SEVEN DAYS (THE WEDNESDAY REPORT): THE WEEK IN REVIEW (FEBRUARY 5 - FEBRUARY 11)

By Graham Potter | Wednesday, February 12, 2014

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

INQUIRY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

The scathing attack contained in the findings of Commissioner Margaret White on several of the practices of previous Management Board (that was Queensland Racing) took few by surprise given some of the evidence that had been put forward during the hearings that made up the $3 million dollar inquiry.

Some of the recommendations handed down are public knowledge. Some, at this stage, have been sealed for certain eyes only, but the bottom line is that both categories remain recommendations only until any action, based on those recommendations, is put into play. That decision is in the hands of Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie and the Minister for Racing Steve Dickson.

All things being equal, it would be fair to expect that these recommendations will be taken further and that justice will take its course for all concerned.

That process will mean different things to different people, not least for the possible financial implications for RQ, but given the prolonged, extended timeframe that story might occupy, the matter should now be left with those charged with carrying out official duties in that regard and should not be allowed to distract others from the important work at hand.

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TOO MUCH FANFARE:

It would be great if the Commission Of Inquiry fully served its purpose and somehow laid to rest all the controversial matters of the past so that we could all move on but, even if that ultimately gets to be the case in the future, creating confidence in the present handling of the industry by racing’s hierarchy is a more immediate problem.

And I’m not talking on the back of the ills exposed by the commission. I’m talking about here and now.

Take the Racing Minister Steve Dickson for instance. Now, to be fair, when you step into a post you know nothing about, that’s by his own admission, life is not going to be easy … and it is only going to get more difficult if you fudge the facts and try to sell your spin as the real deal.

For some time I believe Dickson has been ill-advised with regard to the rhetoric he puts out there.

It’s good to be upbeat … but only if your words are set in reality. His grand reviews of the effectiveness of current work being done and his overly optimistic projections of a Queensland on the rise might be good ‘political speak’ but it does not help his cause at all when his audience knows the subject better than he does.

I have no gripe with Dickson. In fact I certainly feel for him in his circumstances … but I do worry about his advisors.

In my mind they are making two big blunders which are interlinked. They are advising Dickson incorrectly about what exaggerated message to put out there and they are grossly misjudging the intelligence of the audience to which his comments are directed.

In his response to the findings of the commission, Dickson used old, worn cliché’s like, racing was ‘brought to its knees,’ the old government was ‘effectively asleep at the wheel’ and ‘the dark days of racing … are over.’ All relatively meaningless rhetoric!

But Dickson did latch onto something with another of his utterances when he said, “This is an industry that now answers to Queenslanders.”

I hope he realises what he said and that, moving forward, he plans to act with that principle in mind.

At very least, it’s time to dump the fanfare.

That would be my advice.

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IPSWICH OUT OF ACTION:

Ipswich had its last race meeting on Friday February 7 prior to restoration work being undertaken at the track. Bill Shuck, who will oversee the project, explains why the renovation is necessary and what exactly will happen next.

“There was a little bit of subsidence on the track particularly from the 400m around to about the 800,” said Shuck. “It was a bit uneven. The jockeys were concerned. It was quite noticeable in some races that the horses were dipping.

“Last year they tried some remedial work and it didn’t work … so we’ve had to go with more extensive work because it’s basically arrived at an unacceptable level and Racing Queensland, who is covering the costs, decided that the time was here to get it done.

“Starting on Monday (February 10) we will be taking the top completely off the track. We will be reshaping it. Some years ago when they built it, it was built with a crown in the middle of the track. They doesn’t actually work real well so what we are going to do, we are going to shift that crown out a little bit wider … so that will soften the corners and basically re-shape it so hopefully it will race a little bit better.

“Then we’ll put the grass back on. We do have an aggressive sort of timetable but that’s all we’ve got to work with. That’s the way it is.

“It’s a relatively easy job. Hopefully all will go well and we’ll be back here racing on Wednesday, April 23.”

*According to QR’s Press Release the cost of Ipswich Turf Club track’s restoration will come in at a $350,000. Racecourse Infrastructure & Operations Manager Bill Shuck will oversee the project as part of his secondment to Racing Queensland while the actual renovation will be led by Cheshire Contractors Pty Ltd from north Queensland who were selected following a tender process. Cheshire was chosen to deliver this project due to their extensive knowledge and credentials of track restorations and for their prior sports turf construction experience including working as sub-contractors on the recently completed Toowoomba and Cairns Racecourse upgrades.

