SEVEN DAYS (THE WEDNESDAY REPORT): THE WEEKLY REVIEW (FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 25) - PART B

By Graham Potter | Wednesday, February 26, 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 on-going positive response this feature has received it has been expanded into two parts (A) & (B)

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACTS:

FROM DOOMBEN (FEB 19):

On Monday, 17 February, stewards continued an inquiry into the pace set by Pure Whisper (A. Allen), for which he was charged under AR137(d). Apprentice Allen pleaded not guilty to the charge. Upon resumption, stewards considered further evidence from apprentice Allen in the presence of his master Mr S. Ryan, and also considered sectional times for this race and comparative races on the day. Having considered the times, stewards were unable to satisfy themselves that the charge as issued could be sustained and therefore found apprentice Allen not guilty of the charge. Apprentice Allen however was reminded that the tempo set in the middle stages of this event concerned Stewards and did contribute to a number of runners behind him being inconvenienced. He was advised that at all times when leading in races he should maintain a constant speed in order to avoid riders behind him having to unnecessarily check the momentum of their mounts and being at risk of clipping heels and becoming dislodged. (Supplementary Report).

CANDENTE proved very difficult to load and refused to enter the gates despite a number of attempts. CANDENTE was then withdrawn and was declared a late scratching. As CANDENTE had previous history in regard to being difficult to load, trainer L. Treloar was advised that he would be required to provide a further barrier certificate for CANDENTE before it being permitted to start again. (Race 4).

When questioned regarding the seemingly improved performance of BLACK NINJA, trainer T Edmonds stated that he was of the opinion that the gelding appreciated the solid tempo set throughout the race and the step up in distance from 1600m. (Race 6). *Black Ninja was a $21 winner.

Consideration was given to a protest lodged by M. Cahill, rider of the 3rd placegetter, IRISH TEARDROP, against SATIRICAL LASS alleging interference near the 200m. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the patrol video, stewards were of the view that inside the 200m, SATIRICAL LASS shifted out causing IRISH TEARDROP to shift out and away from that runner. As stewards were of the opinion that the extent of the interference suffered by IRISH TEARDROP exceeded the short half head margin between both runners, they deemed that the protest should be upheld and the Judge's placings were amended to read: GALA AFFAIR - 1st IRISH TEARDROP - 2nd SATIRICAL LASS - 3rd SPONTANEITY - 4th (Race 7).

FROM KILCOY (FEB 20):

Due to a malfunction with the jockeys' scales, the start of this race was rescheduled. (Race 1).

INGENOUS (D. Missen), which dislodged its rider behind the barriers and then crashed through the inside running rail, was declared a late scratching on veterinary advice. As a result of the damage to the inside running rail, stewards permitted all runners to return to the enclosure while satisfactory repairs were carried out to the damaged section, resulting in this race being run late. (Race 5).

Apprentice T. Brooker was dislodged from STRAIGHT SHOOTER on pulling up and took a seemingly harmless fall. (Race 6).

FROM ROCKHAMPTON (FEB 21):

When questioned as to the tactics adopted on DROPPER CRYSTAL, particularly in the home straight, Jockey D. Evans stated that from a wide barrier he was forced to restrain the gelding and take up a position closer to the running rail. Jockey Evans added that leaving the 700 metres he commenced to improve into the race and upon straightening for home elected to shift to the outside of DOTHRAKI WARRIOR (A. Coome) to improve. Jockey Evans noted that at that point DOTHRAKI WARRIOR shifted out, so he elected to shift back in to the inside of that runner to obtain clear running.

Jockey Evans said further that DROPPER CRYSTAL then had a tendency to race greenly, and was inclined to shift ground, which prevented him from placing the gelding under full pressure. Nonetheless he felt that the gelding commenced to find the line well over the concluding stages, however close to the finishing line he was obliged to stop riding when COLD COLLECT shifted in. Jockey Evans was of the opinion that as this was the gelding's second start since a spell, DROPPER CRYSTAL may improve when racing in events over a longer distance than today's race. Whilst stewards noted the explanation, they reminded Jockey Evans of his obligation to advise them as soon as possible of anything that may have affected the performance. (Race 6).

