SEVEN DAYS (THE WEDNESDAY REPORT): THE WEEKLY REVIEW (MARCH 26 - APRIL 1) - PART B

By Graham Potter | Wednesday, April 2, 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 EAGLE FARM (MARCH 26):

Stewards acceded to a request from apprentice C. Schmidt for her minimum riding weight to be adjusted to 54 kilograms. This change resulted in apprentice Schmidt claiming 2 kilograms of her 3 kilogram claim on SIPPIN'BUNDY. (Race 2).

Connections of RISE OF THE PHOENIX advised that the mare would be ridden in a more forward position if circumstances permit. After beginning awkwardly, RISE OF THE PHOENIX did not muster any early speed and settled back in the field. (Race 3).

Stewards sought an explanation from apprentice A. Allen regarding BELDAN settling towards the rear of the field, which is in contrast to its most recent start. A. Allen advised that passing the 1200m he anticipated gaining a trailing position behind HONOURSAN in a handy position. He added that he met with some interference when tightened for room between REFUSTRESS (J. Johnson) and HONOURSAN near the 1100m and lost some ground. He further added that he was then unable to gain a position closer to the rail as near the 1000m CRUZ BY (L. Cassidy) improved to the inside of MONET SHOT (E. Wilkinson), which resulted in him settling further back than he would have liked in a 3-wide position.

Apprentice Allen was of the opinion that BELDAN is better suited when it is able to be ridden in a handy position with cover. Trainer A. Doyle agreed with A. Allen's comment and indicated he would proceed with the gelding's current preparation. A post-race veterinary examination of BELDAN failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. (Race 4).

Trainer S. Mackinnon reported that DAISYODEE became fractious when being transported to the track and suffered some superficial lacerations. DAISYODEE was examined by the veterinary surgeon and cleared to start. (Race 5). *DAISYODEE won the race.

Near the 500m, TAIL OF A DIVA (J. Byrne) blundered in the going and became unbalanced. Approaching the 400m, TAIL OF DIVA again blundered and lost ground. A post-race veterinary examination of TAIL OF DIVA failed to reveal any significant abnormalities apart from the mare having cast a near-fore plate. (Race 6).

As T. Bell advised he was to be overweight, T. Harrison was substituted as the rider of LEGAZPI. An inquiry was adjourned into the late notification to stewards of his inability to fulfil this engagement. (Race 8).

Stewards sought an explanation from J. Byrne (THOMAS’S TRAIN) regarding the reason he shifted wider approaching and rounding the home turn, thereby enabling HOPFGARTEN (D. Browne) to improve to his inside. J. Byrne stated that after passing the 600m his mount was not travelling well and he elected to shift wider inside VOODOO BLUE MAGIC (M. Vance) in an attempt to find better going. Stewards noted the explanation. (Race 8).

FROM MACKAY (MARCH 27):

Stewards opened an inquiry into a complaint lodged by the Acting CEO of the Mackay Turf Club. The inquiry was adjourned to a time and date to be fixed.

When Jockey L. Dillon was unable to fulfil his engagements substitutions were made as per the Stewards Race Day Summary. Stewards will interview Jockey Dillon at a later date.

When questioned in regard to the performance of ABANDONED LOVE, Jockey A. Coome stated that he had expected the filly to lead, however after beginning only fairly ABANDONED LOVE failed to muster early speed and never raced comfortably. Jockey Coome added that he had recommended to connections that blinkers be added to the filly's approved gear for its next race start. (Race 1).

Stewards questioned Jockey S. Wilson as to his instructions and the performance of ROUND MOUNTAIN GAL. Jockey Wilson said that he had been instructed to ride the filly back in the field with cover from its wide barrier, however when a run presented to the outside of ABANDONED LOVE near the 800 metres, he was reluctant to put ROUND MOUNTAIN GAL under pressure as it had a tendency to over-race. Jockey Wilson added that the filly will be ridden back in the field at its next race start. (Race 1).

When questioned as to the seemingly disappointing performance of FUNDIDO, App. S. Fawke could offer no tangible explanation for the horse's performance. App. Fawke stated that he had been instructed to ride the gelding back in the field, as at its most recent start FUNDIDO had been ridden forward and had a tendency to over-race. App. Fawke stated that today FUNDIDO raced ungenerously in the early stages, when placed under pressure failed to let down and was disappointing. (Race 2).

On returning to scale Jockey K. Wharton reported that for the majority of the event he had difficulty with visibility through his rain-affected goggles. (Race 5).

FROM DOOMBEN (MARCH 29):

Supplementary Report (Eagle Farm, March 26 – Race 8). T. Bell was fined $100 for failing to fulfil his engagement on LEGAZPI due to being overweight.

