TOWNSVILLE TURF CLUB STEWARDS REPORT MONDAY 31/12/01

STEWARDS PANEL: W Bethel (Chairman) c Bird, M Braunberger, J McIntosh, D Chappell (Club)

WEATHER – Fine TRACK –Fast RAIL – Out 3 metres from 1400 to 1000 metres, 6 metres from 1000 to 400 metres and 3 metres from 400metre to Winning Post.

RACE 1: - CLASS 1 HANDICAP – 1630 METRES

M Cullen replaced M Campbell as the rider of KNOCK OFF TIME. GENERAL SALIERI was a little slow into stride when the gates opened.

RACE 2: - OPEN HANDICAP – 1400 METRES

OLD TRAFFORD jumped a little awkward whilst NEXT IN LINE was slow in stride.

RACE 3: - CLASS 5 HANDICAP – 1000 METRES

When the start was effected, FAITHFUL ROSE and MIGHTY SPY brushed, as did PRIOR PLANNING and LOOK FOR MERCURY. After drawing wide, PRIOR PLANNING was obliged to cover extra ground throughout the race. FAITHFUL ROSE was inclined to shift outward in the early stages of the race resulting in MIGHTY SPY being hampered slightly. Jockey I Toward was advised to show more effort to prevent his mount FAITHFUL ROSE from shifting ground.

RACE 4: - SPECIAL CONDITIONS HANDICAP – 1200 METRES

MI MODEST (NZ) was slow into stride when the gates opened and raced ungenerously in the early and middle stages of the race. That gelding received minor lacerations to the near fore cannon bone and off fore coronet during the race.

RACE 5: - 2YO MAIDEN HANDICAP – 1200 METRES

SEVESTIE, having its first start, jumped outward and hampered JANARRA JENNY when the start was effected. That filly continued to race erratically in the early stages. Trainer D Amos was informed to take corrective measures to ensure the filly is more tractable in future. Repetitive behaviour by the filly could incur a Bar. MAISEANNE also having its first race start, raced greenly in the early and middle stages.

RACE 6: - CLASS 2 HANDICAP – 1300 METRES

Trainer M Crouch fined $50 for contravening LR 70 (1).
KULA SHAKER and MAHONGWE came together when the start was effected. TOP MOVE jumped awkwardly and lost ground at the start. JAZZY LANDING was momentarily held up for a run at the 500 metre mark. On returning to scale, P Cullen, the rider of JAZZY LANDING lodged an objection against MAHATTA being placed third for alleged interference near the 200 metre mark. After viewing the patrol film, Jockey D Sewell also lodged an objection against Mahongwe being declared the winner for alleged indirect interference to his mount REAL ILLUSION near the 300 and 200 metre mark. Determination of evidence at subsequent inquiries, Stewards found that MAHATTA had shifted outward near the 300 metre mark dictating MAHONGWE’S line outward resulting in BELLESHANI, and in turn REAL ILLUSION to shift ground. Stewards dismissed the objection of D Sewell. In determining the objection of jockey P Cullen, Stewards were of the opinion that after Jockey A Molino had straightened his mount MAHATTA, he allowed that mare to shift inward while riding with the ship, causing interference to the running of JAZZY LANDING which had to be checked severely and lose its position. Stewards upheld the objection of Jockey P Cullen and altered the Judges decision by promoting FOX DOCTOR to third place and JAZZY LANDING to fourth and relegating MAHATTA from 3rd to 5th. Correct weight was then semaphored.

At a subsequent Inquiry Jockey A Molino was charged under the terms of ARR 137 (a) with Careless Riding and suspended from riding in races up to and including 12 January 2002.

RACE 7: - MAIDEN HANDICAP – 1400 metres

D Crossland replaced M Campbell as the rider on FON LONG LEE
PADDY’S SISTER, STRICTLY JACK and FOREVER BLESSED came together when the gates opened. TASTY DROP shifted outward just after the start and hampered CONIGLIO. TASTY DROP was momentarily tightened for room near the 750 and 550 metre mark when FONG LONG LEE continued to lay in throughout the race. Jockey S Watkin informed Stewards that his mount TASTY DROP was reluctant to race in restricted room and may have over reacted. Stewards admonished App D Crossland for his actions in both incidents and advised, in future, he should allow more room to other riders if his mount is racing ungenerously.

RACE 8: - CLASS 4 HANDICAP – 1400 metres

G Kliese replaced L Nelson as the declared rider of BRITISH SPY. BRITISH SPY was withdrawn by Stewards on veterinary advice at 5:21 p.m. A Veterinary Clearance will be required before BRITISH SPY can race again.
When the start was effected BRETNIC jumped outward and contacted GATES. WHITEMAN and ILLUMINANT also came together at the start. ABEERAH shifted outward just after at the start and contacted WHITEMAN. App Ms L Abbott informed Stewards she had difficulty in restraining her mount ABEERAH off the heels of PLENTIFUL GOLD near the 900 metre mark as the gelding was inclined to over race in the middle stages. Ms Abbott also informed Stewards no other horse or rider was at fault for the incident. Jockey P Cullen was cautioned for allowing his mount to drift inward under pressure and contacted GATES immediately after the Winning Post. He was reminded of his responsibility for the safely of other riders at all time while mounted.

ALL WINNERS WERE SENT TO BE SWABBED.

GENERAL:
Jockeys M Campbell and L Nelson reported to Stewards that they were indisposed and unable to undertake their engagements for the day. Each rider was informed that a medical clearance would be required before riding at future meetings.