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SHORTS:

Looks like we are down to a short-list for the position of Chief Steward. Watch this space.

Maija Vance outrode her 2kg claim in the city when saluting aboard Gallinari for the Brian Dais stable (Doomben – Feb 5).

Trainer Denis Schultz engineered a double success at Rockhampton where he sent out the winners Logical Outcome ($7) and Berrybear ($31.00). (Rockhampton – Feb 6).

They say there is no such thing as a certainty in racing … and, of course, until the horse is past the post the doubt in that statement remains true. But sometimes some horses are as close to certainties as you can get. Take the case of The Conspirator at Ipswich on Friday. His city form was clearly way superior to any of his five rivals (reduced to four with the withdrawal of Millyen at the start) and the Tony Sears charge duly won according without really raising a sweat. Sometimes odds of $1.28 are good odds. (Ipswich – Feb 7).

The withdrawal of Millyen, who has had several issues in his time included bad barrier manners, was an obvious disappointment to trainer Ted Ainsworth (not to mention jockey Luke Rolls who was injured in the incident in the starting stalls). But while racing can take away it can also give back and Ainsworth was able to go home a happy man after his second runner, Valentine Girl, went one better than her runner-up finish last time later in the day, taking the honours under yet another superb ride by Glen Colless. (Ipswich – Feb 7).

Trainer Leon Morton is getting set to leave the local scene. A superb conditioner of racehorses, Morton hopes to have the his training set-up wound up by the end of March before his move back to his roots in Northern Queensland (Atherton) in early April. Morton currently has three two-year-olds and two three-year-old under his care. If any of those aren’t sold by the end of March Morton will take them with him up north where they will probably race, but for another trainer. “I’m sixty-five this year,” said Morton. “I’ve been in the game for fifty years. One of my highlights was a winning double on Stradbroke day with Majestic Sight and Mr Slick. I’ve got close to a thousand winners up all up and down Queensland. It’s time! *This week Morton scored with Turbo Jet at Ipswich and Mr Honor at Caloundra. (Ipswich – Feb 7, Caloundra – Feb 9).

There was a nice two-year-old on display at Eagle farm on Saturday. Debutant Looks Like The Cat looked the part, was well supported and duly got the biscuits with an authoritative display. Trainer Tony Gollan gave his horse a vote of confidence. “We’ve had a really good opinion of this fella from early in the season,” said Gollan. “He is a beautiful horse with a really good action. When Bobby (El-Issa) asked him to quicken he looked a bit awkward for a while but once he stretched out … once we get him out over more ground I think you are going to see a pretty good horse.” (Eagle Farm – Feb 8).

Kelso Wood is a man of few words … but he said enough to give Kirk Matheson a big wrap after the rider had partnered Seeking More to victory. “The boy rode him well. He is a very good boy this,” said Wood. “He was lacking opportunities after going off the tracks a bit. He rang me one day and asked me if I would take him on as an apprentice. I thought about it for a while. Then I got him a good manager and I’m giving him every opportunity. You know, if your boss doesn’t give you rides no-one will, so I’ll give him every opportunity. He is a very good horseman … a good judge of pace, rides great work. As long as he keeps his head on his shoulders he’ll make good.” (Eagle Farm – Feb 8).

Apprentice Anthony Allen was continues on his merry way. His race to race double aboard Valerie D’Amour and Palmera Lad took him into second place on the Apprentice Jockey’s Metropolitan Premiership and he is now within a couple of winners of the leader and defending champion Tegan Harrison. Trainer Barry Baldwin also landed a double on the day. His stable saluted with Flying Home and Valerie D’Amour. Allen then went on to complete another double at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday. (Eagle Farm – Feb 8 / Sunshine Coast – Feb 9).

Sometimes jockeys have to take a punt on where they can get their best results. On Saturday Nozi Tomizawa bypassed his regular Toowoomba engagement and made the trip from Toowoomba to Eagle Farm for one ride only … and he went home win a metropolitan notch on his belt after guiding the Kevin Kemp trained Kempelly to victory in the last race on the card. “He’s been challenging in Brisbane so many times (with other riders on board) and I knew how good he was so I was waiting for this opportunity all the time,” said Tomizawa. “So many people asked me … you are only going there for one ride but I knew how good he was. It was really a team effort too. Me and Kevin Kemp and the staff we get together every morning and work this horse and talk about what we are going to do, so it’s a real team effort.” (Eagle Farm – Feb 8).

