TRACK: Good
WEATHER: Fine
Rail: Out 3 metres from the 830 to the 430 metres

RACE 1 - OAKBANK RACING CLUB STEEPLECHASE - 3292 metres

TOO EASY (B. McLean) landed awkwardly on jumping the fence in the vicinity of the 900 metres.

Approaching the second last fence, near the 400 metres, SHAMROCK DANCER (G. Young) rolled in, at the same time as DELEGATE (T. Balfour) shifted out, resulting in those runners brushing.

Approaching the last fence DELEGATE (T. Balfour) shifted out abruptly and contacted SHAMROCK DANCER (G. Young).

An objection was lodged by G. Young, rider of the 3rd Placegetter SHAMROCK DANCER, against DELEGATE (T. Balfour) being placed 2nd, on the grounds of alleged interference between the second and last fences. After considering the evidence, viewing the official footage and acting on their own observations, Stewards dismissed the objection.

Subsequent to the race DANKWORTH was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon, who reported the gelding to have severely strained tendons in its off hind leg.

RACE 2 - CLARKE GRAIN / SABIS TWO-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN PLATE - 1206 metres

PAGEANT NIGHT (D. Tootell) was slow to jump.

Shortly after the start PAY KEYS (C. Lever) was inconvenienced when tightened by LEEWOOD (J. Lyon), which was inclined to shift in and away from DANE DAYS (M. Neilson).

In the vicinity of the 800 metres LET IT BE (W. Kerford), which had commenced to race keenly, was obliged to steady off the heels of BONAVANTI (J. Holder).

Over the concluding stages PAY KEYS (C. Lever) was inclined to shift in under pressure, and in the vicinity of the 100 metres SCHOOL DANCE (P. Gatt) was inclined to shift in and away from that gelding.

RACE 3 - R & W P FOWLER MAIDEN PLATE - 1006 metres

JEUNE’S REIGN (S. Price) was slow to jump.

RACE 3 - R & W P FOWLER MAIDEN PLATE - 1006 metres - cont’d…

Near the 600 metres CENTAOS (D. Tootell), which was inclined to race greenly and shift about, shifted in and away from SMOKEFORCE (B. Grimston) and tightened THE STRONGEST LINK (M. Henderson), which was obliged to steady off its heels. In being restrained THE STRONGEST LINK shifted out and inconvenienced SOCIAL REPEAT (C. Lever), ZYHEERA (C. Buchiw) and MAD MAWZIE (J. Lyon), taking those runners wider on the track.

DISTORTION (C. Lindop) was inclined to lay out throughout the event.

RACE 4 - BRYAN GUY CLASS 4 HANDICAP - 2206 metres

PLANE THOUGHT (B. Claridge) was slow to jump.

Inside the 400 metres CLOUDY PALACE (S. Tsaikos) became held up for a short distance.

Near the 300 metres CLOUDY PALACE (S. Tsaikos) was accidentally struck across the head by the whip of C. Bryant, rider of GO SPIDER.

Approaching the 100 metres ZACCIO DAN (NZ) (B. Grimston) shifted in onto CLOUDY PALACE (S. Tsaikos) and tightened that gelding for some distance. B. Grimston was severely reprimanded for shifting ground when insufficiently clear.

Correct Weight was delayed to permit S. Tsaikos and Mr. J. Hickmott, rider and trainer of CLOUDY PALACE to view the official head-on footage of the concluding stages. After doing so S. Tsaikos lodged an objection against the winner ZACCIO DAN (NZ) (B. Grimston), on the grounds of alleged interference over the concluding 180 metres. After considering the evidence, viewing the official footage and acting on their own observations, Stewards dismissed the objection.

RACE 5 - MJS TREE & STUMP CONTRACTORS CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1206 metres

RURAL FORREST (P. Gatt) was slow to jump.

DANCING IMAGE (B. Grimston) jumped away awkwardly.

DANCING IMAGE (B. Grimston) hung out making the turn into the straight.

OLD SEA SALT suffered a minor laceration to its near hind tendon during the race.

RACE 6 - MEMBERS CLASS 3 HANDICAP - 1006 metres

The start of this event was delayed owing to BROOKMAN (D. Tootell) breaking through the stalls. BROOKMAN was quickly restrained and returned to the start and examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon, who ruled the gelding fit.

KINGSFOLD FLAME (J. Marks), which was restless in the gates, was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon and ruled fit.

After being loaded STREET PARLOUR (B. Grimston) broke through the gates. STREET PARLOUR was quickly restrained and returned to the start and examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon, who ruled the mare fit.

OUR JACKMAN (K. Louca) broke through the gates. OUR JACKMAN was quickly restrained and returned to the start and examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon, who ruled the gelding fit.

