SEVEN DAYS (THE WEDNESDAY REPORT): THE WEEKLY REVIEW (FEBRUARY 12 - FEBRUARY 18) - PART B

By Graham Potter | Wednesday, February 19, 2014

HRO's news feature - SEVEN DAYS (THE WEDNESDAY REPORT) - provides a weekly review of racing activity, both on and off the track. Due to the positive response this feature has received it has been expanded into two parts (A) & (B)

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACTS:

Following the running of this race a number of riders who rode expressed some concerns with the condition of the track at a point near the 850m where the 1000m shute joined the course proper. They were of the view that this part of the track was much softer than the Good rating for a section of about 50m.

Stewards, accompanied by the Course Manager, inspected that section of the track and found a small area of the track from the running rail to about 8 horses wide at the 850m mark that was wetter due to a sprinkler head which was discovered to have been damaged by machinery. As a result of this, the false rail in the 1000m shute was moved out approximately 8 metres for the running of Race 2 to avoid that section of the track. (Eagle Farm – Feb 12).

R. Wiggins, rider of the 3rd placegetter, FAST NEWS, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts at least hands and heels right out to the finish post. (Eagle Farm – Feb 12 – Race 4).

R. McMahon indisposed - Illness - Cert. Required. (Eagle Farm – Feb 12).

Jockey S. Pawsey, the rider of ELEMENT OF CHANCE, was questioned as to the disappointing performance of the colt. Jockey Pawsey stated that prior to leaving Cairns ELEMENT OF CHANCE had worked well leading into today's event and he could offer no reasonable excuse for the performance, other than that the colt may have been better suited over a longer distance than today's event. A post-race veterinary examination of ELEMENT OF CHANCE revealed that the colt had sustained a laceration to the off-hock. (Rockhampton – Feb 13 – Race1). *ELEMENT OF CHANCE finished unplaced. This was the colt’s first defeat in four starts.

When questioned as to his riding of VICTORY HOTEL, Jockey C. Whiteley explained that the gelding raced greenly throughout the event and when he placed the gelding under pressure near the 400 metres in an attempt to make ground to the inside of other runners VICTORY HOTEL did not respond to his riding until approaching the 100 metres, where it finished the race off well. The explanation was noted. (Rockhampton – Feb 13 – Race 5). *VICTORY HOTEL finished second, beaten by three lengths.

Jockey M. Usher was severely reprimanded for allowing KILLER WASP to shift in over the concluding stages, taking ALOTTA MOJO (App. M. McGillivray) in onto the hindquarters of ALERT MISS, resulting in both horses becoming tightened for room. Following the race Jockey M. Usher reported that the saddle on KILLER WASP shifted during the race. (Rockhampton – Feb 13 – Race 7).

As R. McMahon, who was engaged to ride LUNAR VOYAGE, failed to arrive on course with a medical clearance as required under AR. 81F(3), he was stood down from this (and his other) engagement. (Beaudesert – Feb 14).

Near the 950m SHORAIGH STAR (B. Appo) struck the running rail and almost fell, dislodging its rider. Evidence was taken from jockeys B. Appo, R. Ride (SOUL POWERED), L. Williams (NATURAL SIGN), B. El-Issa (SAPPHIRE BELLE) and M. McKenzie (RED HOT MOTHER). After considering a number of factors put forward in evidence, stewards adjourned the matter until a future date. (Beaudesert – Feb 14 – Race 2).

After receiving earlier crowding, approaching the 700m the saddle on NATURAL SIGN (L. Williams) shifted forward, resulting in its rider being unable to restrain his mount, and then at a point near the 600m when RED HOT MOTHER (M. McKenzie) shifted out, NATURAL SIGN raced in very restricted room, was inclined to shift out and ran out across the heels of SAPPHIRE BELLE (B. El-Issa), resulting in NATURAL SIGN clipping the heels of that horse, almost dislodging L. Williams, who as a result lost both stirrups in this incident. Stewards were unable to apportion blame to any one rider but considered the fact that the saddle of NATURAL SIGN had shifted and the manner in which it was racing at the time were the major contributors to this interference. (Beaudesert – Feb 14 – Race 2).