Interesting to see that Jackson Morris was reprimanded for being late out the jockey’s room for race four at the Gold Coast. No problem with that but, on the basis of that determination it will be interesting to see if that penalty is going to be consistently applied in future. Certainly that ‘transgression’ has previously been ignored many times at many tracks. (Gold Coast – Feb 8).

There were only five races at Dalby on Saturday where every winner was ridden by an apprentice jockey. Melody O’Brien, who landed a double on the day, broke the deadlock in favour of the girls in the final event on the card after the gender battle had been locked at two apiece after four races. (Dalby – Feb 8).

John Manzelmann had a big day out at the non-TAB meeting at Mackay on Saturday which was not really surprising seeing that he saddled seventeen of the fifty-two horses competing at the meeting. Manzelmann trained all four runners in the first race where the favourite Misty Rocket duly won. (He had six entered but two were scratched). Manzelmann again saddled four starters in the second race. Although seven horses faced the starter on this occasion, Manzelmann’s entries were still good enough to run the trifecta with Savasha taking the line honours, but his $1.80 favourite Payteevee however did finish unplaced. No such problem with the main fancy in the third where the Manzelmann trained Lokelani won by three lengths at restrictive odds. The stable then saluted again with Serene Rocket ($15) in race four. And that’s where the Manzelmann run ended as Alan O’Sullivan and Darren Symons sent out the winners of the last two races. Adrian Coombe took the day’s riding honours piloting three of Manzelmann’s four winners. (Mackay – Feb 8).

Former multi-apprentice premiership winning jockey Brent Evans might only be restricted to heavy-weight rides because of his battle with the scale but the talent is still very much there as evidenced by his treble at Toowoomba (from four rides) and his win on his only engagement at the Sunshine Coast for Ben Currie. Currie has been a solid supporter of Evans since the rider’s return to Queensland. (Toowoomba – Feb 8 & Sunshine Coast Feb 9).

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STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACTS:

Stewards today resumed an inquiry into the reason for jockey G. Cooksley being dislodged from STARGRILL BOY approaching the 400m (on June 26, 2013). Evidence was tendered on the day from T. Bell, rider of KISS ME DEADLY, R. Jamieson (BUSY DOIN' NOTHIN') B. Appo, rider of ALKIORI, in the presence of his master, trainer Mr J. Lakey, jockey P. Hammersley (LE HO FOOK). At the resumed hearing today, evidence was tendered from the above riders, apart from jockey Hammersley, and trainers as well as jockey G. Cooksley. Subsequently, after taking evidence and viewing the stewards' patrol films, it was established that approaching the 400m the racing room of KISS ME DEADLY was reduced when tightened for room between BUSY DONIN' NOTHIN' and ALKIORI, which shifted out slightly. Stewards were of the belief that KISS ME DEADLY was not travelling well enough to hold its position, and that it was also evident that STARGRILL BOY was racing close to the heels of KISS ME DEADLY at that stage when KISS ME DEADLY lost ground, resulting in STARGRILL BOY clipping that runner's heels and dislodging G. Cooksley. Stewards were unable to attribute blame to any one rider for the incident and noted the circumstances. (Doomben – Feb 5 - Supplementary From Eagle Farm, 26.6.13 - Race 6).

Connections advised that HOT ICE, which normally races on the speed, would be ridden in a midfield position from the wide barrier today. The horse subsequently raced in a rearward position. (Doomben – Feb 5 – Race 8).

Near the 800m, G. Colless, rider of MASTERFUL PLAY, almost became dislodged after clipping the heels of MOMENT OF IMPACT (A. Allen) which, when over-racing at the heels of GREAT INAGUA (J. Byrne), shifted in marginally. At a subsequent inquiry, stewards established that LORD LONHRO (T. Bell), when racing in a 4 wide position, shifted in slightly, causing ROCK ROYALTY (M. Cahill) to be steadied when tightened for room between LORD LONHRO and MOMENT OF IMPACT. Stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that the actions of T. Bell, rider of LORD LONHRO, were careless and had a direct bearing on the interference suffered by MASTERFUL PLAY, which was racing to the inside of MOMENT OF IMPACT at that stage, and therefore took no direct action against any one rider. As a result of this incident, PROOF OF LIFE (R. Wiggins), IDLE SITUATION (M. Hellyer) and HOT ICE, which were all following, were hampered to varying degrees. (Doomben – Feb 5 – Race 8).

