2015 - WEEK 3 (STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACTS)

By Graham Potter | Thursday, January 22, 2015

2015 - WEEK 3 (JAN 15 - JAN 21):

TALKING ABOUT STEWARDS’ REPORTS:

Many old timers will tell you that there was a time when people took pride in their work.

While that ‘good old days’ theory will doubtless continue to be passed down from generation to generation, in spite of a robustly changing world, there is an implication and a generalisation in the ‘good old days’ theory that is not quite fair to the hard workers of today, yet, every now and again, you are faced with an example which makes you think the old timers know what they are talking about.

Take the case of the current makeup of the stewards’ reports in Queensland.

‘Another Runner’ is fast becoming a much used description in these reports as in, Horse ‘A’ bumped ‘another runner’.

At times you do get clues to help you piece the report together ie Horse ‘A’ bumped ‘another runner’ and Horse ‘B’ was bumped by ‘another runner’ ... but why should you?

The stewards, for the exercise to be of any value, must produce a report which is easily understood and it has to be accurate to be informative.

If they fail to deliver on any one of these points, the rest of the report is brought into question.

‘Another runner’ is a vague description at best, meaningless at worst. While the description is not in play in every stewards report, it is overused enough in general to really irritate the reader.

This glaring fault in the reporting process, thankfully, is a flaw that is so simple to correct that an improved version of the report can be produced from the very next race meeting.

Why ‘another runner’ it is there in the first place is difficult to fathom, unless, of course, what the old timers suggest is true.

Imagine if somebody actually named their horse Another Runner. How confusing would the stewards’ report for that race be then?

Taking pride in your work doesn’t mean it has to be a masterpiece, but it might just help to avoid the mediocre.

STEWARDS REPORTS EXTRACTS (January 15 – January 21)

TO WHIP OR NOT TO WHIP:

With a number of rider’s coming under the cosh themselves for abuse of the whip rule in recent times, Glen Colless had to front the stewards for a ride at the other end of the riding spectrum. An interesting one!

PRO CONSUL - Rider G. Colless was questioned regarding his riding out of the horse over the concluding stages. He stated that after improving to the inside of Happy Galaxy he immediately placed his mount under pressure by hands and heels riding and felt his mount was responding to that riding without resorting to the use of the whip. He added that he did use the whip in a forehand manner 5 times prior to the winning. His explanation was noted. (Sunshine Coast 17/01/15 – Race 7).

WHEN YOUR RIDER LETS YOU DOWN – 1:

After senior rider N. Evans failed to arrive at the track on time, Stewards acceded to a request by trainer N. Saunders to scratch LIDO at 4.37 pm when no other suitable rider was available. N. Evans was fined $100 for failing to fulfil his riding engagement. (Toowoomba 17/01/15 – Race 1).

WHEN YOUR RIDER LETS YOU DOWN – 2:

Jockey R. Fradd was fined $100 following his manager accepting rides when jockey Fradd had no intention of riding. (Supplementary Sunshine Coast 26/12/14).

LIGHT IN WEIGHT, LIGHT IN THE POCKET:

The announcement of correct weight was delayed whilst Stewards questioned Jockey B El-Issa (SOME CALL HER WILD) as to the reason why he weighed in at 56.0kgs which was in effect 500g light. Under the provisions of AR143(a) a rider is permitted a half kilogram when weighing in light. Furthermore, AR118(a) states that when calculating a rider's weight in weighing out and weighing in, no account shall be taken of fractions of a half kilogram.

As Jockey El-Issa did not weigh in, in excess of the permitted half kilogram, Stewards declared correct weight on the numbers semaphored. Notwithstanding, Jockey B El-Issa was fined the sum of $500 under AR143(b) for weighing in under the declared weight. *SOME CALL HER WILD finished second, beating the third placed runner by 0.10 lengths. (Gold Coast 17/01/15 – Race 6).

NO YOU CAN’T:

Prior to the declaration of correct weight, J. Byrne, rider of 2nd placegetter LEAD THE WAY, requested a viewing of the video to ascertain whether he had grounds to object against the winner. His application was denied, however stewards viewed the video prior to giving correct weight. (Doomben January 15 – Race 9).

SCORE ONE FOR THE HEAT:

Following this race, App. J Hull (CASINO CENTURY) was examined by the ambulance officers after complaining of heat exhaustion. App. Hull was subsequently stood down from his remaining engagements. (Gold Coast 17/01/15 – Race 1). *Hull was the only rider to officially be stood down for this reason during the recent heatwave.

TOUGH NIGHT AT TOOWOOMBA FOR EMMA LJUNG:

I once knew a rider who told me he was in the steward’s room so often people thought he was on the panel. Well Emma Ljung made more than her share of visits to the stewards’ room for a single race-meeting at Toowoomba where she was charged on three separate occasions (in races two, three and four – Toowoomba 17/01/15).

