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

By Graham Potter | Wednesday, March 19, 2014

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

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACTS:

FROM DOOMBEN (MARCH 12):

On return to scale a protest was lodged by S. Payne, rider of the 3rd placegetter, BO ROSSA, against ELUSIVE STORM (B. Richardson) being declared 1st and also KENTUCKY WOMAN being declared 2nd,alleging interference over the final stages.
After viewing the film, S. Payne declined to proceed with his objection against 2nd placegetter, KENTUCKY WOMAN. A. Allen, rider of the 2nd placegetter, KENTUCKY WOMAN, lodged a protest against ELUSIVE STORM being declared the winner, alleging interference over the final stages.

After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the patrol videos, stewards were of the view that ELUSIVE STORM did commence to shift out under pressure after passing the 50m and brushed BO ROSSA, which in turn shifted out and made slight contact with KENTUCKY WOMAN. Stewards could not be satisfied that this interference, bearing in mind the proximity it occurred to the winning post, had a material effect on the placings, and the protests were dismissed and correct weight was semaphored on the Judge's placings. (Race1).

PURE REALITY lost its off-fore plate in running. A post race veterinary examination of PURE REALITY revealed it had lost its off-fore plate and was exhibiting soreness in this hoof. Trainer G. Heinrich reported the horse pulled up sore and was advised by stewards that a veterinary clearance would be required for PURE REALITY prior to its next race start. (Race 1).

Stewards questioned apprentice Chantal Willis regarding the reason she did not elect to restrain LONYX in the middle stages of the race when it led by a considerable margin and set a fast tempo after having to work hard to obtain the lead approaching the 900m. Apprentice Willis explained that she was instructed to lead and to increase the tempo after passing the 600m. She conceded her ride lacked judgement with regard to the pace she set on LONYX in the middle stages, which resulted in the mare weakening over the final 300m.

Stewards advised apprentice Willis that her ride did lack judgement and she would be expected in similar circumstances to slow the speed of her horse to give it the opportunity to finish the race off. Stewards acknowledged the inexperience of apprentice Willis and will consult the stewards of Tas Racing regarding further tuition for apprentice Willis. (Race 4).

FROM MACKAY (MARCH 13):

EURONGILLY (D. Simmons) and JUST THE TONIC (C. Whiteley) were slow to begin. Shortly after the start JUST THE TONIC (C. Whiteley) raced awkwardly on the heels of ZAHMATAS ADJOURNED (F. Edwards), which shifted in. At approximately the 75 metres Jockey C. Whiteley lost his nearside iron and had to stop riding. Following the race Jockey Whiteley reported that after being slow to begin and when there was no early pace, he elected to take up a rearward position in the field. (Race 1). *Just The Tonic finished third, 2.00 lengths behind the winner ZAHMATAS ADJOURNED and 1.80 lengths behind his stable companion Mishani Ace who started at $1.70.

When questioned as to the performance of VICE VERSA, Jockey A. Coome said that he had been instructed that the gelding performs best when ridden behind, however at its most recent start, after drawing the inside barrier, VICE VERSA raced in a handy position and performed well. Jockey Coome added that after racing well in the early stages today, when placed under pressure from the 450 metres the gelding failed to respond to his riding and was disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination of VICE VERSA did not reveal any abnormalities. (Race 4).

Stewards interviewed App. K. Aho and her master, trainer W. Pomfrett in regard to the tactics employed on BENNY'S HALO. App. Aho stated that she was instructed to ride the gelding in a rearward position and allow it to work home. App Aho said that at the entrance to the straight she attempted to take a run to the inside of DODGE THE GREY (T. Bannon), which shifted in, resulting in BENNY'S HALO being forced to shift across the heels of that runner to obtain clear running. App. Aho added that over the concluding stages she attempted to take a run between DODGE THE GREY and HAITCHQUE (C. Whiteley), which shifted in resulting in BENNY'S HALO having to steady off the heels of DODGE THE GREY. Mr Pomfrett further added that it is his intention to engage a senior jockey in the future. Stewards noted their explanations. (Race 5). *BNNY’S HALO finished unplaced, but was only beaten by 2.00 lengths.

