RACING QUEENSLAND

STEWARDS REPORT


DALBY & NORTHERN DOWNS JOCKEY CLUB – THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014

WEATHER – FINE RAIL – TRUE TRACK RATING – GOOD 3

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – R. Hitchener
Stewards – S. Fletcher, J. Childs, L. Carvosso
Clerk of Scales – N. Boyle, J. Searle
Judge – I. Schultz
Veterinarian – F. Broadbent
Swab attendants – A. Jones
Bookmakers Supervisor – D. Lonergan
Starter – M. Henderson, I. Henderson
Stewards Secretary – W. Ostrofski

GENERAL

Due to a communication breakdown, S. Apthorpe was inadvertently replaced on a number of his engagments, however as he was riding at the meeting, he was reinstated as the rider of those runners.

Race 1: DALBY FOODWORKS QTIS 3YO MAIDEN PLATE - 800M

SHOUSHA (N. Yamada), which made contact with the enclosure gate on entering the track, was examined by the veterinary surgeon upon arrival at the barriers and deemed suitable to race.

The start was delayed when SHOUSHA proved difficult to load.

SCRAT (M. Hellyer), OWNERS CROWN (W. O'Connell) and SARA'S GIFT (S. Apthorpe) were slow to begin.

Near the 550m BIZARRE ROCK (M. McGillivray) shifted out and away from ELLE STYLE (M. O'Brien), resulting in DR LEWICKI (R. Ride) shifting out, which in turn forced SHOUSHA wider on the track.

Leaving the 550m DR LEWICKI had to be steadied to avoid the heels of BIZARRE ROCK, which hung out despite the efforts of its rider.

Near the 500m SCRAT was forced to steady to avoid the heels of JANDY GIRL (G. Geran) and as a result lost ground.

During the middle stages JANDY GIRL hung out.

BIZARRE ROCK and SHOUSHA, which had been fractious in the barriers, raced greenly for the majority of the event.

On return to scale apprentice M. McGillivray reported that his saddle shifted to the nearside rounding the home turn, placing him at a disadvantage for the remainder of the event.

Following this event W. O'Connell advised stewards that he was ill and he was therefore replaced on FLYING RYAN in Race 7 by I. Coombes. Jockey O'Connell was advised that he must provide a medical clearance prior to his next race ride.

Trainer B. Hudson advised that RIP 'N' TWIST (I. Coombes) had been galloped on behind.

Race 2: KNOX & POSTLE VEGTERINARY MAIDEN PLAGTE – 1400M

Due to an error in the racebook, Anthony McIntosh was shown as the rider of MULTIPLICATION when Anthony Merritt had been engaged to ride that runner.

LIGHTHORSE HARRY (N. Yamada) and STAR THOMAS (D. McIntosh) were slow to begin.

TING TONG TIGER (N. Tomizawa) began awkwardly and shifted out.

Near the 800m, after being crossed by OVER COMMITTED (S. Bogenhuber), LIGHTHORSE HARRY raced keenly and had to be steadied to avoid that runner's heels.

Near the 600m LIGHHORSE HARRY shifted out to improve and in doing so forced MULTIPLICATION (A. Merritt) wider on the track. MULTIPLICATOIN then raced wide for the remainder of the event.

Approaching the finish line JUST TAKE IT (I. Coombes) was disappointed for a run between MY JOY SUE (J. Orman) and STAR THOMAS, which shifted in marginally.

A. Merritt (MULTIPLICATION) was reprimanded for using the whip in a forehand manner more than 5 times prior to the 100m.

Race 3: CONTOUR CLASS 2 H'CAP – 1400M

Near the 550m NOT A DREAM (I. Coombes) improved on to the heels of BI WINNING (M. Hellyer) and had to be steadied.

Stewards questioned K. Yoshida in relation to the tactics adopted on LIKE A BIRD today whereby the mare raced three widehout cover outside the leaders for the duration of the event. Jockey Yoshida advised that he was instructed to ride the mare in a forward position today, however after beginning only fairly he was required to ride his mount along in the early stages in an endeavour to comply with the instructions. Jockey Yoshida further advised that passing the 1200m when it became apparent to him that he was going to be unable to lead the event, he endeavoured to position his mount closer to the rail, however was unable to do so. Jockey Yoshida further advised that after leaving the 1200m he endeavoured to ride the mare along again in an endeavour to cross MAY RAIN (S. Apthorpe), however when that runner maintained its position to his inside, he was forced to continue to race wide from that point. Stewards noted the explanation.

Stewards questioned S. Apthorpe regarding the disappointing performance of MAY RAIN. Jockey Apthorpe advised that after beginning well, the mare obtained a forward position and travelled comfortably during the middle stages of the event. Jockey Apthorpe further advised that whilst his mount was pressured in the middle stages by LIKE A BIRD (K. Yoshida), which was racing in a three wide position to his outside, in his opinion the mare failed to run on as he had expected and proved somewhat disappointing. Trainer G. Postle expressed disappointment with the performance of MAY RAIN today, however he advised stewards that on cooling down, the mare was in season, which he felt would have been a major contributing factor to the disappointing performance today.