Trainer G. Baker (IDLE SITUATION) explained that following its run three starts ago, the horse had a minor setback which resulted in it having a few weeks break before being brought to Eagle Farm. On that occasion, because the horse had had a disrupted preparation, he was of the view that the run in the circumstances on that day was satisfactory. He said at the horse's last start it travelled in a midfield position and lost ground when following runners which received interference. He said that since that time the horse has worked very well and with the increase in distance and being able to race up on the speed today, the horse was able to run to its expectations. (Beaudesert – Feb 14 – Race 8). *IDLE SITUATION won the race.

RED BOWERS (G. Colless) hung out in the middle stages, resulting in I AM BOSS (M. Cahill) being taken wider on the track. RED BOWERS continued to hang out rounding the home turn, resulting in I AM BOSS becoming unbalanced when again taken wider. A post-race veterinary examination of RED BOWERS failed to reveal any significant abnormalities and a routine swab sample was taken. Trainer M. Dunn advised that RED BOWERS would now be gelded and sent for an immediate spell. (Doomben – Feb 15 – Race 1).

T. Harrison, rider of PREACHER BOY, was reprimanded for using her whip when her mount was out of contention. (Doomben – Feb 15 – Race 2).

After travelling a short distance, SAVE THE STAR (B. Stewart) shifted in abruptly, resulting in BUSY DOIN' NOTHIN' (R. Jamieson) being forced in towards the running rail. BUSY DOIN' NOTHIN' then commenced to over-race and when steadied from the heels of DELAGO PILLI (L. Tarrant) shifted out and made heavy contact with SAVE THE STAR. Whilst not taking any direct action, stewards nevertheless admonished B. Stewart, rider of SAVE THE STAR, and advised him that his riding bordered on being improper. B. Stewart, rider of SAVE THE STAR, dropped his whip near the 250m. (Doomben – Feb 15 – Race 3).

A post race veterinary examination of GRAYSON SQUARE revealed it to have been galloped on on the off-hind leg. (Doomben – Feb 15 – Race 3).

NUPTSE bled during the event. As this was the second occasion on it has bled, NUPTSE will now incur a lifetime bar from racing. (Doomben – Feb 15 – Race 4).

Anthony Allen, rider of PURE WHISPER, was issued with a charge under AR137(d), in that as the rider of PURE WHISPER, when leading, he excessively reduced the pace between the 800m and 600m, which resulted in MY QUILTER (S. Payne), SEZWHO (L. Tarrant), NAKANAI, DANEODIN (P. Schmidt) and HEART OF MANY (C. Munce) all being checked to varying degrees. A. Allen pleaded not guilty to the charge and when deliberating on the matter stewards were of the view that the sectional times for the relevant section of the race should be reviewed prior to making a finding of guilt or otherwise. The matter will be reconvened at 1 pm on Monday, 17 February at the Deagon offices of Racing Queensland. (Doomben – Feb 15 – Race 5). *At a subsequent hearing, stewards opted not to proceed with the charge.

After the winning post, SEZWHO (L. Tarrant) became unbalanced when it contacted the running rail due to STAR SAMMY (G. Colless) shifting in. A post-race veterinary examination of SEZWHO revealed the horse to have been galloped on on the outside of the off-fore canon. (Doomben – Feb 15 – Race 5).

FILLYDELPHIA (A. Allen) jumped away awkwardly and shifted in, making heavy contact with MISHANI PERSUADER (B. Stewart), resulting in A. Allen, rider of FILLYDELPHIA, becoming unbalanced in the saddle. Approaching the 400m, DE DOZEN STARS (M. Cahill) shifted out and bumped FILLYDELPHIA. When questioned, A. Allen advised stewards that FILLYDELPHIA travelled comfortably in running, however he became concerned from the 600m that the horse was not going to figure in the finish. He said when he placed the mare under pressure it failed to run on in the straight and proved disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination of FILLYDELPHIA failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. FILLYDELPHIA lost its near-hind plate in running. (Doomben – Feb 15 – Race 6).

