Darwin (NT)

Saturday, 12 June 2004 00:00

WEATHER: FINE
TRACK: GOOD

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

BOOKMAKERS: 3

VETERINARY SURGEON: J Farebrother

Number of Races: 5                        Stakes Paid: $ 33,500

Number of Runners: 40

RACE THREE  3YO CLASS 5 HCP – 13OO M

On jumping away ORSO shifted out taking VERY NATURAL out onto APAIRY resulting in that gelding being tightened.

1^st            DELWAY       2^nd            ORSO             3^rd            HUZZAH

RACE FIVE OPEN HCP – 15OO M

Prior to correct weight being declared, P Denton, rider of COPPER’S EDGE requested permission to view the video of the race in the straight.

Near the 200 metres CITIHONOURS was held up for a clear run on the inside of MURPHY’S LAW.

Stewards questioned Mr L Houldsworth, trainer of the winner CATHALOOK about its improved performance today.   Mr Houldsworth stated that the gelding’s previous run was better than it appeared on paper as it should have finished third in his opinion except for some minor interference.  Mr Houldsworth also stated that he had been keeping the gelding fresh and it appreciated being out in the lead and being allowed to run along today.

After passing the 200 metres COPPER’S EDGE, which was taking a tight run between ROCKHOUND and CATHALOOK (P Crich) was tightened for room by CATHALOOK which rolled out slightly.  As a result COPPER’S EDGE had to be eased and shift in to obtain a clear run.  P Crich was reprimanded and notified that in similar circumstances in future he must stop riding and straighten his mount.

All runners in this race were pre-race swabbed.

1^st             CATHALOOK            2^nd            ROCKHOUND            3^rd            COPPER’S EDGE

RACE SEVEN       CLASS B HCP – 13OO M

The explanation of Mr K Sweeney trainer of VERY NATURAL, for nominating that horse in this race when ineligible, was accepted.

Mr S Brown, trainer of REGENT (NZ) was fined $50 for failing to lodge a stable return for that gelding in accordance with NT56.

Stewards questioned Mr K Lamprecht, trainer of FETTLE which was produced in the mounting yard with blinkers when not shown as a blinkered horse.  Mr Lamprecht stated categorically that FETTLE carried blinkers at its last start which was at Tennant Creek on 15 May 2004.  Acting on Mr Lamprecht’s assurance stewards permitted FETTLE to race in blinkers today.

When the gates opened FETTLE stood flat footed and was slow to begin and SIR ROASTALOT knuckled.  On jumping away PIMPALA ZAC jumped outwards and struck the gates.

During the event D Bates, rider of SUNBLOCK dropped his whip.

During the event FETTLE lost a plate.

1^st            PECKJATA  2^nd             RHYTHMIC STEP            3^rd            SUNBLOCK

RACE EIGHT        CLASS 4 HCP – 12OO M

When the gates opened HER MAN BOB was slow into stride.

Shortly after jumping away SWAMP THING was tightened between RING CYCLE and MR GWEILO.

Approaching the first turn SWAMP THING was held up behind PALACE LAD.

Near the 1100 metres CELTIC DANE shifted in and took TARCOOLA MAGIC in onto KOSSI PRINCE.

Rounding the home turn SWAMP THING was held up for a clear run.

1^st        KOSSI PRINCE            2^nd             STUBBS       3^rd            CELTIC DANE

RACE NINE SPEC COND S/W – 12OO M

Mr B Merrall, stable foreman for Mr R Merrall trainer of I DO THEE WED and PALACE LAD notified the stewards that he would be instructing the riders of both horses to attempt to ride them back in the field.

1^st             RADIANT BLAST            2^nd             SKIING         3^rd            BRIGHT VISION

All winners were swabbed today

Stewards today fined trainers L Houldsworth, K Petrick and B Halter $50 each for failing to lodge the appropriate stable returns for horses which had left their stable (NT56).

Mr N Connor, trainer of SWITCHINFLATE was fined $50 for failing to lodge a stable return for that gelding when it entered his stable in accordance with NT56.