Townsville (Qld)
- Sunday, 22 September 2002 00:00
TRACK - GOOD
RAIL - Out 3 metres.
RACE 1: CLASS 4 HANDICAP - 1000 METRES
Throughout the race LA BEBE hung out.
RACE 2: CLASS 3 PLATE - 1200 METRES
At the start MISREAL was tightened between TOUCHE TURTLE and DANCING PHOENIX, both of which shifted ground marginally.
Stewards questioned Jockey C. Murphy and trainer Mr J. Petersen about the disappointing performance of BRONZE CAT, which raced wide early and compounded over the concluding stages and finished last. C. Murphy said that BRONZE CAT never travelled well in running and in her opinion did not appreciate running on the Townsville track. Mr Petersen stated that at the mare's three most recent starts at Cluden BRONZE CAT had finished last, in contrast to its good form in its two previous starts at Cairns when it won. He added that in his opinion BRONZE CAT was not suited to racing on the Townsville track and that he would recommend to connections that the horse be spelled after its next start, at Gordonvale. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormality. BRONZE CAT was sent to be swabbed.
RACE 3: CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1300 METRES
BIKINI LOVE had to be resaddled after the mare was presented in the enclosure with the girth of the saddle incorrectly fitted. Stable foreman Mr D. Crouch, representing Mr M. Crouch trainer of BIKINI LOVE, was advised that a fine of $50 had been imposed under AR.8(e).
The start was delayed when PRIMA DOLLA was extremely fractious in the barriers. PRIMA DOLLA was very slow to begin and failed to stretch out at any stage of the event. A post-race veterinary examination of PRIMA DOLLA revealed that the gelding was lame in the near hind leg. Trainer Mr R. Long was of the opinion that PRIMA DOLLA may have sustained an injury when it became fractious in the barriers. He was informed that a veterinary certificate of fitness will be required before PRIMA DOLLA will be permitted to race again.
At the 500 metres PASSION KILA had to be steadied away from the heels of BIKINI LOVE (D. Crossland), which shifted out to improve. Jockey D. Crossland was cautioned for shifting ground when not sufficiently clear.
On straightening MISS TUI made heavy contact with BIKINI LOVE, which had a tendency to hang in. As a consequence MISS TUI was taken in across the heels of MISS BUNGEE BROWN, which also had a tendency to hang out.
RACE 4: MAIDEN HANDICAP - 1630 METRES
When moving onto the track D. Crossland was dislodged from EDUCATOR, which galloped riderless for a considerable distance before being recaptured. Stewards ordered the withdrawal of EDUCATOR at 3.12 p.m. Subsequently they ordered that all bets made on EDUCATOR be refunded in full and that all bets made with bookmakers prior to the withdrawal of EDUCATOR be subject to the following deductions in the dollar from the face value of successful tickets: win, 16¢; place 14¢. D. Crossland sustained a minor injury to his left calf muscle, was examined by the Club Ambulance Officers and passed fit to fulfil his further engagements.
At the 700 metres BUSTAWAY had to be steadied off the heels of RAJAWIN (S. Simon). S. Simon reported that the gelding had raced greenly throughout.
RACE 5: CLASS 6 HANDICAP - 1630 METRES
Trainer M. Crouch was fined $50 for the late notification of I. Toward as the rider of APPLEBY (LR.70).
When the pace steadied at the 1400m MARTIAL AIR commenced to pull fiercely. On a number of occasions in the back straight NAZDAB DRIVE and PRINCE BLAZE, which were following MARTIAL AIR, had to be steadied.
In the back straight IRISH REIGN pulled hard and would not settle.
RACE 6: CLASS 6 HANDICAP - 1300 METRES
On jumping PRIOR PLANNING was checked and EL ALAMADOR hampered by LAGER BAY (S. Simon), which shifted in. S. Simon was severely reprimanded for continuing to ride his mount along after it shifted in and failing to stop riding and straighten immediately.
At the 400 metres MAGGEE'S DANCER was unable to improve and had to be checked off the heels of LAGER BAY.
EL ALAMADOR did not obtain secure running at any stage in the straight.
Approaching the 250 metres WILDIE had to be checked when disappointed for a run between FUTURE ROAD and LAGER BAY (S. Simon). S. Simon was found guilty of a charge of careless riding (AR.137(A)) in that at about the 250 metres he permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of WILDIE, which had to be checked. S. Simon was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence at midnight on 27th September 2002, up to and including 8th October 2002 (3 meetings).
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of PROSPECTOR CHIEF, Jockey K. Ballard said that after being tardy to begin, PROSPECTOR CHIEF mustered speed but in the early stages was caught very wide. He added that under its big weight the gelding was unable to head a number of runners to his inside and was a beaten horse approaching the home turn. Trainer Mr L. Harrison said that he was confident of the chances of PROSPECTOR CHIEF and the stable had supported the horse accordingly. The explanations were noted. A post-race veterinary examination revealed that the off hind leg of PROSPECTOR CHIEF had been galloped on and the horse was sent to be swabbed.
ALL WINNERS, BRONZE CAT AND PROSPECTOR CHIEF WERE SENT TO BE SWABBED.
PRE-RACE BLOOD SAMPLES WERE TAKEN FROM ABBOTT HOUSE, MARTIAL AIR, McCAVITY, ACROSS, APPLEBY, FUME, SEARADA, BROC 'N' ARROW, EDUCATOR, CAZMA, ANOTHER ANNIE AND PASSION KILA.