The declaration of correct weight was delayed to allow Jockey M. Usher, the rider of KILLER WASP, to view the official photo-finish for third. Having done so, Jockey Usher was satisfied with the judge's placings and correct weight was declared. (Rockhampton – Feb 6 – Race 5).

Correct weight was delayed to allow App Jokic to view the photo finish print for 3rd. After doing so, App Jokic was satisfied as to the judge's placings and correct weight was declared. (Bundaberg – Feb 8 – Race 5).

Correct weight was further delayed to allow R. Ride, rider of the 4th placegetter, GOGERTY, to view the photo finish print for third. Correct weight was subsequently declared on the Judge's placings. (Toowoomba – Feb 8 – Race 7).

Stewards sought an explanation from Jockey A. Coome as to why STRADA TITLE led in today's race, contrary to the gelding's normal racing pattern. Jockey Coome said that he was instructed to take up a midfield position, however when there was little early pace in the event, from his wide barrier he elected to ride STRADA TITLE along and the gelding was able to obtain the lead of its own accord. Jockey Coome added that in his opinion STRADA TITLE may perform better when ridden midfield. (Rockhampton – Feb 6 – Race 6). *Strada Title finished unplaced.

MILLYEN (L. Rolls), which reared in the gates, dislodging its rider and becoming cast, was declared a late scratching at 2.11 pm. After considering the evidence put forward by trainer T. Ainsworth and the horse's previous barrier manners, stewards advised Mr Ainsworth that MILLYEN must perform to the stewards' satisfaction in a series of official barrier trials prior to being permitted to start again. (Ipswich – Feb 7 – Race 4).

LULIN (M. Cahill), which kicked out in the barriers, getting its hind leg caught in the back gate, was removed, inspected by the veterinary surgeon and cleared to start. (Ipswich – Feb 7 – Race 5).

After viewing the stewards' patrol footage, T. Bell, the rider of 3rd placegetter DESERT HARRY, lodged an objection against SAMAXAMIA (R. Wiggins) being declared 2nd, alleging interference over the concluding stages. After considering the evidence tendered by all parties and viewing the video, stewards found that although there was a slight brush between SAMAXAMIA and DESERT HARRY over the concluding stages, they were of the opinion that the brush between the two runners did not warrant a reversal of the placings and therefore dismissed the objection and declared correct weight on the Judge's placings. At a subsequent inquiry T. Bell was fined $200 under AR. 165(3) for lodging what stewards deemed to be a frivolous objection. (Ipswich – Feb 7 – Race 8).

A post-race veterinary examination of PER MILLE (S. Payne) revealed the gelding to be suffering cardiac arrhythmia. Trainer R. Heathcote was advised that before PER MILLE is permitted to race again, it must perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and he must produce a veterinary clearance for the horse, including the results of an ECG. (Ipswich – Feb 7 – Race 8).

A post-race veterinary examination of PLAY LUCK revealed the gelding to have an abnormal action behind. Trainer B. Guy was advised that he must produce a veterinary clearance for PLAY LUCK prior to its next start. (Ipswich – Feb 7 – Race 8).

Trainer D. Forster advised stewards that she issued M. Cahill with instructions to not specifically lead on ADEBISI today but to attempt to ride the horse in behind the lead if possible. ADEBISI settled at the rear of the field.

When asked to comment on the disappointing performance of ADEBISI, M. Cahill stated that from the wide barrier he settled towards the rear of the field in an attempt to gain cover and when he placed ADEBISI under pressure the gelding failed to quicken and was disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination of ADEBISI revealed no significant findings other than that the gelding had lost its off-hind plate in running. (Eagle Farm – Feb 8 – Race 4).

Stewards sought an explanation from E. Wilkinson regarding the performance of ROCKY KING. Jockey Wilkinson stated that he was challenged in the lead by MASTER GAZE during the middle stages and ROCKY KING did respond to his riding soon after straightening, however peaked on its run over the final 100m. Jockey Wilkinson added that in his opinion ROCKY KING may have come to the end of its preparation. A post-race veterinary examination of ROCKY KING revealed no abnormalities. A routine swab sample was taken from ROCKY KING. (Eagle Farm – Feb 8 – Race 4).