Passing the 900m, AGITATE (R. McMahon) commenced to race fiercely when being restrained. This resulted in EXCEEDINGLY (A. Allen), which was following, having to be checked to avoid the heels of AGITATE. EXCEEDINGLY was held up for clear running in the early part of the straight and until the 250m. (Doomben – Feb 15 – Race 7).

T. Treichel the rider of PANGIA PRINCE was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts out to the end of the race. Jockey Treichel noted that the saddle on PANGIA PRINCE had slipped back leaving the 400m placing him at a slight disadvantage. (Gold Coast – Feb 15 – Race 1).

When questioned as to the tactics adopted on JACKY LEGS jockey E. Kehoe advised she was instructed to ride the gelding in the second half of the field which is why she restrained the gelding in the early stages after beginning well. Trainer W. King confirmed the instructions which he had also issued at the gelding's last start over 900m. Mr King confirmed that similar instructions would be issued going forward. Stewards noted the explanation. (Gold Coast – Feb 15 – Race 1).

When questioned as to the tactics adopted on MIGHTY SEQUALO jockey J. Morris reported that his instructions were to take up a handy position should circumstances permit as the gelding had over-raced at its previous start. Jockey Morris stated that after beginning well he was unable to restrain MIGHTY SEQUALO as to comply with these instructions which resulted in the gelding racings strongly outside the leader in the early and middle stages of the race which in his opinion resulted in it compounding over the final 300m. When questioned as to why he did not allow MIGHTY SEQUALO to stride forward when over-racing leaving the 800m jockey Morris stated that he was attempting to comply with his earlier instructions. Jockey Morris further added that he had advised connections to experiment with different gear in an attempt to have the gelding settle in its races. The explanation was noted. A post race veterinary examination of MIGHTY SEQUALO revealed no abnormalities. (Gold Coast – Feb 15 – Race 1).

When questioned as to the tactics adopted on MACPOLLY App C. Schmidt noted that the gelding was stepping down in distance from 1615m from its previous start. App Schmidt stated that she was instructed to position MACPOLLY in a handy position provided the gelding was able to travel comfortably in that position. App Schmidt added that she pressured MACPOLLY for the first 100m of the race to comply with her instructions however, in her opinion MACPOLLLY was unable to muster the necessary speed which resulted in it racing further back in the field than anticipated. App Schmidt further added that rounding the home turn she was able to obtain clear running to the inside of other runners and MACPOLLY finished the race off well over the final 200m. Stewards advised App Schmidt that in their opinion she had erred in the early stages when not continuing to ride MACPOLLY along to maintain a position closer to the speed. App Schmidt did state that she was of the view that MACPOLLY would be best suited in races over 1400m. (Gold Coast – Feb 15 – Race 1).

Approaching the 600m MARACOOLA (J. Morris) lost ground when forced to race in restricted room to the inside of GOJO MIMO (P. Holmes), which was taken in by HEZA BOBBY DAZZLER (App C. Schmidt), which was inclined to lay in at that point. At a subsequent inquiry stewards were of the view that the racing manners of MARACOOLA had contributed to the interference suffered by that horse and as a result did not take action against any rider. Stewards opened an inquiry into the tactics adopted on MARACOOLA. After taking initial evidence from J. Morris stewards adjourned the inquiry so as to question trainer M. Dunn who was not on course today and to review MARACOOLA'S previous racing pattern. (Gold Coast – Feb 15 – Race 4).

Prior to the declaration of correct weight stewards interviewed jockey A. Pattillo and the Starter S. Andrews to determine if GREAT TOUCH had affected the start prior to the Starter effecting the start thereby gaining an advantage over the remainder of the field. After taking evidence from A. Pattillo and S. Andrews and viewing the patrol footage stewards were of the view that GREAT TOUCH had lunged forward and made contact with the barrier partition simultaneously with the Starter effecting the start. Therefore stewards did not believe that GREAT TOUCH had obtained any advantage and declared correct weight on the numbers semaphored. As a result of making contact with the barrier partition GREAT TOUCH began very awkwardly and shifted in inconveniencing both LE CAP (D. Missen) and SOPHIA'S SON (Michael Palmer). (Gold Coast – Feb 15 – Race 5). *GREAT TOUCH finished fourth.