Approaching the winning post G. Colless (HIJACK HUSSY) was accidentally hit on the arm by the whip of K. Wharton (EXECUTED). (Race 1).

Stewards acceded to a request from trainer P. Nolan Jnr. to remove the bar plates from SECRET GARDEN (B. El-Issa) due to the heavy track conditions and to race the horse in normal plates today. A public announcement was made to this effect. (Race 4).

As the start was effected SMILES FOR LAYLA (T. Bell) stayed in the barriers and refused to take any part in the race. Trainer's representative Mr G. Thompson was advised that SMILES FOR LAYLA would have to officially trial before starting again. (Race 4).

Correct weight was delayed to afford D. Browne, the rider of 3rd placegetter NEUSCHWANSTEIN, the opportunity of viewing the stewards' patrol footage to ascertain whether he had grounds to lodge an objection against the winner RUDY (T. Harrison). After viewing the videos, jockey Browne indicated that he did not wish to proceed and correct weight was declared. (Race 6).

FROM GOLD COAST (MARCH 29):

Supplementary Report (Gold Coast March 22 – Race 2). Stewards today finalised an inquiry into the riding of FONSECA, particularly rounding the home turn and in the home straight. After questioning Jockey Forrester on the day Stewards adjourned the inquiry so as to question Trainer J Nikolic who had to leave the course immediately following the race to attend to horses engaged at Eagle Farm.

Jockey Forrester stated that after being slow to begin he took up a position on the fence at the rear of the field. Jockey Forrester noted that FONSECA felt awkward in its action in the early stages of the race but commenced to travel fairly during the middle stages. Jockey Forrester conceded that there was an opportunity to improve to the outside of FEDSON (J Morris) leaving the 500m but he did not believe that FONSECA was travelling well enough to place the gelding under vigorous riding at that point of the race. Jockey Forrester added that despite his efforts FONSECA finished the race off only fairly.

Mr Nikolic stated that FONSECA had been slow to begin at its previous three starts and as such he had expected it to take up a position at the rear of the field and advised Stewards that he did not have any concerns with the riding of Jockey Forrester. Mr Nikolic advised Stewards on the day following the race he noticed some soreness in the off fore leg of FONSECA and presented a veterinary report of an x-ray which confirmed that FONSECA was suffering from bone chips in its off fore leg causing it to be lame. Mr Nikolic advised that as a result of recent poor performances and the subsequent veterinary report FONSECA would now be retired from racing.

Bearing in mind the veterinary evidence, Stewards took no direct action except to advise Jockey Forrester that he had erred in his riding leaving the 500m and in the early stages of the home straight where he should have ridden FONSECA with greater vigour so as to improve to the outside of FEDSON earlier than he had on this occasion. A veterinary certificate of fitness would be required should FONSECA race again.

Due to a clerical error, App. J Johnson was incorrectly advertised in the race book as claiming 1.5 kgs. App. Johnson rode her 80th winner at Eagle Farm on Wednesday 26th March and as such now has no claim at provincial meetings. Furthermore, App. Johnson was incorrectly declared as the rider of ANOTHER SHADE. Jockey T Treichel subsequently rode ANOTHER SHADE. Public announcements were made to this effect. (Race 4).

LOOK AT ANYTHING (T Treichel) which was fractious in the tie-up stalls became cast for a short time. A pre-race veterinary examination of LOOK AT ANYTHING passed the filly to take its place in the field. (Race 5). *A $17 chance, LOOK AT ANYTHING finished second beaten by 0,.20 lengths.

There was a delay to correct weight to allow Stewards to review the start which had to be effected manually to ensure all runners were afforded a fair start and also for Jockey Merritt to view the official photo-finish. Stewards subsequently declared correct weight on the numbers semaphored. (Race 6).

FROM TOOWOOMBA (MARCH 29):

Supplementary Report (Toowoomba March 15 – Race 6). Stewards today concluded an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding jockey P. Holmes losing his whip as the rider of Dashing Conqueror near the 100m. After reviewing betting on the race and viewing the patrol films further, stewards, based on the evidence tendered at this stage, do not intend to proceed further with the matter.

Trainer D. Gollan was questioned by stewards regarding the seemingly improved performance of SILVER COMMAND. He advised that at its most recent start the gelding was ridden for speed and led the event, which in hindsight he felt was to its detriment. Therefore tonight he instructed apprentice Fancourt to ride the horse just off the pace if possible, which she was able to do, and which, in his opinion, assisted in the improved performance. Mr Gollan further added that prior to its last start the gelding was racing in metropolitan races and he felt the drop back to provincial grade was again to its advantage. (Race 2).