After arriving on course trainer L. Rowe reported to stewards that BLACKJACK DAVEY had sustained a minor injury to its off-fore tendon the day prior to the meeting. The gelding was examined by the Club's veterinary surgeon and cleared to take its place in the field. Mr Rowe was permitted to apply bandages to the off foreleg of BLACKJACK DAVEY and public announcements were made to that effect. (Race 7).

FROM SUNSHINE COAST (FEB 21):

On arriving at the gates, EVERYBODY HAPPY, which had blood in its mouth, was examined by the veterinary surgeon and found to have a loose tooth. EVERYBODY HAPPY was cleared to start. (Race 4).

Connections advised that ANIKINTIME, which has been leading in its races, would be ridden back in the field with cover if possible as it has not been finishing its races off. The horse was ridden accordingly. Trainer K. Kemp was admonished and advised that it is his obligation to notify stewards of any change in tactics in a more timely manner. (Race 7).

FROM EAGLE FARM (FEB 22):

SMILES FOR LAYLA (T. Bell) reared at the start and lost considerable ground. After being struck in the face at the start by SMILES FOR LAYLA jockey T. Bell was examined by the Club's doctor following the race and cleared to fulfil his remaining engagements. (Race 3).

Whilst the stewards were satisfied it did not affect his finishing position of 6th, App L. Tarrant the rider of MR ZOOLANDER was nonetheless reprimanded for failing to ride his mount out to the finish. (Race 8).

App A. Hearn the rider of GALLINARI was fined the sum of $200.00 for returning to scale in excess of 1 kilo over his declared weight. (Race 8).

FROM GOLD COAST (FEB 22):

Stewards today finalised an adjourned inquiry into the tactics adopted on MARACOOLA on Saturday 15 February 2014 in the JK Financial Solutions QTIS 3YO Handicap over 900m. After taking initial evidence from Jockey Jackson Morris as the rider of MARACOOLA the inquiry was adjourned to interview Trainer Matthew Dunn who was not present on the day in question.
Jockey Morris stated that he was instructed to take up a position with cover and then obtain clear running to the outside of the field. Jockey Morris added that after beginning well he did not pressure MARACOOLA so as to comply with his instructions and as such obtained a mid-field position with cover in the early stages. However approaching the 600m he suffered interference which resulted in MARACOOLA being positioned further back in the field than anticipated. Jockey Morris further added that after straightening he attempted to shift MARACOOLA to the outside of the field as per his instructions but the filly was inclined to lay in behind other runners and as such he was only able to position it to the outside of the field over the final 100m.

Mr Dunn confirmed the instructions which were issued on the basis that MARACOOLA on its previous runs had performed best when placed to the outside of other runners. Mr Dunn added that whilst MARACOOLA had always impressed him with its work he was still experimenting with its best pattern of racing and as such would issue instructions to have the filly ridden in the lead at its next start in the hope that it would not be obliged to race inside other horses.

In light of the instructions that were provided and the interference suffered in the middle stages, Stewards noted the explanations. However Stewards advised Jockey Morris that they were critical of his riding in that after beginning well the better option would have been to maintain a position inside of YOU WIN AGAIN (T Treichel) and furthermore, once he elected to shift MARACOOLA to the outside he should have made greater effort to obtain that position earlier than he did. (Supplementary Report).

Stewards enquired into the handling of CHLORIDE, particularly Jockey D Missen's riding of that gelding rounding the home turn and in the home straight. Particular concern of Stewards was Jockey Missen's apparent lack of vigour.

Jockey Missen noted that CHLORIDE was having its first start today and shortly after the start he attempted to restrain the gelding in an effort to obtain cover, however, CHLORIDE then commenced to race ungenerously and was inclined to hang in the middle stages of the event proving difficult to ride. As a consequence CHLORIDE was forced to race three wide throughout. Jockey Missen stated that upon straightening he was disappointed for a run between OUTRAGED (S Galloway) and DEUCED (D Griffin) and near the 300m he was afforded clear running between those runners but the gelding continued to race intractably and was inclined to lay in for the majority of the home straight which prevented him from riding the gelding with his usual vigour.

