Darwin (NT)

Saturday, 22 May 2004 00:00

WEATHER:  FINE
TRACK: FAST

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

OOKMAKERS: 4

VETERINARY SURGEON: J Farebrother

Number of Races: 5                        Stakes Paid: $ 30,000

Number of Runners: 36

RACE ONE CLASS B HCP – 13OO M

As there was no other rider available, stewards permitted J Hallam (a) to ride PALONDE at ½ kg overweight.  J Hallam (a) was fined $150 for not being able to ride at his declared minimum riding weight (NT91(c)).

At the start PIMPALA ZAC jumped out, and DESERT REEF jumped in hampering DUBAI FLYER.

S Leckey (a), rider of FLASH LIGHTNING stated that his horse began to hang before the turn at the 650 metres and had some difficulty in getting around the corner.

Stewards questioned M Osmond, rider of WHATS NEWS, regarding the poor performance of that gelding.  M Osmond stated that WHATS NEWS appeared to want to stop racing and so he pulled him out at the 500 metres.  A subsequent veterinary examination revealed that WHATS NEWS had bled from both nostrils.

Subsequent to the event a veterinary examination of BARTORQ, which weakened in the straight revealed that the gelding had bled from both nostrils during the race.

Subsequent to the event a veterinary examination of PALONDE, which performed poorly, revealed that the gelding was suffering from a respiratory condition.

1st            MILESTONES            2nd            SPIN DUSTY            3rd            DUBAI FLYER

RACE TWO 3YO CLASS 2 HCP – 12OO M

When the gates opened, NASH STREET bounded in the air and lost ground.

1st        ORSO            2nd            VERY NATURAL            3rd            NASH STREET

RACE THREE CLASS 3 HCP – 12OO M

Immediately prior to the start, REGATTA (J Hallam (a)) jumped in the barrier causing the gate to open.  As the other gates opened REGATTA was slow into stride.

1st            REGATTA    2nd             GRASS DANCER            3rd            APAIRY

RACE FOUR CLASS 4 HCP – 1OOO M

When the gates opened BE STRONG was slow into stride.

1st             GALVESTON STORM            2nd             TOP SQUIRE            3rd            MANDATE

RACE FIVE OPEN HCP – 13OO M

As J Hallam (a) was indisposed stewards permitted W Orbell to replace him as the rider of SKIING.  J Hallam (a) was advised that he would need to produce a satisfactory medical certificate prior to his next ride in races.

At the start COPPER’S EDGE jumped awkwardly, bumping GALIANO (NZ).

At the 650 metres GUNNEL (M Osmond), which was over-racing had to be eased off the heels of COPPER’S EDGE and SKIING.

1st            GALIANO (NZ)            2nd             GUNNEL       3rd            CITIHONOURS

All winners were swabbed today

M Osmond was fined $50 for not wearing a working flashing light on his skull cap during trackwork on 20 May 2004.  This followed an earlier warning that the light was unacceptable.

T Pike was warned to err on the side of caution and leave his light on during trackwork while the track was still in darkness.