Stewards questioned B. Stower in relation to her riding of VIVID IMAGINATION in the middle stages whereby the colt appeared to lose ground, and furthermore as to the overall performance of the VIVID IMAGINATION. Apprentice Stower advised that after being caught wide in the early and middle stages, she elected to restrain her mount to obtain a position closer to the rail, however when restrained the colt dropped the bit and lost further ground than she anticipated.

She further added that as a result of this she placed VIVID IMAGINATION under pressure from the 600m, however it failed to respond to her riding and, in her opinion, was disappointing over the concluding stages. A post-race veterinary examination of VIVID IMAGINATION failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. Stewards will interview trainer M. Nolan in the days subsequent to today's race meeting as to the post-race condition of VIVID IMAGINATION. (Race 7).

FROM EMERALD (MARCH 29):

Supplementary Report. (Mackay March 27 = Races 5 & 6): Jockey L Dillon was fined $300 under AR85B for failing to fulfil his riding engagements in Race 5 and 6.
ROCKET ROSIELEE was declared a late scratching at 12.00pm when no rider was available. (Race 1).

The first race was delayed approximately 15 minutes to allow Apprentice K Aho and the Shaw Stable to arrive on course after experiencing Transport difficulties. (Race 1).

WILLIE'S CLOUD was declared a late scratching at 1.50pm when no rider was available (Race 2).

Jockey C McIver was fined $100 for accepting dual engagements under AR85B. (Race 2).

FROM MT ISA (MARCH 29):

SHOOT OUT, the multiple Group One winner, was in attendance at the meeting and performed an exhibition gallop during the afternoon ridden by D. Ballard.

POMATINI (T. Chambers) lost considerable ground when the gelding failed to jump when the gates opened. Jockey Chambers on being interviewed by Stewards stated that the gelding was having its first run back from a spell and was casual in the starting stalls. As the gelding has had many starts and has not missed the start in the past, naction was taken on this occasion and Jockey Chambers was advised to make efforts to rectify this deficiency. (Race 1).

After consultation with Trainer Mr P. Inwood Stewards ordered that ONE STOP and LITTLEMISSPERFECT be late scratchings at 1pm when no suitable riders were available. (Race 3).

Trainer Mrs D. Ballard advised Stewards that after ESKERVINTH had arrived at the track she had concerns regarding a possible stone bruise injury to the gelding's front near side. Stewards requested the Veterinary Surgeon to examine the gelding which was carried out and the gelding was passed fit to start. (Race 4). *ESKERVINTH won the race by 4.80 lengths.

Before the declaration of correct weight, Jockey T. Ticknell who rode BOLTON (NZ), which placed fourth, requested to view the head on film to the start as she wished to clarify if the gate of her starting stall had opened correctly. On viewing the film she was satisfied it had opened however the film showed the gate had rebounded. Correct weight was then declared. The Club has been advised to ensure the gate does not rebound in the future. (Race 5). *BOLTON finished fourth, 2.60 lengths behind the winner.

FROM SUNSHINE COAST (MARCH 30):

Stewards questioned apprentice L. Tarrant regarding his riding of QUIET COLLECT in the early and middle stages, in particular the reason why he elected to restrain the gelding during that stage of the event whilst leading. Apprentice Tarrant stated that in his opinion the speed of the race was too quick, therefore he restrained his mount, which resulted in QUIET COLLECT throwing its head in the air on a number of occasions and racing ungenerously. As a consequence of the pace being steadied, SADDLEBACK, TIRARRI (R. Wiggins) and CREDIT ONLY (M. Carson) all had to be steadied to varying degrees.

Stewards advised apprentice Tarrant that in their opinion he had misjudged the tempo of the race at that stage and the manner in which he steadied his mount was not in its best interests and that he may have erred by not allowing QUIET COLLECT to stride along. Apprentice L. Tarrant was reprimanded under AR. 137(d) for slowing the pace excessively, resulting in interference to other runners. (Race 6).

FROM TOWNSVILLE (APRIL 1):

Stewards today conducted stable inspections at the premises of a number of Townsville trainers who had runners engaged for today's meeting. No breaches of the Australian Rules of Racing were detected.

When questioned regarding the tactics adopted GLADIOS, after missing the start by a considerable distance, App. Wiseman explained that she rode her mount along vigorously in the early stages in an attempt to maintain her position in the field. App. Wiseman said that after she tacked onto the field and, in her opinion, the tempo was slow, she allowed her mount to stride forward in a 3-wide position and assume the lead.

App. Wiseman agreed with stewards that in hindsight she should have made a greater effort to remain racing behind the favourite, WEATHERVANE, rather than make excessive use of the mare. (Race 3).