Trainer L Munro stated that he expected a forward showing today and as such had supported the horse. After viewing the patrol footage Mr Munro agreed with Jockey Missen as to CHLORIDE's ungenerous racing manners. Acting on the evidence of Jockey Missen, Stewards ordered that CHLORIDE must perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial prior to starting again. Furthermore, Jockey Missen was fined the sum of $500 under AR140(b) for failing to advise Stewards as soon as practicable of the racing manners of CHLORIDE which affected his riding of that gelding. A post-race veterinary examination of CHLORIDE failed to reveal any apparent abnormalities at the time of examination. (Race 1).

Trainer G Heinrich was fined the sum of $200 for failing to enact a stable return for the gear change of removal of glue-on shoes to standard racing plates for PURE REALITY. (Race 5).

Jockey D Missen (REGAL TIER) was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right out to the end of the race. Jockey D Missen reported that REGAL TIER was inclined to over-race during the middle stages of the event and hung out rounding the home turn. (Race 6).

A post-race veterinary examination of DEVINARDI (S Fawke) revealed the horse to have bowed its near fore tendon. Trainer T Bailey will be advised that he must obtain a Veterinary Certificate of Fitness before the gelding races again. (Race 7).

FROM TOOWOOMBA (FEB 22):

The start of this race was effected manually. Correct weight was delayed to allow Stewards to view the start to ascertain whether ROCKLEA RAIDER (S. Apthorpe) and COMMANDER BOLTZ (T. Banks) had been afforded a fair start.

After viewing the films, Stewards found that COMMANDER BOLTZ stood flat-footed at the start, refused to jump and lost considerable ground, and furthermore, as the start was effected ROCKLEA RAIDER reared high in the barriers, dislodging the rider, and then galloped the course riderless. Therefore, both horses were declared runners.

Trainers S. Neylon (ROCKLEA RAIDER) and K. Bolton (COMMANDER BOLTZ) were advised that they must obtain further barrier certificates for their respective horses before they are permitted to race again. (Race 1).

Near the 300m ROYAL SAGA was tightened for room and forced to check when racing between HENNY BOY (J. Kehoe) and ASIAN SKY (B. Ainsworth), which was taken out by RED'S THE GO (A. Fancourt), which in turn was taken out by KENTUCKY CHICK (S. Drake), which hung out despite the efforts of its rider. Whilst Stewards noted the incident was one of significance, as they felt the racing manners of KENTUCKY CHICK were a major contributing factor, no further action was taken. (Race 4).

Stewards questioned N. Evans (COULDN'T SEE IT) in relation to his riding rounding the home turn as to whether there was an opportunity for him to maintain a position closer to the rails which would have prevented TEA TATTLE (B. Stower), the eventual winner of the race, obtaining clear running when improving to his inside.

Jockey Evans advised Stewards that when placed under pressure after passing the 500m COULDN'T SEE IT had a tendency to lay out and as such shifted wider on the track despite his efforts. Jockey Evans further added that it was always his intention to ride COULDN'T SEE IT in a manner that would not allow TEA TATTLE to improve to his inside, however due to the racing manners of his gelding he was unable to do so. Stewards noted his explanation. (Race 6).

FROM ROMA (FEB 22):

On pulling up, jockey C. Bryen the rider of the winner PLATTERS, became physically ill and had to be attended to for dehydration on the track by Ambulance officers. As C. Bryen was unable to weigh in, Stewards under the provisions of AR142 were satisfied that PLATTERS had carried its correct weight and therefore gave correct weight on the Judges semaphored numbers. C. Bryen was subsequently stood down from his remaining engagements. (Race 2). *After the race C. Bryen, the rider of PLATTERS, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless and he picked up a six meeting suspension.

FROM EIDSVOID (FEB 22):
Stewards questioned App Q Krogh, rider of the short priced favourite ACTIVE STAR, over his riding of the mare firstly from a point near the 400 metres where ACTIVE STAR became held up on the heels of SUSPICIOUS MISS (C Kearney) and secondly his riding out of the filly in the home straight.

App Krogh explained that after he allowed SUSPICIOUS MISS to cross his mount at the 600 metres he remained in that position on the fence, and as consequence became held up and unable to improve into the race as runners progressed forward wider on the track leaving the 400 metres.

