Poor Visibility Ends Doomben Meeting

Saturday, 27 August 2011 08:15

Racing Queensland stewards abandoned the final two races at Doomben on Saturday after jockeys complained of poor visibility.

A jockeys' delegation led by Eddie Wilkinson complained to stewards about track safety and visibility following the ill-fated win by Caloundra mare Belletrist in the Bruce Thomas Lawyers Handicap (1010m).

The meeting started with a slow track rating but was downgraded throughout the day to a heavy (8) following persistent rain.

Belletrist, ridden by apprentice Mitchell Wood, had to be euthanased after snapping her near-foreleg as she stretched out for a neck win over Pointe Dancer.

Wood was in tears as he came back to the enclosure.

In an unrelated incident, stewards later adjourned an inquiry after charging Wood with careless riding for causing interference at the 250-metre mark.

"That was my first city winner in three months and it's not a good way to celebrate," Wood said.

Wood broke his ribs several months ago in a track accident and has struggled to keep his weight under control.

Following the jockeys' deputation, all riders competing in the final two races were summoned to the stewards' room to air their grievances with most agreeing the track was safe but visibility was poor.

Earlier Shamardashing continued the great run of Patinack Farm and apprentice Tim Bell with a narrow win in the OJ Kitchens & Acro Refrigeration Handicap (2020m).

Bell has been in great form since joining Patinack Farm last month as its Queensland stable rider.

Bell, who has ridden nine winners since joining the stable, admitted he had given up hope of winning when Shamardashing was stuck in behind a wall of horses at the 1000-metre mark.

"That was an outstanding win and it takes a good horse to do what he did," Bell said.

"I didn't think he could win 1000 metres out and I'd lost all faith in him.

"He was the best stayer in the race but he didn't like the wet."

Patinack Farm's foreman Brett Killion rated Shamardashing's win as amazing.

"I was petrified when Tim was so far back on him," Killion said.

"With his big weight, a bad barrier and the wet track I thought it was a massive effort.

"He's going to make a nice horse once he gets over further later on."