ETERNAL DESIRE (S. Price) shifted in on jumping away and inconvenienced JUST DO IT NOW (J. Holder).

TIA JANE (K. Stra), which was inclined to lay out, hung out making the turn into the straight.

Inside the 400 metres ETERNAL DESIRE (S. Price) was disappointed when attempting a run between TIA JANE (K. Stra) which rolled in, and KINGSFOLD FLAME (J. Marks) which shifted out. J. Marks was reprimanded and advised to take greater care when shifting ground in future.

BROOKMAN and JUST DO IT NOW, which performed poorly, were examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported no visible abnormalities.

RACE 7 - SPRINT AUTO PARTS CLASS 2 HANDICAP - 1606 metres

CEZANTE (P. Gatt) reared on jumping away and missed the start.

LIBERAL SALLY was subjected to a Veterinary examination subsequent to the race and as a consequence Ms. E. Cruttenden, Trainer of the mare, was advised that the results of an endoscopic examination would be required to be forwarded to the TRSA Veterinary Surgeon prior to accepting for a future event.

RACE 8 - BGC / SABIS FILLIES & MARES CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1406 metres

Approaching the 600 metres MAYGAZR (S. Price) rolled in, taking DOMINIONS (W. Kerford) in onto BELL’S SPIRIT (C. Lever), which was obliged to steady and lose its position.

Near the 100 metres QUICK TRICK (P. Gatt), which was attempting a run to the outside of WESTERLY WIND (B. Vale), was inconvenienced by BELL’S SPIRIT (C. Lever), which shifted in.

SWABBING:

Race 5 BIDDYUP (winner)

GENERAL:

Random urine samples were taken from the following riders:

B. Grimston, K. Louca, S. Tronerud & S. Tsaikos

LITTLE SAMMY (D. Missen) was slow to begin.

ELTON’S ROSE (K. Post) jumped away awkwardly and inconvenienced MANGO (J. Lyon).

LITTLE SAMMY laid in over the concluding stages of the race and as a result D. Missen had to stop riding and straighten the gelding.

RACE 2 - ALENIS/GIANNIS HAIR BEAUTY / SABIS THREE-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN PLATE 1100 metres

TAVOZ (C. Puls) jumped away awkwardly and inconvenienced ESCORT BLUES (NZ) (J. Lyon).

BOTTOM RAIL (C. Buchiw) shifted in abruptly on jumping away, resulting in CARRICK STAR (Murray Henderson) and BLUE SPECTRUM (NZ) (C. Robertson) both being severely hampered, at the same time as ALRAMIL (H. McKechnie) shifted out, resulting in DANIELLE’S MIESQUE (G. Hoobin) being taken out and hampering SOVEREIGN SAGA (S. Harrison). SUEDILOU (P. Marks) clipped heels and dipped as a result of the shifts from the outside and the inside.

Racing to the 600 metres BLUE SPECTRUM (NZ) (C. Robertson), which had been racing greenly, shifted out resulting in CARRICK STAR (Murray Henderson) making contact with VENGADAME (P. Gatt), losing ground and in doing so hampering SUEDILOU (P. Marks).

RACE 3 - STAARAQAT KENTON VALLEY PARK CLASS 2 HANDICAP - 1100 metres

No report.

RACE 4 - HAPPY GIGGLE AT LAKEWOOD DISTANCE CLASS 2 HANDICAP - 1700 metres

TILLISCORE (P. Marks) was slow to begin and MORE MELBOURNE (B. Neville) was very slow to begin. Mrs. S. Jaensch, the trainer of MORE MELBOURNE, was advised that a warning was placed on the gelding that should it be slow to begin in any future event, action may be taken against it.

FUEL GUZZLER (NZ) was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported the gelding had suffered an abrasion to its near nostril.

RACE 5 - CAMPO CATINO AT GLENORMISTON CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1400 metres

CANNY CIRCLE (K. Post) jumped away awkwardly and lost ground.

COUNTY COOPER (B. Claridge) was slow to begin.

Inside the 200 metres ANTATAQ (G. O’Loughlin) was disappointed when attempting to take a run between ZENAKAY (NZ) (G. Hoobin) and PATRIARCH (B. Dunn), which rolled out.

RACE 6 - MILLICENT CUP MAY 4 HANDICAP - 1700 metres

Prior to the declaration of Correct Weight G. Hoobin, the rider of SHOWGAZER, and B. Neville, the rider of KURTRAY, both sought permission to view the official video footage of the race. After doing so, in conjunction with Stewards, G. Hoobin declined to lodge an objection against OUR HARVEST TIME (NZ) (C. Robertson). B. Neville lodged an objection against OUR HARVEST TIME (NZ) being declared the winner on the grounds of alleged interference over the final 150 metres. After taking evidence from all parties, viewing the official video films and acting on their own observations, Stewards dismissed B. Neville’s objection.