In the presence of trainer B Gill, representing the interests of App Krogh, stewards advised that in their opinion he had erred in not improving to the outside of SUSPICIOUS MISS near the 400 metres which resulted in ACTIVE STAR being held up for some distance until obtaining a run to the inside of SUSPICIOUS MISS rounding the home turn.

In relation to his riding out of ACTIVE STAR in the straight stewards accepted the explanation of apprentice Krogh that he had become unbalanced in the saddle when taking a run to the inside of SUSPICIOUS MISS rounding the hometurn, and was unable to fully ride the mare out in his usual manner. In respect to both incidents, stewards did acknowledged the limited race riding experience of Apprentice Krogh. (Race 2).

FROM BLUFF (FEB 22):

Ten horses from Longreach and Barcaldine that were accepted for the meeting had to be scratched race morning due to the flooding of the Jordan river at Jericho. (Bluff – Feb 22).

As jockey Shane McGovern was to be in excess of half a kilogram overweight he was replaced as the rider of EMOTIONALLY YOURS by Shayla Evans. At subsequent inquiry jockey Shane McGovern pleaded guilty to a charge under the terms of AR120(b) for being in excess of half a kilogram overweight and was fined the sum of $150.00. Jockey McGovern was also advised if he comes before the stewards in the near future in regards to being overweight stewards would have no option other than to suspend his license to ride in races. (Race 1).

FROM SUNSHINE COAST (FEB 23):

Following this event, R. McMahon was dislodged from VULCANIC DRAGON. Jockey McMahon was examined by the club doctor and cleared to fulfil his remaining engagements. (Race 1).

Stewards questioned D. Browne regarding the performance of MERCURY JET and tactics adopted on that gelding. Of concern to stewards was the early stages where it appeared he may have had opportunity to secure a trailing position behind the eventual winner DOUGHTY.

Jockey Browne explained that after being slow to begin he agreed there appeared to be an opportunity to take up that position, however after attempting to improve to the outside of SHOW OF STRENGTH, HOT ICE (L. Tarrant), which had been racing on the fence, commenced to overrace and shifted to the one-off position which forced him to remain 3 wide at a point approaching the 1000m. He then attempted to restrain MERCURY JET and the gelding raced with its head in the air for a short period and he then elected to ride forward to assume the position outside the lead near the 800m. Jockey Browne added that the gelding travelled comfortably in this position until entering the home straight, however was under pressure shortly after and proved very disappointing in the run to the line, adding that he was of the opinion that MERCURY JET may have a problem with its breathing.

A post race veterinary examination of MERCURY JET failed to reveal any significant abnormalities and a swab sample was taken. Trainer S. Kendrick will be advised that in light of today's performance MERCURY JET will be required to trial satisfactorily in an official trial prior to its next race start. (Race 3). *MERCURY JET, a $2,30 favourite, finished tailed off (14 lengths) in a six horse field).

Stewards afforded D. Missen the opportunity to comment on the performance of FLYING RIDDLE, which weakened over the concluding stages. Jockey Missen stated that, in his opinion, the gelding exhibited signs of a breathing abnormality. A post race veterinary examination of FLYING RIDDLE failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. Trainer's representative Mr G. Green was advised that an endoscopic examination must be performed on FLYING RIDDLE prior to its next race start and the results of which to be forwarded to stewards. (Race 6). *FLYING RIDDLE, a $4 equal favourite, finished second last 6.70 lengths back in a eight horse field).

A post-race veterinary examination of WHISPER WILLOW found the horse to be exhibiting an abnormal respiratory noise. Rider J. Morris advised stewards that WHISPER WILLOW had commenced to make an abnormal respiratory noise after passing the 800m and was under heavy pressure shortly after that point. Trainer C. Lavin was advised that a veterinary certificate, together with the results of an endoscopic examination, must be provided to stewards prior to its next race start, and should such endoscopic examination fail to reveal any abnormality, WHISPER WILLOW will be required to officially trial prior to its next race start. (Race 6). *WHISPER WILLOW, a $5 chance, finished last of the eight runners).

