RACING QUEENSLAND

STEWARDS REPORT


MARANOA DIGGERS RACE CLUB – 4 MAY 2013

WEATHER - FINE TRACK RATING - GOOD RAIL - TRUE


OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – S. Fletcher
Stewards – T. Preston
Clerk of Scales - Stewards
Judge – B. Caskey, P. Bryant (Assistant)
Veterinarian – Dr R. Wilson
Swab attendants – Dr R. Wilson
Starter – L. Connolly


SUPPLEMENTARY REPORTS:

From Chinchilla 27.04.13

Race 4 – G. Geran (MOSSANAY) was reprimanded for using his whip in a forehand manner in consecutive strides before the 100m.

Race 5 – L. Appo (Not Without Sin) was reprimanded for using his whip in a forehand manner on more than 5 occasions prior to the 100m.

Stewards opened an inquiry into a heated verbal argument between jockey L. Appo and licensed person J. Baker after race 2 which occurred in the vicinity of the scales area.

L. Appo pleaded guilty to a charge of improper conduct under AR175(q) in that he engaged in a heated argument with licensed person J. Baker in which he swore and then made physical contact with J. Baker. L. Appo was fined the sum of $1000.

J. Baker pleaded guilty to a charge of improper conduct under AR175(q) in that he became involved in a heated argument with L. Appo and directed offensive language towards him. J. Baker was fined the sum of $500.


Race 1: Jim & Gloria Pearce Benchmark 70 Handicap 800m

Stewards considered a request from M. Cox, the rider of CANADIAN JOY, to be declared a non-starter on the grounds of being denied a fair start. After taking evidence from M. Cox, trainer W. Baker, and viewing the race patrol footage, it was established that the right barrier gate did swing back and contact that runner, resulting in the gelding beginning awkwardly. Stewards in considering the application, were mindful of the provisions of AR134A, however could not be satisfied that the incident materially prejudiced CANADIAN JOY’S chances of finishing in the placing’s and therefore dismissed the application.

INNISVALE (R. Johnston-Bell) which was slow to begin was checked shortly after the start and lost ground when tightened for room by WIGPOOL (C. Bryen) which was taken in by FLYING REBEL (L. Appo) which shifted in despite the efforts of the rider.

Near the 600m CANADIAN JOY which shifted out slightly was steadied from the heels of CRASH BAM BOOM (B. Newport) which shifted in. B. Newport was reprimanded and advised to exercise greater care in similar circumstances.


Race 2: Samios Trading Post Class B Handicap 1000m

TELL ME NO LIES (B. Newport) began awkwardly and lost ground.

HEAD ON IT (R. Johnston-Bell) was slow to begin.

PERFECT PUZZLE (L. Appo) was held up for clear running for a short distance passing the 200m.

Stewards questioned G. Geran with regards to the performance of DISTORTED CROWN which performed below market expectations. G. Geran stated that the filly hung off significantly on the first turn and felt the rise in grade and weight today had a bearing on the performance. Trainer S. Watkins was advised that a warning would be placed on DISTORTED CROWN for hanging out. A post-race veterinary examination of DISTORTED CROWN failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities.

C. Bryen the rider of HEARTY CLANG was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts out to the finish of the race.

R. Johnston-Bell (HEAD ON IT) advised stewards that the barrier gate had rebounded back at the start and struck his mount.


Race 3: Maranoa Diggers Volunteers/Dan & Kate Twist Class 2 Handicap 1200m

Stewards considered an objection lodged by D. McIntosh, the rider of the second placed runner MUTINY, against CLEAR DECISION ridden by B. Newport, being declared first, alleging interference over the final 100m. After considering the evidence of both jockeys and trainers, viewing the official race patrol footage and acting on their own observations, it was established that near the 200m, MUTINY shifted to the inside of CLEAR DECISION where there was insufficient room between that runner and the running rail which resulted in MUTINY being held up and inside the 100m becoming placed in restricted room when CLEAR DECISION shifted in slightly. As stewards were satisfied that there was insufficient room for MUTINY initially to shift to the inside of CLEAR DECISION the objection was dismissed.