Racing to the 1400 metres OUR HARVEST TIME (NZ) (C. Robertson) shifted in and as a result PIT BOSS KISS (NZ) (J. Potter) shifted in resulting in SHOWGAZER (G. Hoobin) becoming unbalanced for a short distance.

Racing to the 150 metres OUR HARVEST TIME (NZ) (C. Robertson) shifted out resulting in KURTRAY (B. Neville) shifting out and hampering SHOWGAZER (G. Hoobin).

Over the concluding stages OUR HARVEST TIME (NZ) (C. Robertson) continued to shift out taking KURTRAY (B. Neville) wider on the track. C. Robertson was advised to exercise greater care in similar circumstances.

RACE 7 - SMOKE-FREE CHALLENGE 2003 (HEAT 5) - 1100 metres

MOST ELEGANT was withdrawn by order of the Stewards at 7.45 am acting on a confirmed telephone call that the gelding was suffering from a stone bruise and was unfit to start. Mr. Cerchi’s explanation for the late scratching of MOST ELEGANT was accepted.

COSSACK LAW (J. Lyon) was disappointed for a run racing from the 200 metres to the 100 metres when held up behind QUEEN MIDAS (M. Neilson).

Racing to the 100 metres ELMO’S HERO (NZ) (C. Puls) was held up for a run behind BRICKLIN’S BROTHER (H. McKechnie) and had to shift out to obtain a clear run.

Subsequent to the race INTERFACE STAR was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported the gelding was suffering soreness in both forelegs. Mr. A. Opperman, trainer of INTERFACE STAR, was advised that a Veterinary Certificate of Fitness to Race would be required before accepting for that gelding.

RACE 8 - CUB / SABIS MAIDEN PLATE - 1600 metres

FRALIQUE (H. McKechnie) jumped away awkwardly.

Racing to the 1100 metres TAZALI (K. Post) over-raced and had to be steadied to avoid the heels of SUPREME CONFIDENCE (C. Puls) and lost ground as a result.

SWABBING:

Race 4 JEFFERSON (winner)
Race 7 PRINCE OF REVELRY (winner)

Burleigh has started at the track just once a year for the past two years - winning both times at stakes level. In 2001, he won the Listed Port Adelaide Guineas as a three-year-old, while last year he took out the Birthday Cup.

He hasn't been back since but the stable is following the same path as last year - a first-up run in th Group 2 Blamey Stakes at Flemington before a run in Saturday's event.

"Last year he ran a great race in the Blamey, finishing fifth to Tears Royal before winning this race," Hawkes' stable foreman David Pannell said. "He finished 14th in the Blamey this time around, but was beaten only three lengths. Given he was first-up over a mile, then run was pretty good.

"He arrived here late last week and I must say, he looks even better than he did the year before. He settled in well and hopefully he can win the event again."

Local jockey Wayne Kerford, who piloted the gelding to success last year, again has the ride.

"He's won three races on him - all three stakes races," Pannell said. "The horse goes well for him."

The stable has won the race twice, with Spring Thaw winning in 1991 before Burleigh last year. The last horse to win the race twice was veteran stayer Skybeau in 1999 and 2000.

Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)

RACE 1 : SIGNS INCORPORATED HANDICAP - 1600 metres

MOOTIARA (D. Tootell) and LEADER’S PRIDE (C. Lindop) were slow to jump.

Approaching the 200 metres B. Claridge, the rider of DORADOS, accidentally dropped his whip due to it contacting GARLANDTOWN MOON (J. Maund) on his inside.

After entering the straight GARLANDTOWN MOON (J. Maund) was unable to obtain clear running and in the vicinity of the 200 metres was inconvenienced by DORADOS (B. Claridge), which was inclined to lay in, resulting in GARLANDTOWN MOON becoming held up for a short distance.

TENNESSEE ROYAL, which performed poorly, was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported no visible abnormalities.

CLEAR ‘N’ OUT suffered a bi-lateral bleeding attack during the event. Mr. S. Paynter, trainer of CLEAR ‘N’ OUT, was advised that the gelding would now be suspended for a period of three months in accordance with ARR 59A.

RACE 2 : LIZ DAVENPORT HANDICAP - 2500 metres

C. Robertson, the rider of OUR STRIKE BREAKER (NZ), was questioned regarding his failure to take a run which became available inside EXALTED BEAU (M. Neilson) approaching the 300 metres. C. Robertson explained that he had elected to attempt to improve to the outside of EXALTED BEAU as he considered his best option was to make one run with the gelding. He added that after attempting that option he had been prevented from doing so by BUFFALO POWER (J. Holder), which had improved to his outside and had to wait to clear the heels of that gelding before placing his mount under pressure. Stewards advised C. Robertson that in future he should ensure he ride his mounts in a manner which would not invite enquiry.