FROM TOOWOOMBA (MARCH 14):

When questioned regarding the seemingly improved performance of RENNAM, trainer J. Smith expressed surprise that the gelding was able to win today, however did note that the step up in distance to 2150m did suit the gelding. He added that he was pleased with the way RENNAM had worked leading into today's event. (Race 2).

Jockey T. Bell could offer no explanation for the disappointing performance of BLUE WOLF today. He further advised that trainer K. Schweida informed him that he would now review the racing future of BLUE WOLF. A post race veterinary examination of BLUE WOLF failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. (Race 2).

WHISPERS (C. Spry) shifted in near the 700m and made contact with running rail, almost dislodging C. Spry and as a result lost considerable ground. A post race veterinary examination of WHISPERS revealed it had sustained a laceration to the near foreleg. Trainer M. Webb was advised that he would be required to provide a veterinary clearance for WHISPERS prior to its next race start. (Race 4).

Stewards questioned N. Evans and trainer B. Currie regarding the seemingly disappointing performance of OUR GRAND FINALE. N. Evans advised that the gelding had a tendency to over-race during the event, which he felt was to its detriment. He further stated that the gelding was stepping up from 1200m first up to 1650m today and as a result, in his opinion, will derive a fitness benefit out of today's event. Trainer B. Currie agreed with the assessment of jockey Evans and could offer no further explanation. A post race veterinary examination of OUR GRAND FINALE failed to reveal any significant abnormalities and a swab sample was taken.(Race 5).

When questioned regarding the seemingly disappointing performance of FORETOKEN, N. Evans advised that he was able to obtain its customary leading position without overly pressuring the gelding, however it did have a tendency to over-race in the early and middle stages of the event. He further added that when placed under pressure, FORETOKEN did respond to his riding, however, in his opinion, the horse's run peaked over the concluding stages, which he attributed to it not running out a strong 1200m of today's event. Stewards noted the explanation. (Race 6).

When the initial fluctuations were transmitted for this race, prices were allocated for PICALOVA and CRAFTY'S LAST, however as these runners were scratched at the official scratching deadline, they were removed from the market. A fresh market was formed and no deductions to betting were required. (Race 8).

FROM GOLD COAST (MARCH 15):

Upon returning to scale M. Cahill was dislodged from DAZZLE US, which shied away from the privacy screen and made contact with the outside running rail. A post race veterinary examination of DAZZLE US revealed the gelding to have sustained superficial lacerations to the off-hind leg. (Race 2).

When questioned as to the tactics adopted on SAVE THE STAR in particular the tempo set in the early and middle stages App A. Allen stated that he was instructed to ride the gelding to take up a forward position and noted that SAVE THE STAR was one paced and performs best when allowed to stride along without being restrained as per its previous start. For this reason App Allen was reluctant to restrain SAVE THE STAR passing the 1600m to obtain a position behind the leader BOREHOLE (App L. Tarrant). App Allen noted that despite the tempo set in the early and middle stages SAVE THE STAR was finishing the race off well prior to sustaining its injury and as such he was content with the tactics adopted.

Stable representative R. Ahrens confirmed the instructions and agreed with the comments of App Allen. Whilst noting the instructions issued stewards were of the view that the better option in this instance would have been for App Allen to restrain SAVE THE STAR leaving the 1700m to take up a position with cover behind BOREHOLE. (Race 2).

M. Cahill reported that from the wide barrier he was instructed to ride BEACH BABE towards the rear of the field where the gelding lost concentration, forcing him to place it under pressure earlier than he anticipated. (Race 3).

T. Bell reported that LE CAP was inclined to hang out in the middle stages and as a result shifted wider passing the 600m. As a consequence FELON (G. Cooksley) was taken wider on the track which allowed LONDEHERO (G. Colless) to improve to the inside of FELON at that point of the race. LONDEHERO was held up in the early stages of the home straight and shifted out near the 300m to improve at which point it bumped FELON. (Race 5).