Stewards questioned apprentice I. French, rider of BOARDWALK, and J. Edwards, trainer of that gelding, regarding apprentice French's riding of BOARDWALK in the early and middle stages. Of concern to stewards was the reason for apprentice French failing to position his mount closer to the fence when an opportunity appeared to be available for him to do so, and his reasons for remaining in a 4 wide position after leaving the 1200m when he had opportunity to take up a position closer to the rail.

Apprentice French indicated BOARDWALK had a tendency to overrace and hang out during that section of the event and that he had been instructed to attempt not to have BOARDWALK cluttered up behind other runners and to make a long sustained run to improve into the race. Trainer J. Edwards confirmed the instructions.

Stewards advised apprentice French that his riding in the early stages did affect the overall performance of BOARDWALK and fell below a standard which would be expected of a provincial apprentice jockey, and that this ride would be drawn to the attention of the Rider Review Panel, which is conducting a state-wide review of all apprentices. (Race 8).

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JOCKEY SUSPENSIONS:

App S. Payne the rider of VINTAGE BON pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provisions of AR137(a) in that he allowed his mount to shift in near the 1100m when not fully clear of DIAMOND DRAGON (M. Cahill), resulting in DIAMOND DRAGON having to be checked and taken in tightening the running of MELANYA (B. El-Issa), and the THE MONK (App P. Schmidt). App Payne's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of six (6) meetings to commence midnight 1 March 2014 and expire midnight 10 March 2014. (Eagle Farm – Feb 22 – Race 1).

C. Bryen, the rider of PLATTERS, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR137(a), the specifics being that he permitted his mount to shift in near the 800m when insufficiently clear of RHYTHM NATION (D. Rewald) which was dictated inwards tightening the running of PUBLICITY (R. Faehr) which was forced to check and lost ground. C. Bryen's license to ride in races was suspended for a period of 6 meetings, to commence at midnight, 22 February and to expire at midnight 6 March.

L Appo, rider of COAL COMMAND, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding under AR 137(a) in that passing the 750 metres he allowed that gelding to shift in when not clear of DEADLY DENNIS (J Hoopert) which resulted in that runner being checked and losing its rightful running. L Appo was suspended for a period of 7 meetings commencing midnight 22nd February up to and including midnight 6th March. (Eidsvold – Feb 22 – Race 4).

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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 - $14 100.00).

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
Week 7 (February 12 – February 18) $3150.00*
This week $2550.00
*Includes fines released in supplementary reports.

FINES:
FROM DOOMBEN (Feb 19):
Race 6. Kirk Matheson - O/weight - $100 - AR120(b)

FROM KILCOY (Feb 20):
Race 2. Tnr. M. Lakey - $100 - present horse with incorrect gear - AR. 140B

FROM ROCKHAMPTON (Feb 21):
RACE 2: App. J. Orman - $300: Use whip in a forehand manner more than 5 times prior to 100m (A.R.137A(5)(a)(ii)).

FROM GOLD COAST (Feb 22):
Race 1 - Jockey D Missen - $500 - failure to advise Stewards of horse's racing characteristics [AR140(b)]
Race 5 - Trainer G Heinrich - $200 - failing to enact gear change on stable return [AR140A(2)]
Race 6 - Trainer T Bailey - late rider notification - $100 [LR67]

FROM TOOWOOMBA (Feb 22):
Race 6. B. Evans - $100 - overweight, replaced 1 ride - AR. 120(b)

FROM ROMA (Feb 22):
Race 1 - D. Rewald - Trainer - $100 - Fail to notify rider - LR67

FROM BLUFF (FEB 22):
Jockey Shane McGovern $150.00 AR120(b) overweight

FROM SUNSHINE COAST (Feb 23):
Race 1. Kelvin Wharton - Jockey - $200 - Weigh in o/weight -3rd - AR145*
Tony Webb - Trainer - Late rider - $100 - LR67*
Race 3. Luke Tarrant - A/jockey - Use whip 8 times prior to 100m - $100 - AR137A(5)(a)(ii)
Race 6. Luke Tarrant - A/jockey - $300 - AR137A(5)(a)(ii)
Race 8. Barry Baldwin - Trainer - Late rider - $100 - LR67*

FROM TOWNSVILLE (FEB 25):

Race 7: Jockey G. Kliese - $100: overweight and replaced on GLOUCESTER STORM (A.R. 120(b)

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