RACE 3 : HONDA HANDICAP - 1800 metres

In the vicinity of the 600 metres BENARBER (D. Tootell) was inconvenienced and obliged to steady off the heels of STRIKING PLUME (C. Bryant) as a result of that gelding being taken out marginally by TOP KALA (K. Louca).

Near the 100 metres BENARBER (D. Tootell) was disappointed when tightened by NEARMISS (J. Lyon), which had been taken in by BLUE HAZE (S. Price), which was inclined to lay in. BLUE HAZE continued to lay in over the concluding stages of the event.

RACE 3 : HONDA HANDICAP - 1800 metres (Cont’d)

TALANTO and NEARMISS, which performed poorly, were examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported no visible abnormalities. Mr. R. Wittwer, representing Mr. A. Trengrove, the trainer of NEARMISS, advised that a recommendation will be made to the owners for the mare to be spelled.

RACE 4 : VINERY STUD WALTER BROWN STAKES - 1100 metres

OAKWOOD, which was restless in its stall and turned about in the gates, was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon and ruled unfit to start. Acting on that advice, OAKWOOD was withdrawn by Stewards at 2.21 pm. Mr. D. Balfour, trainer of OAKWOOD, was advised that a repetition of the colt’s behaviour at the barriers could lead to action being taken against it.

The Melbourne Cup may be Australia's greatest horse race, but the Great Eastern Steeplechase (proudly sponsored by Carlton & United Breweries) at Oakbank is certainly the most colourful and spectacular. More than 100,000 fervent holidaymakers flock to the hamlet in the Adelaide Hills over the Easter weekend to watch the running of the marathon steeplechase at the famous track.

Oakbank, however, more than any other major Australian club, belongs not to its executive or even to its members. It belongs to the people of South Australia and to its regular visitors from interstate and overseas. And therein lies its secret, those regular Oakbankers belong to Oakbank, and Oakbank belongs to them, and while that marriage lasts, the future of Oakbank as the world's greatest picnic race meeting is in very good hands.

Campers have already started their pilgrimage to the Hills to begin setting up their tents, and the fun will begin in a carnival atmosphere, which rivals the English Derby week at Epsom. The same families have been making the Oakbank pilgrimage for years and it is not uncommon to find people who went with their fathers and mothers as youngsters 30, 40 or 50 years ago. Overseas visitors marvel at the magnitude of the carnival and share the racing public's fascination with the testing 4,950m Great Eastern, as well as the other jumping and flat events.

While racing takes pride of place at Oakbank on both Easter Saturday and the Monday, there are plenty of other attractions. Ferris Wheels, Merry-go-Rounds, Train Rides, Pony Rides, Stalls and food outlets with exotic foods from all countries and free face painters make this a circus Barnum and Bailey would have been proud of.

Between the races, hundreds of youngsters and older folk will play football on the track, have races and generally have fun. Yes indeed Oakbank at Easter has all the fun of the fair, added to which, the racing is great.

There is a once only charge of $15 (children under 16 free) to enter the course, with patrons able to use grandstand facilities and visit horse stalls and the parade ring at no extra charge. Patrons are welcome to bring eskies to the event, however they must not be taken into the grandstand area, and glass bottles and cans will not be permitted to be taken into or out of the grandstands or members enclosure.

For the 8th successive year Malaysia Airlines are offering 2 return tickets to London and the Adelaide Bank $500 towards accommodation and other costs to a lucky patron who submits the winning entry form on course. The holiday must be used by the 31st December 2003 and is not redeemable for cash or transferable. Yalumba Wines will supply another successful competitor with 7 assorted cases of their various products. The forms for the competition will be available thorough the race book and locations on-course.

Flat and jumping trails will be conducted on Monday 7th April and trials for jumping horses nominated for events at Oakbank will be conducted on Monday 14th April. Trails will commence at 9:30am and as a fund raiser for St Michaels Collage there will be a free sausage sizzle on both days.

Oakbank Secretary Barry Biggs sums up the Oakbank success nicely:

"Melbourne may have pinched the Grand Prix, but the Great Eastern Steeple meeting is just as big and we are the only country race club in Australasia to be given metropolitan status over the weekend. We are proud of this achievement."

Further enquiries phone Barry Biggs (08) 8212 6114, visit our website at www.oakbankracingclub.com.au or e-mail us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Media Release - Oakbank Racing Club