Darwin (NT)

Saturday, 10 April 2004 00:00

WEATHER: FINE
TRACK: GOOD

STEWARDS:        L.Lane (Chairman), R.Hamilton, J.Hamilton, R Merritt, B Merritt, D Merritt (Deputy Steward), M Richardson (Deputy Steward)

BOOKMAKERS:  4

VETERINARY SURGEON: J Farebrother

Number of Races: 6                        Stakes Paid: $ 37,000

Number of Runners: 44

RACE TWO        CLASS 4 HCP – 12OO M

M.Abe (a), rider of TAWNY PULSE was given permission to ride that gelding ½ kilogram over his declared MRW of 55.0 kg.  M Abe (a) stated that he had been staying on his diet and doing his utmost to get down to his MRW but for some reason was heavier than he expected.  Stewards accepted M Abe’s explanation however notified him that if he was to again be overweight he may be penalised.

Rounding the home turn VIDAL was held up for a clear run behind HADRIAN.

Stewards questioned M Osmond, rider of NABERZOX which performed below expectations.  M Osmond stated that he could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance today and that the gelding appeared to pull up alright.  G Clarke, trainer of NABERZOX stated that he expected the gelding to run well today and could see no reason for its performance. The clubs veterinary surgeon inspected NABERZOX subsequent to the event and reported that he could find no apparent abnormality.  A swab sample was taken from NABERZOX

1^st        EL SUROSO            2^nd            VIDAL                        3^rd            TAWNY PULSE

RACE FOUR        CLASS 5 HCP – 1OOO M

As M Abe (a) was to be overweight stewards permitted T Perry to replace him as the rider of CORRUPTIBLE.

Acting of advice from Ms D Waters, representing Ms A White, trainer of BE STRONG that the gelding was lame and unfit to run, stewards ordered the withdrawal of BE STRONG at 12.35pm.  Ms D Waters stated that BE STRONG was not taken out of its stable until 9.30am this morning and was lame at that time.  She stated that the staff were busy until that time and BE STRONG had not been attended to until 9.30am.  Stewards expressed their concern that BE STRONG was not inspected prior to 9.00am and for that reason became a late scratching.  Ms Waters was notified that her explanation would be accepted on this occasion however if this race was a PPB race or there had been scratchings at 9.00am due to a lack of riders a $500 scratching fee may be imposed.

1^st        TOP SQUIRE            2^nd            SACRED SHIELD            3^rd            MADE DOWN UNDER

RACE SIX       MAIDEN SET WEIGHTS – 11OO M

Mr L Houldsworth, trainer of             DREAM HUNTER was fined $50 for failing to lodge a stable return for that filly by the prescribed time (NT56).

On jumping away DREAM HUNTER shifted out and tightened BELLO DIVISTA out onto BASIL STREET.  After jumping FLASH LIGHTNING knuckled, shifted out and bumped WHATS NEWS (NZ).

Near the 650 metres AWASH, which had a tendency to lay out for the majority of the race had to be eased off the heels of GOING STAG.

Near the 600 metres FLASH LIGHTNING had to be checked off the heels of DREAM HUNTER (M Abe (a)) which was racing greenly.  M Abe (a) was reprimanded and notified that in future he must make a greater effort to protect his fellow riders.

During the race CALABRIA had a tendency to lay out.

1^st            XHAFERS ROLL            2^nd             GOING STAG                      3^rd            BASIL STREET

RACE EIGHT        CLASS 1 HCP – 12OO M

As COSTA KEYS was not able to be placed in the barriers, stewards ordered the withdrawal of that gelding at 4.12pm.

Subsequent to the event stewards ordered all monies wagered on COSTA KEYS to be refunded and the following betting deductions.  All monies wagered prior to the withdrawal of COSTA KEYS to be paid as follows- for the win, face value of the ticket less 33 cents in the dollar. For the place, face value of the ticket less 29 cents in the dollar.

Mr B Merrall, representing the trainer of COSTA KEYS was notified that a warning would be issued against the gelding and if it was to perform in a similar manner in future some action may be taken.

In the early stages REGATTA had a tendency to lay out.

1^st        FOR RORY 2^nd             REGATTA    3^rd            SPECTOR

RACE TEN OPEN HCP – 11OO M

As M Abe (a) was to be overweight stewards permitted W Orbell to replace him as the rider of JEREMIAH BULLFROG.

When the gates opened CARL THE BULL was slow into stride.

Near the 600 metres JEREMIAH BULLFROG had to be eased when CARL THE BULL rolled out on the turn.

1^st        TERM             2^nd             ORIENTAL TREASURE            3^rd            BEAU MASTER

RACE ELEVEN        CLASS 3 HCP – 13OO M

As there were no rider available to replace M Abe (a) who was to be overweight stewards permitted him to fulfil his engagement on SUNDAY DRIVE.

Rounding the home turn HEFTY suffered an attack of bleeding and crashed through the outside running rail.

1^st             STREWTH   2^nd             GRASS DANCER            3^rd            ICHIKAWA

The winners of race two, four, six, eight and eleven were swabbed.