See if you can follow this one.

Apprentice E. Ljung (HI MACKAY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR. 137(a) in that leaving the 100m she permitted her mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of THE YOWIE, which had to be restrained to avoid the heels of HI MACKAY and shifted in tightening the running of HI HI, which was tightened for room and forced to check. Apprentice Ljung's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 7 meetings, with the term of suspension to commence at midnight on Friday 30 January, which is at the conclusion of a previous suspension, to expire at midnight on Wednesday 11 February 2015 and to be served concurrently with the period of suspension imposed in Race 3.

E. Ljung was found guilty of a charge of careless riding under AR. 137(a) in that near the 1100m she permitted her mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of GALWAY TOWN, which was tightened for room between RED WARNING and SWEET AND SAVAGE, and as a result had to be checked and lost its position. Apprentice Ljung's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 8 meetings, with the term of suspension to commence at midnight on Friday 30 January, which is at the conclusion of a previous suspension to expire at midnight on Friday 13 February 2015 and to be served concurrently with the period of suspension imposed in Race 2.

Ljung did get one back on the stewards ... in Race 4.

Stewards issued a charge of careless riding against apprentice E. Ljung in that near the 800m she permitted her mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of PENHALE SANDS, which was tightened for room and forced in, tightening ABSEIL on to the running rail, resulting in ABSEIL having to be checked and lose ground. After taking evidence from all parties and hearing submissions from Jockeys Advocate Mr Dean Tanti, Stewards were unable to substantiate the charge and therefore took no further action with regards to this matter.

NO MATTER HOW EXPERIENCED YOU ARE, A MISTAKE IS ALWAYS WAITING TO HAPPEN

Trainer M. Nolan was fined $500 under AR. 140A(2) for presenting WILL TO RULE to race with its incorrect saddle and saddlecloth number when in fact that gear was to be fitted to Mr Nolan's other runner in the race, BIRTHDAY WISHES. (Toowoomba 17/01/15 – Race 5).

SHORTAGE OF JOCKEYS AT ROCKY:

It doesn’t take much to change the pre-race-meeting form dynamics. With three jockeys not taking up their rides and another stood down during the afternoon some fine tweaking had to be done to weight analysis and rider standings. For a serious punter, I guess it falls under the ‘occupational hazard’ headline.

As Jockey R. McMahon (illness), M. Abe (injury) and Apprentice L Attard (illness) were unable to fulfil their engagements, substitutions were made.

WEREMEBERZENNETH - Due to no other rider being available, and with the consent of trainer G. Elliott, stewards permitted Jockey S. McGovern to ride the filly 3kg overweight. (Rockhampton 15/01/15 – Race 1). DEVILISH DEMEANOUR - When no other rider was available, Stewards permitted App K Aho to be substituted for M Abe. (Race 4). CAUGHT ELOPING - When Jockey J. P. Stanley was indisposed after being dislodged from his mount in Race 6, Jockey B. Stewart was substituted and permitted to ride 2kg overweight. (Race 7). DORSAL FIN - When no other riders were available at or closer to the allotted weight, Stewards permitted App K Aho to replace R McMahon. (Race 7).

WHEN INEXPERIENCE IS A MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCE:

Stewards advised App. R Vigar (MR PENNY PACKER) that he should have made a greater effort during the middle stages of the race to restrain his mount in an effort to give it every opportunity to finish off the race. Taking into account the apprentice's relative inexperience stewards were not of the view that his riding was culpable under the Rules of Racing. (Gold Coast 17/01/15 – Race 1).

App. M McGillivray (ETAIN) agreed with Stewards that in hindsight he should have restrained the mare so as to allow MR PENNY PACKER to cross to the lead thereby giving his mount every opportunity to finish off the race. Taking into account the apprentice's relative inexperience Stewards were not of the view that his riding was culpable under the Rules of Racing. (Gold Coast 17/01/15 – Race 1).

BRIGHT NIGHT LIGHTS:

UPSTART PRIDE - Rider S. Bogenhuber reported at scale that the gelding which was having its first start under lights, pricked its ears in the home straight and raced greenly under pressure and in her opinion may benefit with the addition of blinkers.

WHEN THE SHOE DOESN’T FIT:

HELL'S KITCHEN - prior to the event and following a report from the Club shoeing inspector regarding the quality of plating on HELL'S KITCHEN, stewards ordered both the near front and off front plates to be replaced. Trainer J Kuskopf subsequently pleaded guilty to a charge under AR141A for presenting the gelding to race when not suitability plated and fined the sum of $200. As a result this race was delayed approximately 10 minutes. Start further delayed when HELL'S KITCHEN needed to be re-saddled behind barriers. Bumped by another runner on jumping away. (Nanango 17/01/15 – Race 5).

