Darwin (NT)

Friday, 26 March 2004 00:00

WEATHER: FINE
TRACK:  GOOD

STEWARDS: L.Lane (Chairman), J.Hamilton

BOOKMAKERS: 3

VETERINARY SURGEON: J Farebrother

Number of Races: 7                        Stakes Paid:                             $ 64,000

Number of Runners: 64

RACE ONE OPEN HCP – 13OO M

On jumping away CARL THE BULL and CRYSTAL ACADEMY were tightened for room between CATHALOOK and ACELA both of which shifted ground.

1^st         HIGH REVS              2^nd             ROCKHOUND                         3^rd            GUNNEL

RACE TWO       CLASS B HCP (DIV 1) – 12OO M

When the gates opened CALMER KARMA reared in the air and got its front leg up on the spring board.  As a result CALMER KARMA lost considerable ground.  On the home turn BARTORQ had to be eased across the heels of the weakening TROPICAL MAGIC.  LORD BALMAIN was held up behind BARTORQ as a consequence.

Ms T Halter representing Mr B Halter, trainer of BARTORQ was fined $50 for presenting that gelding late in the mounting yard.

1^st             DESERT PROSPECT                2^nd             HADRIAN     3^rd            SANCAY

RACE THREE       CLASS B HCP (DIV 2) – 12OO M

In the early stages of the straight M Abe (a), rider of LUNAR RULER dropped his whip.

Near the 200 metres DUBAI FLYER attempted to take a tight run between SAVNECT and CALABRIA, in so doing bumped the hindquarters of SAVNECT and turned that gelding outwards.

D Park, trainer of LUNAR RULER notified the stewards that the gelding had pulled up shin sore and would be spelled.

1^st            COSTA KEYS                      2^nd             SAVNECT    3^rd            DUBAI FLYER

RACE FOUR        CLASS 6 HCP – 12OO M

On arrival at the course BEVAN, which had got cast in its box and injured its leg was examined by the clubs veterinary surgeon and declared unfit to start.  Acting on this advice stewards ordered the withdrawal of BEVAN at 4.15pm.

Prior to correct weight being declared stewards viewed the head on video of the start to ensure that all the gates opened correctly.

1^st             PALACE LAD                      2^nd             AMBER STYLE            3^rd            EL SUROSO 

RACE FIVE        CLASS 2 HCP – 11OO M

When the gates opened SPECTOR was slow into stride and TOP SQUIRE, which reared lost considerable ground.

Approaching the winning post FOR RORY shifted in abruptly and tightened ALTO EGO in onto the fence.

1^st            LUSKIN DREAMS            2^nd             FOR RORY 3^rd            HIGHER SCORE

RACE SIX        CLASS 4 HCP – 15OO M

Near the 300 metres ROYAL RAPIDASH shifted out tightening GRASS DANCER onto SIR GLISK.

The clubs veterinary surgeon inspected SIR GLISK subsequent to the event and reported that the gelding had pulled up lame in the near foreleg.

1^st        KOSSI PRINCE            2^nd             VIDAL                        3^rd            LATENT

RACE SEVEN  3YO CLASS 4 GUINEAS TRIAL – 13OO M

In the early part of the straight NASH STREET had a tendency to lay in onto NOT CRICKET.

Near the 200 metres NASH STREET again shifted in onto NOT CRICKET and bumped that horse for several strides.

Near the 50 metres NASH STREET shifted out abruptly to avoid the heels of the weakening PRINTERS BOUNTY.

Approaching the winning post NASH SREET again had a tendency to shift in.

Stewards expressed their concerns at D Oakford’s riding style being that he rides with only his toe in the stirrup iron.  Stewards notified him that it was their opinion that he was not properly balanced riding in that manner and it may prevent him from having proper control over his mounts.  D Oakford was notified that he must modify his riding style and ride with his feet in the stirrups when riding in races from now on.

B Huppatz, rider of RANKS stated that the gelding jumped away very well and pulled hard which was why it was up in the lead, which in his opinion was not in the gelding’s best interests.

1^st             CRAFT CLUB                      2^nd             TIME ODYSSEY            3^rd            RANKS

The following riders were interviewed regarding not having an approved light attached to their helmet whilst riding trackwork on Wednesday 24^th March 2004 prior to sunrise.

P Denton, whose light was faint and ineffectual, was notified that his light was not suitable and that it was his responsibility to maintain his light and ensure that it works effectively.

J Halam (a), whose light was not functioning, was notified that he must ensure he has a properly operating light if he is to ride trackwork before sunrise.

G Clarke, whose light was not functioning, was notified that it was his responsibility to ensure that he has a properly functioning light on his helmet when riding trackwork prior to sunrise.

All winners were swabbed today