Approaching the 800 metres CANDY MOMENT (S. Wilson) struck the heels of MIO GEM (C. Whiteley) and blundered. On the evidence it was established that SPEED DRAGON App. Yadi), which was racing keenly to the inside of CANDY MOMENT, shifted out, despite the efforts of its rider, and MIO GEM shifted in marginally.

Stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that any one rider was responsible for the incident, and bearing in mind the manner in which SPEED DRAGON was racing and the very minor shift by MIO GEM, Stewards took no direct action, however Jockey C. Whiteley was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. (Race 4).

A pre-race veterinary examination of LIBERTY'S MAGIC, which was showing a poor post-race recovery rate following its 10th out of 10 placing, beaten 12.1 lengths in a BenchMark 60 Handicap over 1200 metres at Atherton on Saturday, 29th March 2014, did not reveal any abnormalities and the gelding was cleared to take its place in the field. Public announcements were made to that effect. (Race 7).

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STEWARDS SUSPENSIONS:

RACING Queensland (RQ) stewards finalised an inquiry into the handling of RAEBURN in Race 4 the “Mount Franklin Sparkling Open Handicap” over 1500m at Eagle Farm on 22 March 2014.

Evidence was taken following the race from the rider of RAEBURN Apprentice Brooke Richardson and trainer Mr Brian Smith. Mr. Shane Scriven, the RQ riders advocate, also made brief submissions. The matter was adjourned to allow Stewards to review the betting on the race and to further examine the patrol footage.

Further evidence was taken today from the above-mentioned parties, owner’s representative Mr. Barry Condon and Ms Rachael Jones, a sports psychologist.
After giving consideration to all of the evidence,

Stewards issued Apprentice Richardson with a charge under the provisions of AR 135 (b) which reads:
The rider of every horse shall take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that his horse is given full opportunity to win or to obtain the best possible place in the field. The specifics of the charge being that in Race 4 the “Mount Franklin Open Handicap” over 1500m at Eagle Farm on 22 March 2014, Apprentice Richardson as the rider of RAEBURN, failed to ride that gelding with sufficient vigour to improve her position from the 150m to the 50m between RENEWED VITALITY and TYPHOON RED where, in the opinion of the Stewards, there was adequate room to do so. This failure resulted in RAEBURN not being given full opportunity to win or obtain the best possible place in the field.

Apprentice Richardson pleaded guilty to the charge and made submissions regarding penalty. Mr Smith, Mr Smith and Ms Jones also made submissions in this regard.

In assessing penalty Stewards were mindful of Apprentice Richardson’s level of experience as a Metropolitan Apprentice and her guilty plea. Stewards also took into account Apprentice Richardson’s personal circumstances and that she has had a limited amount of race rides since resuming from a race fall in mid-December.

In the view of the Stewards, the degree of culpability of Apprentice Richardson for this breach was high and the panel recognised a need for a penalty to reflect that her riding fell well short of a reasonable standard. Stewards were also mindful of the negative impact such actions have on the perception of the industry and the serious connotations that flow from a breach of this rule.

Considering all of the above-mentioned matters Apprentice Richardson had her license to ride in races suspended for a period of four months to commence immediately and expire on midnight 27 July 2014.

When concluding the matter, Stewards were satisfied that Mr Smith had not breached any of the Australian Rules of Racing and were appreciative of the submissions tendered by all parties.

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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 - $25 350.00).

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
Week 11 (March 12 – March 18) $1900
Week 12 (March 19 – March 25) $2200

*Includes fines released in supplementary reports.

This week ($1600)

FINES:

FROM MACKAY (MARCH 27):
Trainer Ms K. McGovern $100 for late declaration of 2 riders.

FROM DOOMBEN (MARCH 29):
From E.F. 26.3.14 - Race 8 - T. Bell - $100 - overweight, replaced 1 ride - AR. 120(b)
Race 4. Tnr. D. Murphy - $200 - late rider - LR. 67
Race 8. App. K. Matheson - $300 - overweight, replaced 1 ride - AR. 120(b)

FROM GOLD COAST (MARCH 29):
Race 5 - Trainer M Eggleston, late rider declaration - $100 [LR67]
Race 7 - Jockey S Galloway, returning to scale overweight - $100 [AR145]

FROM EMERALD (MARCH 29):
Jockey L Dillon - $300 fail to fulfil 2 riding engagements at MACKAY 27.3.14 AR 85B
Jockey C McIver - $100 Dual engagements AR 85B
Trainer C Smith - $100 Incorrect gear AR 140A

FROM SUNSHINE COAST (MARCH 30):
Race 4. App. A. Hearn - $100 use whip more than 5 times forehand prior to 100m - AR. 137A(5)(a)(ii)
Race 5. Tnr. H. Page - $100 - late scratching - AR. 114

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