Trainer J. Smerdon advised that from the wide barrier today PALMAS, which had been ridden forward in its previous start, would be ridden in the second half of the field. The horse was ridden accordingly. PALMAS (K. Forrester) shifted in under pressure passing the 200m. Stewards will interview K. Forrester regarding his riding of PALMAS over the concluding stages at a later date. (Gold Coast – Feb 15 – Race 7).

Stewards questioned trainer B. Currie in relation to the acceptance and subsequent scratching of SPINTHESONY. After hearing submissions from Mr Currie, Stewards accepted his explanation. (Toowoomba – Feb 15 – Race 1).

Correct weight was delayed to enable trainer B. Currie, the trainer of COULDN'T SEE IT, which dead-heated for 2nd, to view the photo finish print. After viewing the photo finish, Mr Currie was satisfied with the Judge's placings and correct weight was declared on the numbers semaphored. ((Toowoomba – Feb 15 – Race 6).

Jockey (H Diener) advised stewards YOU DONE IT AGAIN resented the sand coming back in the horses face in the early and middle stages. When questioned in regards to the performance of DUMUZI (D Hayes) stated he felt that the horse never handled the sand track surface at any stage. (Gladstone –Feb 15 – Race 3).

Trainer David Murphy was fined $100 for failing to produce the Document of Description for STARLET WARRIOR. STARLET WARRIOR will be barred from racing until such document is produced to stewards (Sunshine Coast – Feb 16 – Race 1).

M. Cahill reported that ORABELLE had a tendency to race greenly for the majority of the race and as a result had difficulty securing clear running between the 400m and 200m. Jockey Cahill was of the view that ORABELLE resented racing inside other horses but was able to secure clear running over the final 200m and found the line well. He was also of the view that ORABELLE would perform better over further distances and indicated that connections would consider adding blinkers to the filly. (Sunshine Coast – Feb 16 – Race 1).

Officials identified after the race that ROCK ROYALTY had raced with ear plugs which is gear not approved under the National Gear Register. After taking evidence from trainer L. Birchley and stablehand N. Balderson it was established that ROCK ROYALTY is fitted with ear plugs for travelling and it is the responsibility of Mr Balderson to remove these ear plugs when arriving on course, a responsibility which he failed to fulfil. Mr Birchley subsequently pleaded guilty to a charge under AR140B in that he presented ROCK ROYALTY to race with unapproved gear and was fined the sum of $300. (Sunshine Coast – Feb 16 – Race 3).

Correct weight was delayed to allow M. Hellyer, rider of the 2nd placegetter, DARK MATTER, to view the stewards' patrol video to ascertain if he had grounds to lodge a protest against the winner, SEONIA. After viewing all video angles, jockey Hellyer declined to lodge a protest. Stewards also reviewed the patrol footage to determine if there were grounds to lodge an objection on behalf the 3rd plagegetter, DANEHILL NATIVE (R. McMahon) against either 1st placegetter SEONIA or 2nd placegetter DARK MATTER. After viewing the patrol footage, stewards were of the view that given the winner SEONIA shift out had caused the interference suffered to DANEHILL NATIVE, and given the vicinity of the interference to the finish line and overall margins, stewards were not of the opinion they should proceed with an objection and subsequently correct weight was semaphored on the numbers as semaphored by the Judge. (Sunshine Coast – Feb 16 – Race 5).