... OR A BOOT GET BASHED:

The start of this race was delayed when App. J. Orman, the rider of SHINNECOCK HILLS, struck his foot on the gate leaving the enclosure, necessitating the replacement of his boot. (Townsville 18/01/15 – Race 3).

PARTING GETS LEFT BEHIND:

PARTING - correct weight was delayed to determine if afforded a fair start. After taking evidence from rider D Green, starter C Ryan, and DVD relay, stewards found the filly had not been fully loaded into its outside barrier when the start was effected. Subsequently PARTING was declared a non-runner under AR134A with all bets on PARTING to be refunded in full. (Nanango 17/01/15 –Race 4).

PROTESTS:

On return to scale a protest was lodged by T. Bell, rider of the 2nd placegetter, Eight's A Party, against Lock's Legend being declared the winner, alleging interference rounding the home turn. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the stewards' patrol video, stewards found at this stage of the event EIGHT'S A PARTY, when steadying, shifted to the inside of LOCK'S LEGEND, whereby EIGHTY'S A PARTY became unbalanced and got its head up. Stewards could not be satisfied that EIGHT'S A PARTY had obtained the run between NOT TOO SURE and LOCK'S LEGEND and therefore dismissed the objection and correct weight was semaphored on the Judge's placings. (Sunshine Coast 17/01/15 – Race 8).

SUSPENSIONS:

From Toowoomba (17/01/15)

Race 2. App. E. Ljung - careless riding - 7 mtgs (30.1.15 - 11.2.15) - AR. 137(a)
Race 3. App. E. Ljung - careless riding - 8 mtgs (30.1.15 - 13.2.15) - AR. 137(a)

From Doomben (21/01/15)

Race 8. L. Rolls - careless riding - 6 mtgs (m/n 24.1.15 - m/n 1.2.15) - AR. 137(a)

FINES:

From Doomben (21/01/15)
Race 2. Tnr. B. Mackay - $100 - late rider declaration - LR. 67
Race 3. Tnr. S. Kendrick - $100 - fail to produce Thoroughbred Identification Card - AR. 59A(1)
Race 5. Tnr. S. Kendrick - $100 - fail to produce Thoroughbred Identification Card - AR. 59A(1)

From Townsville (18/01/15)

Race 2: Jockey S. Pawsey - $100. Overweight and replaced (A.R. 120(b)).

From Sunshine Coast (17/01/15)

Robbie Fradd - Jockey - Fail to fulfil engagements - $100 - AR85B* (Supplementary – Sunshine Coast 26/12/14)
Race 4. Brad Stewart - Jockey - Use whip 8 times prior to 100m - $200 - AR137A(5)(a)(ii)*
Race 5. Ryan Wiggins - Jockey - Use whip 6 times prior to 100m - $200 -AR137A(5)(a)(ii)*

From Gold Coast (17/01/15)

Race 6 - Trainer D Kelly, late rider notification - $100 [LR67]
Race 6 - Jockey B El-Issa, return to scale underweight, $500 [AR143(b)]
Race 7 - Trainer T Edmonds, late rider notification - $100 [LR67]
Races 6 & 8 - Jockey G Cooksley, overweight - $200 [AR120(b)]
Race 8 - App. B Wallace, whip use, 8 strikes - $100 [AR137A(5)(a)(ii)]

From Toowoomba (17/01/15)

Race 1. N. Evans - $100 - fail to fulfil engagement - AR. 85B
Races 1 & 3. Tnr. R. Lipp - $100 - late rider declaration - LR. 67
Race 3. B. Evans - $100 - fail to ride mount out to end of race - AR. 137(b)
Race 4. App. L. Tilley - $200 - fail to claim full allowance - AR. 92(12)
Race 5. Tnr. M. Nolan - $500 - negligence in saddling - AR. 140A(2)

From Nanango (17/01/15)

Race 5 J Kuskopf - Trainer HELL'S KITCHEN $200. Incorrect plating AR141A.

From Dalby (16/01/15)

Race 1. App. L. Tilley - $200 - fail to claim full allowance - AR. 92(12)
Race 1. R. Wiggins - $100 - fail to weigh in 4th - AR. 144
Race 1. App. E. Ljung - $200 - fail to ride mount out to end of race - AR. 137(b)

From Rockhampton (15/01/15)

Race 3: Jockey T. Treichel $200 - excessive use of whip (A.R. 137A)
Race 4: Jockey M. Barnham - $100, use of whip 3 times more than permitted and one consecutive stride

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