ROCKET TO GLORY (B. El-Issa) commenced to hang out rounding the home turn and continued to hang out under pressure in the home straight and as a consequence inconvenienced THE SIXTIES (App A. Allen) at the 200m and SEEKING MORE (App K. Matheson) at the 100m. Trainer T. Gollan will be interviewed as to the racing manners of ROCKET TO GLORY. B. El-Issa was severely reprimanded for failing to make a greater effort to prevent his mount from shifting out. (Race 7).

GUNDY SPIRIT (R. Wiggins) was slow to begin. Approaching the 300m GUNDY SPIRIT (R. Wiggins) had to be checked when tightened for room between ARCHITECT (A. Spinks) and FEROCITY FAIR (App T. Harrison), which shifted out and away from SECRET HARMONY (T. Bell), which in turn shifted in and away from HEARTBREAK HARRY (G. Colless), which initially shifted out and away from MOON AND THE STARS (App R. Jamieson). Stewards issued G. Colless with a severe reprimand for failing to make a greater effort to prevent his mounts from shifting ground. (Race 8).

When questioned regarding the disappointing performance GUNDY SPIRIT jockey R. Wiggins stated that the gelding failed to travel comfortably at any stage of the race and in his opinion was most disappointing. Jockey Wiggins noted that GUNDY SPIRIT had suffered interference upon entering the home straight and did not believe this had any material effect on the gelding's overall performance. A post race veterinary examination of GUNDY SPIRIT revealed no significant findings. Stewards will interview trainer T. Gollan at a later date. (Race 8).

A post race veterinary examination of SECRET HARMONY revealed the gelding had pulled up lame in the off-fore leg. Trainer K. Schweida will be advised that a veterinary certificate of fitness must be produced prior to SECRET HARMONY again racing. (Race 8).

Trainer L. Treloar will be interviewed at a later date regarding the standard of race day plates presented on IN THE SKY ROCKET at today's meeting. (Race 8).

FROM EAGLE FARM (MARCH 15):

Near the 1600m CLANGORANDA (S. Drake) shifted in abruptly, resulting in LANIKAI MISS being carried in and inconvenienced. (Race 1).

L. Cassidy (EL JADIDA) dropped his whip near the 200m. Apprentice J. Johnson (REGAL MANNER) dropped her whip near the 200m. (Race 1).

Stewards questioned apprentice R. Vigar, stable representative Mr D. Erhart and Ms S. Lawlor regarding the instructions and then tactics adopted on SUPPLY AND DELIVER. After taking evidence from all parties the matter was adjourned to enable trainer D. Lawlor and L. Ross, master of apprentice Vigar, to be present. (Race 1).

Apprentice C. Schmidt (BELDAN) explained that she was instructed to ride the horse in a forward position. She said that from the wide barrier BELDAN began well and she endeavoured to follow the instructions, however became concerned with the tempo of the race in the early stages and because of the manner in which GIVE 'EM CURRY (R. Vigar) and LIMONCELLO (S. Bogenhuber) were racing, she considered endeavouring restraining at a point near the 1000m to obtain cover. She said as she did this, the rider LIMONCELLO gave the indication that it was going to cross GIVE 'EM CURRY to lead, which would allow BELDAN to race outside LIMONCELLO.

She said that when LIMONCELLO did not cross coming to the 800m, it resulted in her continuing to race three wide when she then had no option but to allow her mount to stride forward and cross. She said because of the work that BELDAN was made to do in the early stages, it weakened in the straight. The explanation of apprentice P. Schmidt was noted. (Race 3).

Apprentice R. Ride was found guilty of a charge of improper conduct under AR. 175(q) in that after weighing in she used inappropriate language, including an expletive, towards an official. Apprentice Ride was fined the sum of $500. (Race 3).

FROM TOOWOOMBA (MARCH 15):

Following an assessment of the track after yesterday's race meeting, the track curator informed stewards at 10 am this morning that he was repositioning the rail between the 800m and 400m due to wear in that section of the track and as such the rail position for this meeting was altered to: 1 metre from the 1600m to the 1300m, and true for the remainder.