Stewards questioned trainer L. Treloar and apprentice B. Stower regarding the tactics adopted on FLIGHT TO ARCTIC. Of concern to stewards was that FLIGHT TO ARCTIC led in today's event which was in contrast to its established racing pattern. Apprentice Stower indicated as the horse has previously not shown early speed in its races Mr Treloar had instructed her to attempt to ride positively with a view to obtaining a midfield position with cover. Mr Treloar confirmed these instructions and pre-race was of the view that the horse would not be able to show sufficient speed to be more forward than midfield. Apprentice Stower explained that her intentions changed when FLIGHT TO ARCTIC won the start and in the early stages was unable to obtain cover, she therefore allowed the horse to stride forward approaching the 1300m. Stewards accepted that it had not been Mr Treloar's intention to race in such a prominent position, however nevertheless drew his attention to his obligations under AR135A to notify stewards of his instructions as in the circumstances these instructions may have resulted in the horse taking up a more forward position. (Sunshine Coast – Feb 16 – Race 5).

KWABOY (T. Harrison) bled from both nostrils during the event. Trainer T. Bourke was advised that KWABOY will be barred from racing for a period of 3 months. Mr Bourke advised that KWABOY will be retired from racing. (Sunshine Coast – Feb 16 – Race 5).

JETEYE WARRIOR raced without a Norton bit, which was part of that horse's gear. Trainer D. Murphy was subsequently fined the sum of $100. (Sunshine Coast – Feb 16 – Race 5).

SLICK LAGO (F. Jervis) stood flatfooted at the start and lost considerable ground. Trainer T. Crane was advised that the horse must trial satisfactorily in an official trial prior to its next race start. (Sunshine Coast – Feb 16 – Race 6).

MISS MARBURG, which dislodged rider R. Ride during its preliminary, was declared a late scratching at 4 pm when Miss Ride was ruled unfit to take her mount. (Sunshine Coast – Feb 16 – Race 7).

App. B. Swaffer pleaded guilty to a charge under A.R. 137(b) in that he failed to ride LIDEEM out right to the finish. Apprentice Swaffer was fined $200. In assessing penalty stewards took into account Apprentice Swaffer's unblemished record in relation to this Rule. (Townsville – Feb 16 – Race 7).

Jockey D. Evans pleaded guilty to a charge under A.R. 137A(5)(a)(ii) in that he used his whip on DAMN GOOD IDEA in a forehand manner and in consecutive strides more than 5 times prior to the 100 metres. Jockey Evans was fined $500. In assessing penalty stewards took into account Jockey Evans' poor record in relation to this Rule and that this breach was at the upper level of the scale. (Mackay – Feb 18 – Race 2).

When questioned as to his riding of FUNFIDO, Jockey L. Dillon explained that he was instructed to ride the gelding towards the rear of the 5-horse field with cover, however after beginning well he was obliged to race three wide and then over-raced. Jockey Dillon said that he was mindful of the instructions given and was reluctant to proceed forward. Jockey Dillon added that after racing three wide in the middle stages he was of the view that ASSIMILATOR would press forward and take the lead and that he would be able to move forward and settle the horse where it was comfortable. He said that when SO PRETENTIOUS maintained the lead he was of the view that he would have to make use of his mount in an attempt to cross ASSIMILATOR and therefore he elected to remain in a three wide position throughout. Jockey Dillon conceded that in hindsight it would have been a better option for him to allow FUNDIDO to stride forward after travelling a short distance, when the gelding commenced to over-race. Stewards agreed that Jockey Dillon's riding of FUNDIDO in the middle stages lacked judgement and were of the view that the better option would have been to allow FUNDIDO to stride forward and attempt to clear the leading division. In the circumstances stewards were not of the opinion that Jockey Dillon's actions were culpable under the Rules of Racing and consequently did not take any further action. (Mackay – Feb 18 – Race 4).

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JOCKEY SUSPENSIONS:

T. Brooker, rider of RIPPER NIPPER, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding in that approaching the 1000m she allowed her mount to shift in when not sufficiently clear of GAYLEN (J. Byrne), causing that horse to be taken in and steadied, resulting in AMARANTA (M. Cahill) being tightened for room on to the hind quarters of JUST TAKE IT (S. Payne) and having to be steadied and lose its rightful position. Miss Brooker's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 21 February and up to and including 5 March 2014. (Sunshine Coast – Feb 16 – Race 2).