Correct weight was further delayed to allow the connections of the fourth placed runner, DHACOURT, to view the photo finish print of third placing. After viewing the print and taking evidence from the judge and both jockeys and trainers of DHACOURT and DASHINGLY, the connections of DHACOURT were satisfied with the judge's placing’s, and correct weight was declared on the semaphored numbers.

POKINALONG (S. McCullum) began awkwardly and lost ground.

MUTINY began awkwardly.

DE BURGHLER (R. Kerwin) and CLEAR DECISION (B. Newport) hung out rounding the turn at the 800m,


Race 4: Ray White Rural Roma QTIS Maiden Plate 1200m

BECKONED STAR (R. Johnston-Bell) began awkwardly and lost ground.

Near the 1000m SPIRIT BEAT (R. Kerwin) was steadied when ROCKIN’ ALISON (L. Appo) shifted in when not fully clear. L. Appo was severely reprimanded in this incident.

G. Geran, the rider of WE GOT YA, stated that his mount raced with cover and when placed under pressure from the 600m failed to fully respond to his riding and proved disappointing. He added that the filly may not have been suited racing on today’s tighter track surface. A post-race veterinary examination of WE GOT YA failed to reveal any obvious abnormality.


Race 5: Booringa Cup Open Handicap 1400m

ANNETTE’S PUMPKIN (C. Bryen) was slow to begin.

Stewards inquired into the reasons for SATCH (G. Geran) and LA CLOISONNE (S. McCullum) being checked and losing ground shortly after the start. After taking evidence from all riders, stewards found that HARDCORE PLAY (M. Cox) shifted in abruptly despite the efforts of its rider forcing WINNING DREAMS (D. McMaster) in tightening LA CLOISONNE and SATCH. As stewards could not attribute blame to any one rider no further action was taken.

A post-race veterinary examination of ANNETTE’S PUMKIN failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities.

Stewards sought an explanation from apprentice M. Cox regarding the reasons for HARDCORE PLAY racing in a wide position on the track from 1000m. M. Cox stated that it was her intention to ride forward and obtain a position near the fence, however the gelding wanted to hang in and she was unable to clear the runners to her inside and therefore raced in a wide position. Trainer J. Crompton in acknowledging the racing manners of HARDCORE PLAY felt there was an opportunity for M. Cox to obtain a position closer to the rail at that stage of the race. In considering the evidence, stewards advised M. Cox that they felt that she had erred in her riding from the 1000m in not attempting to shift closer to the rail when there was an opportunity to do so. In light of the circumstances, in particular M. Cox’s inexperience and the racing manners of HARDCORE PLAY, stewards took no further action other to advise the Racing Queensland Apprentice Liaison Officer of the ride.


STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands –
G. Geran – jockey – Use whip in consecutive strides prior to100m – AR137A(5)(a)(ii)
L. Appo - Use whip 7 times prior to 100m - AR137A(5)(a)(i)
Race 1. B. Newport – A/jockey - Careless riding - Reprimand - AR137(a)
Race 4. L. Appo - Jockey - Careless riding - Reprimand - AR137(a)

Fines -
L. Appo – Jockey – Improper conduct - $1000 – AR175(q)
J. Baker – Jockey – Improper conduct - $500 – AR175(q)


Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed – All winners

Warnings/bars –
Race 2. Distorted Crown – Hung out - warning

Protests

Race 3. 2nd (Mutiny) v. 1st (Clear Decision) - Interference over final 100m - Dismissed


Summary of rider changes/Late notifications

R 1. Canadian Joy – M. Cox
R 2. Hearty Clang – C. Bryen
R 3. Currawee Lass – D. McMaster



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