved. (Feb 3).

We all know and acknowledge just how difficult a commentators job can be in a tight finish … and they are a proud bunch as well, being particularly hard markers on themselves if they do get something wrong. At the Gold Coast on Saturday Steven Hawkins seemingly took some out of that stress out of that situation by bringing a new tactic into play when runners flashed through the line together. His call of race two included, “D’Arcy Arms, New Eclipse … they hit the line … oh, dead-heat this.” Then five races later … “Gwenth Jean out in the centre went to Amazing Fate … they hit the line … oh, this is a dead-heat I reckon.” Well, there were no dead-heats, but Hawkins at least was half right in naming the winner on each occasion! In fairness both winners (D’Arcy Arms and Gwenth Jean) obviously did sneak in by the narrowist of margins, but suggesting a dead-heat on two occasions in one afternoon was a highly unusual result from the commentary box. (Gold Coast – Feb 1).

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STEWARDS REPORTS EXTRACTS:

IN BANGKOK, which reared over whilst parading in the mounting yard, was examined by the veterinary surgeon and also underwent a further examination behind the barriers and was cleared to start. A post-race veterinary examination of IN BANGKOK failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. (Eagle Farm – Jan 29, Race 2).

From Beaudesert 27.1.14: Stewards concluded an inquiry from the Gold Coast on 12 December 2013 into the presentation and fitness of GRACE WITH FIRE which competed in Race 1 on the day in question. After further investigations and further submissions, trainer Mr S. Field pleaded guilty to a charge under AR. 140A(a), which reads: The trainer of a horse that is included in the final acceptors for a race must ensure that such horse is fit and properly conditioned to race, and shall report to the Stewards as soon as practicable any condition or occurrence that may affect its running in the race. The specifics of the charge being that on Thursday 12 December 2013 Mr Field presented GRACE WITH FIRE, which competed in Race 1 VON BIBRA HOLDEN PLATE 1800m when not properly conditioned to do so which resulted in the mare compounding badly from a point leaving the 700m. Mr Field was fined $500 and advised that GRACE WITH FIRE must trial to the Stewards' satisfaction prior to being permitted to race again. Mr Field was advised of his rights of appeal. (Released Ipswich – Jan 31, Supplementary Report).

On return to scale G. Colless, the rider of ALL SYSTEMS GO, reported that the horse galloped with a high action and failed to let down when placed under pressure in the home straight. A post-race veterinary examination of ALL SYSTEMS GO revealed the gelding to be lame in the off foreleg and to be making an abnormal respiratory noise. Trainer D. Bougoure was advised that he must produce a veterinary clearance, including the results of an endoscopic examination, for the horse prior to it being permitted to race again. (Ipswich – Jan 31).

Shortly after entering the straight, WILL'S CHOICE (D. Browne), which was racing to the inside of the heels of GIVE IT BERRIES (A. Hearn), shifted in abruptly despite the efforts of its rider, taking DO SOME GOOD (B. El-Issa) onto STORM (G. Goold), resulting in STORM being severely checked and DO SOME GOOD being badly hampered. At the conclusion of this inquiry, B. El-Issa was reprimanded for inappropriate comments made towards A. Hearn. (Sunshine Coast – Jan 31).
MISHANI TROY, which became fractious and slipped over in the mounting yard, dislodging A. Allen, was examined by the veterinary surgeon and cleared to start. (Doomben – Feb 1, Race 1).

THE WHITE HOPE was presented to the mounting yard without blinkers, which it had raced in at its most recent start. Stewards interviewed trainer M. Dunn, who advised that he had effected a gear change removing the blinkers on 16 January and had informed media outlets that it was the intention to ride the horse more conservatively today with the removal of the blinkers. After deliberation, stewards agreed to allow the gelding to race without blinkers and media announcements were made to this effect. (And after the race) Trainer M. Dunn advised that THE WHITE HOPE would now be sent for an immediate spell. (Doomben – Feb 1, Race 4).

Stewards questioned trainer D. Lawlor regarding the improved performance of NOOGOORA BURR. Mr Lawlor explained that he was satisfied with the horse's most recent start over a shorter distance and felt that the 1200m today would suit the gelding much better. He added that the horse has recently worked well and he has made alterations to the feeding regime of the gelding this campaign. Stewards noted the explanation. (Doomben – Feb 1, Race 4).

ROJO GRANDE was a late scratching at 2.35 pm due to the upgrading of the track as the horse is not suited racing on firm surfaces. (Doomben – Feb 1, Race 7).
Stewards interviewed trainer D .Lawlor when they had serious concerns with the action of ARCHITECT, particularly approaching the 200m where its galloping action was extravagant when racing between CHOOSE A SAGA and ALQUERO. Stewards will review the racing history of ARCHITECT to make a determination on the matter.(Doomben – Feb 1, Race 7).

Upon jumping away Jockey V Colgan (ROSENET) made contact with the barrier partition resulting in him losing the use of his near side iron. When attempting to regain the use of his iron, Jockey Colgan dropped the near side rein causing ROSENET to shift in abruptly. CARRY LARRY'S ROSE which was racing to the inside of ROSENET at this point had to be severely checked and lost considerable ground as a consequence. ROSENET continued to shift in making heavy contact with the running rail causing it to then become very awkward and also lose considerable ground. At a subsequent inquiry Stewards, upon viewing the control footage, verified the circumstances resulting in Jockey Colgan losing the use of his near side rein which caused ROSENET to shift in abruptly. Whilst noting the severity of the interference Stewards were not satisfied that it was caused by any carelessness exhibited by Jockey Colgan and for that reason took no disciplinary action. (Gold Coast – Feb 1, Race 1).

Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Jockey K Wharton (ZINGY GIRL) requested to view the official photo finish print to determine if he had finished 2nd. After viewing the print Jockey Wharton was satisfied that he had finished 3rd. (Gold Coast – Feb 1, Race 4).

Stewards opened an inquiry into a complaint lodged by jockey Bradley Appo regarding comments made to him by apprentice M. O'Brien prior to the finish of the race and on pulling up. After taking statements from both parties, Stewards adjourned the matter to a time and date to be fixed. (Toowoomba – Feb 1, Race 2).

After acceptances were released it was found that the incorrect field limit had been advertised for this event, resulting in ZODIAC and PAT'S SECRET being inadvertently displayed as emergencies. The correct field limit for this event was in fact 12 runners, therefore enabling these horses to take their position in the field, however this resulted in some publications displaying these horses as emergencies when they were in fact definite runners. Stewards accepted the explanations tendered by trainers D. Pfieffer (ZODIAC) and S. Connolly (PAT'S SECRET) regarding their late declaration of riders for these runners. (Toowoomba – Feb 1, Race 6).

The start was delayed a considerable time as a result of JHELUM (A. Taylor), when working strongly in its preliminary, was unable to avoid NIELLO'S GIFT (K. Wharton), which was also proving difficult to handle. This resulted in JHELUM making heavy contact with NIELLO'S GIFT, resulting both A. Taylor, rider JHELUM, and K. Wharton, rider of NIELLO'S GIFT, being dislodged. (Sunshine Coast – Feb 4, Race 7).

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JOCKEY SUSPENSIONS:

T. Bell, the rider of ANONYMISS KITTY, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR. 137(a) in that near the 200m he permitted his mount to shift out when insufficiently clear of PAPA'S GOTHIC, resulting in PAPA'S GOTHIC having to be checked when tightened for room between ANONYMISS KITTY and NATURE BITES. Jockey Bell's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 6 meetings, to commence at midnight on Saturday 8 February and expire at midnight on Wednesday 19 February 2014. (Ipswich – Jan 31, Race 5).

M. Vance, rider of TUNAHOG, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding, in that approaching the 900m, she permitted her mount to shift in when not sufficiently clear of LOST WORLD, which as a result was taken in across the rightful running of INDUBIOUS (R. Jamieson), which had to be severely checked. As a result of being checked, INDUBIOUS shifted out, resulting in TYPHOON RED (J. Byrne) also having to be checked. M. Vance was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 10 meetings, to commence at midnight, 8 February and to expire at midnight, 23 February. (Doomben – Feb 1, Race 8).

K. Yoshida, the rider of LORD BEAUFORT, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding under AR. 137(a) in that he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent his mount from shifting in near the 50m, resulting in RUSTIC PLAY (M. O'Brien) being tightened for room between LORD BEAUFORT and SPENT (Bradley Appo), clipping heels and blundering. Jockey Yoshida'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 8 February and expire at midnight on Wednesday 19 February 2014. In assessing penalty, Stewards took into account jockey Yoshida's good record in relation to infringements against this rule. (Toowoomba – Feb 1, Race 2).

*At the time of writing, no Stewards Report had been posted on the RQ website for the Warwick meeting last Saturday.

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INTO THE RQ COFFERS:

The latest contributors to Racing Queensland’s “fines” collection box with the record for the year so far.
2014: (Unofficial running total for the year - $7900.00).
Week 1 (January 1 – 7) $1600.00
Week 2 (January 8 – 14) $1900.00
Week 3 (January 15 – 21) $1600.00
Week 4 (January 22 – 28) $1000.00

This week (Week 5): $1800.00*
Includes fine released in supplementary report (S Field).

From Eagle Farm:
Race 4. Brad Stewart - Jockey - Return to scale o/weight - $200 - AR145*
Race 7. Ryan Wiggins - Jockey - O'weight - $200 - AR120(b)*

From Sunshine Coast:
Race 4. Stuart Kendrick – trainer - failing to declare a rider by the prescribed time - $100

From Gold Coast:
Race 3 - Jockey M Hellyer, using whip (3 strikes) in consecutive forehand manner prior to 100m - $100 [AR137A(5)(a)(i)]
Race 6 - App. A Hearn, failure to ride mount out to end of race - $100 [AR137(b)]

From Toowoomba:
Race 4. Bradley Appo - $200 - use whip more than 5 times forehand prior to 100m - AR. 137A(5)(a)(ii)
Race 7. B. Evans - $100 - use whip more than 5 times forehand prior to 100m - AR. 137A(5)(a)(ii)
Race 7. G. Geran - $100 - use whip more than 5 times forehand prior to 100m - AR. 137A(5)(a)(ii)
Race 6. Tnr. P. Nolan Jnr - $100 - late rider - LR. 67

From Sunshine Coast:
Race 5. Trevor Thomas - Trainer - Late rider - $100 - LR67*

Supplementary entries (previous cases only decided this week)

From Beaudesert (Jan 27).
Trainer - S Field - $500 – Presenting a horse to race when it was not properly conditioned to do so.

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