A charge of careless riding was issued against apprentice L. Tarrant, the rider of SIMPLY CHANEL, in that after passing the 200m he permitted his mount to shift in when not sufficiently clear of SEA RED, resulting in that runner being taken in on to VAZ DE TORRES (J. Taylor), which was taken across the rightful running of LYNYRD SKYNYRD (G. Colless), which had to be checked. After hearing submissions from apprentice Tarrant and his master Mr F. Phillips, stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that the shift by SIMPLY CHANEL was solely responsible for the incident and accordingly did not proceed with the charge. (Eagle Farm – Feb 8 – Race 6).

Stewards intend to interview apprentice R. Murray and trainer J. Sylvester regarding the riding of UNO FIVE over the final 600m. (Eagle Farm – Feb 8 – Race 7).

Stewards opened an inquiry into apprentice R. Murray's riding of YOUTHFUL KING, in particular over the final 500. After taking initial evidence from trainer J. Sylvester and apprentice Murray, stewards adjourned the matter to enable them to view the previous performances of the horse and to allow Mr Sylvester to fulfil his travel commitments. A post-race veterinary examination of YOUTHFUL KING (R. Murray) revealed no abnormalities. (Eagle Farm – Feb 8 – Race 8).

J. Morris was reprimanded for being late out of the jockey's room for the running of this race. (Gold Coast – Feb 8 – Race 4).

Prior to the race trainer D. Symons advised stewards that ZANATUS (T. Bannon) would be ridden in a more positive manner than the gelding has been ridden in its most recent starts. Public announcements were made to that effect. Following the race Jockey Bannon reported that ZANATUS was unable to take up a forward position as planned, Jockey Bannon said that the gelding was able to improve into the race at about the 500 metres, however did not let down in the straight and was disappointing. Jockey Bannon added that ZANATUS had returned to scale with blood in its mouth. A post-race veterinary examination revealed that the gelding had a minor laceration to its mouth. Trainer D. Symons informed stewards that he intended to recommend to connections that the gelding leave his stables. (Mackay – Feb 8 – Race 3).

Apprentice L. Tilley was reprimanded for riding with a set of spurs in which he had not included with the gear in which he weighed out with. (Dalby – Feb 8 – Race 2).

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JOCKEY SUSPENSIONS:

P. Holmes, the rider of ROCK HOME LATE, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR. 137(a) in that approaching the 1000m he permitted his mount to shift in when not sufficiently clear of FRETON (T. Harrison), which had to be checked to avoid the heels of ROCK HOME LATE when tightened for room between that runner and ANNA LIZZIE (G. Colless). Jockey Holmes' licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 7 meetings, to commence at midnight on Saturday 15 February and expire at midnight on Wednesday 26 February 2014. (Eagle Farm – Feb 8 – Race 2).

L. Appo, the rider of BOURGEOIS BABE, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding, the specifics being that he permitted his mount to shift in near the 350m when insufficiently clear of PALPITATATE (W. O'Connell) which was forced to be checked to avoid the heels of BOURGEOIS BABE. L. Appo's license to ride in races was suspended for a period of 6 meetings, to commence at midnight, 8 February and to expire at midnight 19 February. (Dalby – Feb 8 – Race 3).

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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 - $9400.00).

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
Week 5 (January 29 – February 4) $1800.00*
*Includes fine released in supplementary report (S Field).

This week (Week 6) - $1500.00

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 Rockhampton:

Trainer J. Manzelmann - $300: change of gear (A.R.140):Rockhampton 9/1/14*
RACE 7: Jockey D. Evans - $200 use of whip prior to 100m (A.R.137A(5)(a)(ii)
*Supplementary (Posted Feb 6 – from Jan 9).

From Ipswich:
Race 2. Tnr. G. Cornish - $100 - present horse to race without blinkers - AR. 140A
Race 8. T. Bell - $200 - lodged frivolous objection - AR. 165(3)

From Dalby:
Race 2 - B. Tattam - Trainer - $100 - Fail to produce Identification Card - AR59A

From Bundaberg:
Fines- App Tincknell- Failing to weigh in 3rd- $200- ARR 144

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