Stewards questioned trainer J. Anderson in relation to the performance of HEAVENLY GLASS, which was having its first start today, and was heavily supported, starting favourite. Miss Anderson stated that the horse won a recent jumpout convincingly and as such expected it to win today, however the heavy support for the filly was not stable inspired. Miss Anderson further advised that apprentice Fancourt reported that HEAVENLY GLASS raced greenly throughout the event today and on that advice may experiment with the horse's gear prior to its next race start. Miss Anderson further stated that on return to scale HEAVENLY GLASS was breathing quite heavily and as such will have an endoscopic examination carried out in the days subsequent to the event and would report the results of such examination to stewards. (Race 1). *HEAVENLY GLASS finished unplaced 6.20 lengths behind the winner.

Stewards questioned B. Evans and trainer B. Currie in relation to the disappointing performance of THIS IS WAR. Jockey Evans advised he was instructed to ride the gelding in a forward position, however after suffering interference at the start he was forced further back in the field than anticipated. He added that despite this the filly enjoyed a nice run throughout the event in a trailing position behind BUSH CAVIAR, the eventual winner of the race, however when placed under pressure, THIS IS WAR failed to respond to his riding and proved disappointing.

Trainer B. Currie also expressed disappointment with the performance of THIS IS WAR tonight however was of the view that the filly may not have backed up from its most recent start at Doomben the week prior on 8 March 2014. Based on this, Mr Currie advised that he would freshen the horse up and space its runs in future, and was also of the opinion that he would drop the gelding back in distance for its future events. A post race veterinary examination of THIS IS WAR failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. (Race 2).

Following the poor performance of PARAFIRE today, trainer B. Currie advised that the gelding would now be leaving his stable. (Race 3).

Stewards questioned jockey N. Tomizawa regarding the tactics adopted on FASHION APP, whereby the colt raced 4 wide for the duration of the event in a 6-horse field. N. Tomizawa advised that the colt began awkwardly and lost some ground at the start, however he rode the horse along in the early stages in an endeavour to cross SOVEREIGN SON, which would have enabled him to be positioned closer to the rail. Jockey Tomizawa advised that when unable to cross SOVEREIGN SON he attempted to restrain FASHION APP to obtain a trailing position behind SOVEREIGN SON, however when the pace of the race steadied he was unable to restrain sufficiently to obtain this position and as such was forced to race 4 wide for the remainder of the event. Stewards noted the explanation. (Race 5).

An inquiry opened into the circumstances in which jockey P. Holmes, rider of DASHING CONQUEROR, dropped his whip in the home straight. After taking initial evidence from P. Holmes, the inquiry was adjourned to enable stewards to further review the patrol films of the race and to analyse the betting on the event. (Race 6).*DASHING CONQUEROR finished third, 3.30 lengths behind the winner.

A post race veterinary examination of PUREST HAVEN revealed it have bled from both nostrils during the event. As this was the second occasion on which PUREST HAVEN has bled, the gelding will now incur a lifetime bar from racing. (Race 6).

On return to scale a protest was lodged by R. Ride, rider of the 2nd placegetter, MODERN AL, against GREY COUNTESS (N. Evans) being declared 1st, alleging interference rounding the home turn and in the home straight. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the stewards' patrol video, stewards found that when rounding the home turn, apprentice Ride, in attempting to obtain clear running, shifted her mount outwards and made contact with GREY COUNTESS on 2 occasions, resulting in GREY COUNTESS becoming slightly unbalanced. Therefore stewards deemed the interference at this portion of the race was attributable to apprentice Ride's actions rather than that of jockey N. Evans.

Stewards further found that at a point near the 200m, GREY COUNTESS shifted in marginally, which resulted in MODERN AL being taken in slightly. Stewards deemed the interference suffered to MODERN AL at this point of the race to be negligible and therefore on those findings stewards dismissed the objection and correct weight was semaphored on the Judge's placings. (Race 7).

FROM ROCKHAMPTON (MARCH 15):

When Jockey L. Dillon was late arriving on course and failed to fulfil his engagement for BYNAZAR, Jockey D. Simmons was substituted. Jockey Dillon was admonished and advised that any further similar infringement may attract a penalty.