K. Matheson, rider of NOT A SINGLEMOMENT, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding in that near the 700m he allowed his mount to shift in when not clear of IRRESTIBLE ME (P. Schmidt), forcing that horse in and tightening the running of both CASH IN and SHE'S A DANICA, resulting in SHE'S A DANICA being checked when tightened for room. K. Matheson was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 6 meetings, to commence at midnight, 22 February and to expire at midnight, 5 March. (Sunshine Coast – Feb 16 – Race 4).

R. Wiggins, rider of SEONIA, pleaded guilty to a charge under AR137(a) in that he allowed his mount to shift out under significant pressure over the concluding stages, which resulted in DANEHILL NATIVE being checked when tightened onto the hind quarters of DARK MATTER. R. Wiggins was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 22 February and to expire at midnight, 6 March. (Sunshine Coast – Feb 16 – Race 5).

App. N. Yadi pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under A.R. 137(a) in that near the 600 metres he permitted DREAM ON DREAMER to shift in when insufficiently clear of MOLONGLE DREAM (T. Bannon), which was forced inwards onto SIMON BON ROCKET (C. Whiteley), which had to be checked and lost its rightful running. App. Yadi was suspended from riding in races for a period covering 2 meetings, to commence at midnight 16th February 2014, up to and including midnight on Saturday 22nd February 2014. (Townsville – Feb 16 – 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 - $11 550.00).
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*
Week 6 (February 5 – February 11) $1500.00
This week (February 12 – February 18) $3150.00*
*Includes fines released in supplementary reports.
Fines
From Eagle Farm (Feb 12 – Supplementary reports from Sunshine Coast Feb 9).
Race 6. Trevor Thomas - Trainer - Late rider - Splendent Choice - $100 - LR67*
Race 7. Jeffery Caught - Trainer - Late rider - Zagami - $100 - LR67

From Beaudesert (Feb 14).
Race 1. Tnr. G. Blake - $100 - late rider - LR. 67
Race 1. App. B. Stower - $100 - fail to weigh in 4th - AR. 144
Race 8. N. Evans - $200 - use whip 7 times forehand (4 consecutive) prior to 100m - AR137A(5)(a)(ii)

From Doomben (Feb 15).
Race 7. Tnr M. Jacobs - $100 – late rider – LR.67

From Gold Coast (Feb 15).
Race 1. P. Holmes - Jockey - Overweight - $100.00 - AR120(b)
Race 2. K. Forrester - Jockey - Overweight - $100.00 - AR120(b)
Race 3. T. Crane - Trainer - Late rider - $200.00 - LR67
Race 6. K. Forrester - Jockey - Overeight - $100.00 - AR120(b)
Race 7. M. Speers - Jockey - Overweight - $200.00 - AR120(b)

From Toowoomba (Feb 15).
Supplementary report: Jockey D. McIntosh - $200 - improper conduct - AR. 175(q). Jockey D. McIntosh pleaded guilty to a charge under AR. 175(q) in that on the morning of 13 February he improperly conducted himself by striking DUSTY STORM with his foot after being dislodged from that horse.
Supplementary report: From Dalby 8.2.14. G. Killen - $100 - use whip forehand more than 5 times and in consecutive strides prior to the 100m - AR. 137A(5)(a)(i) &(ii)
Race 7. C. Spry - $100 - overweight, replaced - AR. 120(b)

From Gladstone (Feb 15).
Fines: Trainer Clinton Garland $50.00 AR140(a) Present horse to the enclosure with incorrect gear.

From Sunshine Coast (Feb 16).
Race 1. David Murphy - Trainer - No Doc. Description - $100 - AR59A*
Race 3. Liam Birchley - Trainer - Horse raced with ear plugs, not part of approved gear - $300 - AR140B
Race 5. David Murphy - Trainer - Fail to advise gear change - Jeteye Warrior - $100 - AR140B(2)

From Townsville (Feb 16).
Race 7: App. B. Swaffer $200 - fail to ride LIDEEM out right to finish (A.R.137(b)

From Mackay (Feb 18).
RACE 2: Jockey D. Evans $500 - use of whip on DAMN GOOD IDEA: (A.R.137A(5)(a)(ii))

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