Race 4: DALBY HARDWARE & PLUMBING BM70 H'CAP - 1000M

STRIKE ORDER (S. Bogenhuber) hung out during the middle stages.

SPEEDING DRAGON (M. McGillivray) raced three wide without cover for the duration of the event.

Race 5: WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL CLASS 3 PLATE - 1788M

Trainer K. Kemp was fined $100 for the late declaration of R. Payne as the rider of SEXTANT.

Trainer E. Ropiha advised that NATURE BITES (R. Goltz), which has been going back in its races, would be ridden in a better than midfield position from the inside barrier if circumstances permit. The horse was ridden accordingly.

BEAU BOY (B. Newport) began awkwardly and lost gorund.

SEXTANT (R. Payne) was hampered at the start by SOLID EFFORT (M. Palmer), which was taken out by ZENAWOMANN (M. McKenzie).

BAJA BOY (G. Geran) was slow into stride and failed to muster early speed.

Shortly after the start SEXTANT was forced to steady to avoid the heels of ROYAL ROCKET (S. Apthorpe), which shifted in when not completely clear. S. Apthorpe was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground.

SEEN (B. Evans) raced ungenerously whilst being restrained in the early stages.

KURRAJONG DRAGON (R. Ride) raced wide throughout.

Near the 500m NATURE BITES was forced to steady to avoid the heels of PLAYSOVA (S. Fawke), which shifted out marginally. Apprentice S. Fawke was advised to exercise care.

Race 6: DALBY & NORTHERN DOWNS JOCKEY CLUB CLASS 4 H'CAP - 1300M

Due to an error in the racebook, Rhiannon Pace was shown as the rider of MR AXEMAN when Rhiannon Payne had been engaged to ride that runner.

GAELSTORM (D. McIntosh) knuckled on jumping away and lost ground.

Near the 700m BILLY GOAT (B. Newport), which was laying in, had to be steadied to avoid the heels of MR AXEMAN (R. Payne), which shifted in marginally.

Near the 400m DIXIE FLYER (M. O'Brien) improved on to the heels of the weakening GOLDEN TABBY (S. Apthorpe), which shifted out after making contact with the running rail. As a result, DIXIE FLYER was forced to shift wider on the track to avoid that runner's heels.

Rounding the home turn MR AXEMAN was momentarily forced to steady to avoid the heels of SHADOW SHOW (S. Bogenhuber), which shifted out marginally.

On returning to scale apprentice S. Fawke advised stewards that after enjoying a comfortable run in transit outside the leader, he felt that his mount was disadvantaged when GOLDEN TABBY compounded from the 600m, which left him in front earlier than he anticipated.

A post-race veterinary examination of GOLDEN TABBY, which compounded, failed to reveal any abnormalities. Trainer P. Sexton advised stewards that in light of the performance of the mare today, it is the intention of the connections to retire GOLDEN TABBY. Mr Sexton was nevertheless advised that should GOLDEN TABBY race again, he would be required to obtain a veterinary clearance and the mare would have to compete satisfactorily in an official trial prior to its next start.

When questioned regarding the seemingly improved performance of GAELSTORM, trainer G. Baker advised stewards that at its two most recent starts the mare has begun awkwardly and lost considerable ground. Mr Baker added that whilst today GAELSTORM began awkwardly, it was able to muster some early speed and was able to keep in touch with the main body of the field, which was to the horse's advantage today. Mr Baker further advised that he has always been of the opinion that GAELSTORM was racing well, however due to its barrier manners was racing below expectations. He added that the mare had been working well in preparation for today's event and he had expected a forward showing and supported the mare accordingly through his betting. Stewards noted the explanation.

Race 7: DALBY & NORTHERN DOWNS JOCKEY CLUB CLASS 1 H'CAP - 1100M

Trainer J. Brown advised that COME ON LU LU (S. Bogenhuber) would be attempted to be ridden just off the pace today, in contrast to its normal racing pattern whereby the mare leads in its races.

The start was delayed when DOG TIRED (R. Ride) had to be resaddled behind the barriers.

ALWAYS THINKING (G. Geran) was slow to begin.

Near the 800m COME ON LU LU was forced to steady to avoid the heels of SAMMY SAFECRACKER (S. Apthorpe), which was taken in by RUSTIC PLAY (M. O'Brien), which shifted in when not completely clear. Apprentice O'Brien was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances.

LASERJACK (B. Newport) raced wide throughout.

COME ON LULU raced keenly whilst being restrained during the early and middle stages.


STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 2. A. Merritt - use whip more than 5 times forehand prior to 100m - AR. 137A(5)(a)(ii)

Fines
Race 5. Tnr. K. Kemp - $100 - late rider - LR. 67

Raceday injuiries/illness
W. O'Connell - ill - medical clearance required.

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed post-race
All winners

Warnings/bars
Race 6. GOLDEN TABBY - compounded - vet clearance, inc. ECG results, and official trial - AR. 8(t)

Summary of rider changes/Late notifications

Race 7. FLYING RYAN - I. Coombes

Late Scratchings

Race 3. DON'TCRYARGENTINA - 9.30 am - vet reasons

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