The declaration of correct weight was delayed to allow Jockey D. Simmons, the rider of BYNAZAR which finished 4th, to view the official patrol films to determine whether he should lodge an objection against MYTHOLOGIST (A. Coome) being declared the 3rd place getter. Having done so, Jockey Simmons lodged a protest against MYTHOLOGIST.

After taking evidence from the parties involved, viewing the available videos and taking into account their own observations, stewards found that near the 900 metres MYTHOLOGIST rolled in slightly, and as a result Jockey Simmons to ease his mount, however they could not be satisfied that the incident warranted an alteration to the placings and accordingly correct weight was declared on the judge's numbers. (Race 1).

Stewards sought an explanation from App. B Derbyshire, the rider of LOGICAL OUTCOME, as to her instructions and the horse's performance. App. Derbyshire stated that her instructions were to lead if able to do so comfortably, however the gelding took some time to gather momentum. App. Derbyshire said that the horse began only fairly and over-raced when being restrained whilst racing three wide in the middle stages. LOGICAL OUTCOME took up a position outside the leader near the 700 metres where it raced comfortably.

App. Derbyshire conceded that she had erred in not allowing the gelding to stride forward sooner than she had done, to take up a position closer to the running rail. Stewards agreed with her assessment and noted the explanations. (Race 3).

Prior to the declaration of correct weight stewards considered an application by Jockey D. Simmons to have EAGLE HAS LANDED declared a non-runner. After taking evidence from Jockey Simmons, Starter Mr T. Woodham and trainer J. Poots, acting under A.R. 134A, determined that EAGLE HAS LANDED was riderless at the time the start was effected and accordingly declared the gelding a non-runner. (Race 4).

Prior to Race 1, Trainer R. Macrae reported that SEIZE THE FIRE had struck its near-hind leg in a minor incident early this morning. SEIZE THE FIRE was examined by the Club's veterinary surgeon and cleared to take its place in the field. Public announcements were made to that effect. (Race 6).

Stewards sought an explanation from Jockey A. Coome as to the performance of RADIANT JOY. Jockey Coome reported that from its wide barrier he restrained the mare and obtained a position back in the field. Jockey Coome said that on face value the performance of RADIANT JOY may have appeared to be disappointing; however he was not entirely dissatisfied with the performance, given that the mare travelled well throughout and under the impost of 60.5 kg had improved into the race until near the 400 metres, at which stage he had been inconvenienced by STAR MATERIAL (D. Hayse), which was weakening, and he shifted to the outside and he was held up on the heels of EDGEROI HOPE for a short distance, which was detrimental to the horse's chances of finishing the race off well. The explanation was noted. (Race 6).

FROM SUNSHINE COAST (MARCH 16):

Stewards questioned trainer L. Ross regarding the seemingly improved performance of COOL TRICK. He stated that he was unable to comment on the horse's early form, however he had expected a forward showing at its most recent start and in his opinion its performance on that occasion was disappointing.

He added that in today's event the change in tactics was to ensure that the horse was ridden more aggressively to put the filly into a competitive position in the event and whilst he was somewhat surprised with the horse's win today, he nonetheless expected a forward showing. (Race 2).

Stewards questioned M. Cahill regarding his riding of IVAN ATTITUDE rounding the home turn and in the early stages of the home straight in regards to whether an opportunity existed to improve into the event earlier than he did. Jockey Cahill indicated that he had been instructed to ride the horse at the tail of the field, which is its established racing pattern, and when approaching that point he was mindful of his instructions to avoid improving into the race around other runners and he was of the opinion that the conditions were less favourable wider on the track in the home straight.

He added that despite these tactics he was afforded clear running early in the home straight and at a point approaching the 200m improved on to the heels of HALO SHINE (J. Byrne). After being disappointed with a run to the inside of that runner, he elected to shift out and when approaching the 100m he was again obliged to steady from the heels of the tiring CELTIC DRAGON. He also added that he was unable to shift wider of that runner immediately as TRY FOUR was positioned to the outside and he was mindful that an abrupt shift may have resulted in interference being suffered by TRY FOUR. He added that in all the circumstances he was very pleased with the way in which IVAN ATTITUDE finished the race off. (Race 4).

Stewards questioned apprentice R. Vigar regarding the tactics adopted and the performance of MALING. He stated that he had been given no specific instructions other than to have the gelding travel comfortably, even if this meant being positioned wide on the track from the awkward alley. He added that MALING was under pressure from the 700m and weakened very badly in the home straight.

Trainer D. Lawlor confirmed the instructions and could offer no explanation for the performance. Stewards advised Mr Lawlor that a warning would be placed on the horse and should MALING perform similarly at its next start, the horse would be barred from racing at TAB venues. A post-race veterinary examination of MALING revealed no abnormalities. (Race 5).

FROM TOWNSVILLE (MARCH 18):

Following the running of Race 5, stewards conducted an inspection of the Jockeys' rooms and searched for any non-approved gear or electronic devices. At a subsequent inquiry Jockey A. Coome and Jockey W. D'Avila pleaded guilty to a charge under A.R. 160B(3) for having in possession in the jockeys room a mobile telephone, and were fined $200 each.

Stewards considered an objection lodged by connections of CYCLONE KAN (App. J. Orman) against CRAIGLEA PLATINUM (A. Coome) being declared the winner, alleging interference over the final 200 metres. After taking evidence from the parties involved, viewing the official patrol films and taking into account their own observations, stewards found that shortly after straightening for home CRAIGLEA PLATINUM and CYCLONE KAN were racing on level terms, then near the 200 metres CRAIGLEA PLATINUM worked to a position in advance of CYCLONE KAN, shifted in slightly and impeded the running of CYCLONE KAN.
Bearing in mind the margin between the two runners and the manner in which both horses ran to the finish, stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that had the interference not occurred, CYCLONE KAN would have finished ahead of CRAIGLEA PLATINUM.

Accordingly, the protest was dismissed and correct weight was declared on the judge's numbers. At a subsequent inquiry Jockey Coome was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. (Race 2).

When questioned as to his riding of FAINT PRAISE, Jockey C. Whiteley explained that he had not been issued with any instructions, however after beginning well he elected to restrain the gelding and take up a position with cover, rather than be caught wide. Jockey Whiteley said that rounding the turn near the 1000 metres FAINT PRAISE got its head up and lost further ground, resulting in FAINT PRAISE racing further back than he had anticipated. Jockey Whiteley added that passing the 500 metres when CASH ATTACK shifted out to improve he was obliged to shift to the outside of that runner and make a sustained run wider on the track.

Jockey Whiteley noted that when placed under pressure in the home straight FAINT PRAISE finished the race off only fairly. Trainer G. Farrell expressed his satisfaction with the ride, however indicated that FAINT PRAISE will now be sent for a short spell. (Race 6). *FAINT PRAISE finished second, 5.00 lengths behind the winner.

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UPHELD PROTESTS:

FROM MACKAY (MARCH 13):

Stewards considered an objection lodged by Jockey T. O'Hara, the rider of LIBERTY TYCOON which dead-heated for 2nd, against FUNDIDO (App. J. Orman) being declared the winner, alleging interference near the 700 metres. After taking evidence from the parties, viewing the official video films and taking into account their own observations, stewards upheld the protest when they found that at about the 700 metres FUNDIDO shifted in and inconvenienced LIBERTY TYCOON, which had to be steadied and lost ground which in the opinion of the stewards, the interference exceeded the official margin of a half neck between the two runners at the finish. Accordingly, the placing's were amended to: 1st LIBERTY TYCOON/SAMMY JUNIOR (DEAD HEAT); 3rd FUNDIDO. At a subsequent inquiry App. Orman was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. (Race 6).

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STEWARDS SUSPENSIONS:

Jockey Michael Palmer, rider of MIDNIGHT FRENZY, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding, in that near the 1550m he permitted his mount to shift in, resulting in NEW ECLIPSE (J. Kokotajlo) being tightened for room and clipping the heels of MIDNIGHT FRENZY and losing its rightful running. M. Palmer was suspended from riding in races for a period of 6 meetings, to commence at midnight, 15 March and to expire at midnight, 23 March. In assessing penalty, stewards took into account M. Palmer's good record regarding breaches of this rule. (Toowoomba March 14 – Race 2).

A Butler, rider of HIALEAH JET, pleaded guilty to a charge under AR137A(5)(a)(ii) for using his whip in a forehand manner on more than 5 occasions prior to the 100m. A. Butler was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 25 March, the expiration of a previously incurred suspension for breaching this same rule, and to conclude at midnight, 3 April 2014.

In assessing penalty stewards took into account A. Butler's poor record regarding breaches of this rule, and that he had used his whip on 11 occasions, a number of which were consecutive strides, which stewards deemed to be a significant breach of the rules. Due to the significance of the penalties issued to apprentice Butler in the last week with respect to whip related offences, his riding record will be drawn to the attention of the Chairman of Stewards of Racing Queensland for his consideration. (Toowoomba March 14 – Race 6).

App G. Goold the rider of IN THE SKY ROCKET pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provisions of AR137(a) for permitting his mount to shift in near the 1300m when not clear of HIT THE ROAD JACK (App A. Allen), which was taken in onto RANGLER (J. Byrne), which had to be checked and shift in tightening the running of ROMANARMA (M. Cahill), OUTBACK LIGHTNING (App A. Butler) and PADRINO (B. El-Issa), causing NORTHERN ZOOM (T. Treichel) to be checked. App Goold's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of eight (8) meetings to commence midnight 19 March 2014 and to expire midnight 30 March 2014.

In assessing penalty stewards took into account App Goold's guilty plea and good riding record but deemed the incident to be severe as a number of horses were inconvenienced. (Gold Coast March 15 – Race 8).

S. Bogenhuber, the rider of HIJACK HUSSY, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR. 137(a) in that after the 1100m she permitted her mount to shift in when not sufficiently clear of PEAK CROSSING (C. Whiteley), resulting in that horse being taken in across the running of TARANIS, which clipped the heels of PEAK CROSSING and blundered. OUT LATE, which was following, also had to be steadied and shifted out. Jockey Bogenhuber's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 7 meetings, to commence at midnight on Saturday 22 March and expire at midnight on Friday 4 April 2014. (Eagle Farm March 15 – Race 2).

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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 - $21 550.00).

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
Week 7 (February 12 – February 18) $3150.00*
Week 8 (February 19 – February 25) $2550.00
Week 9 (February 26 – March 4) $2600.00
Week 10 (March 5 – March 11) $1950.00

*Includes fines released in supplementary reports.

This week $1900.00

FROM MACKAY (MARCH 13):

Race 3: Trainer M. Bannon $100 - present BROCHETTE with other than approved gear.

FROM TOOWOOMBA (MARCH 14):

Race 3. Travis Wolfgram - A/jockey - Fail to weigh in 4th - $100 - AR142*

FROM EAGLE FARM (MARCH 15):

Race 3. Tnr. T. Crane - $100 - late rider - LR. 67
Race 5. L. Rolls - $100 - overweight, replaced 1 ride - AR. 120(b)
Race 6. Tnr. B. Baldwin - $100 - present horse with incorrect gear - AR. 140A
App. R. Ride - $500 - improper conduct - AR. 175(q)

FROM TOOWOOMBA (MARCH 15):

Race 1. Norm Hilton - Trainer - Fail to produce reg. papers Falissaty - $100 AR59A*
Race 3. Rex Lipp - Trainer - Late rider - $100 - LR67*

FROM SUNSHINE COAST (MARCH 16):

Race 5. Tnr. D. Hansen - $100 - fail to produce Thoroughbred Identification Card - AR. 59A(4)
Race 6. Apprentice B. Appo was fined $100 for negligence in failing to weigh out with stirrup irons.

FROM TOWNSVILLE (MARCH 18):

RACE 1: Trainer G. Wehlow - $100: fail to produce Document of Description (A.R.59A)
Jockey A. Coome: $200 - have mobile phone in jockeys room (A.R.160B(3))
Jockey W. D'Avila: $200 - have mobile phone in jockeys room (A.R.160B(3))

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