Mistegic Impresses in Valley Gallop

Tuesday, 10 September 2002 00:00

Stars Prepare for Valley Gallop Tomorrow

Monday, 09 September 2002 00:00

First Declarations Taken for Cups Double

Tuesday, 10 September 2002 00:00

The most notable absentee from both races is the Godolphin stayer Give The Slip (GB) which hasn't raced since finishing runner-up to Ethereal (NZ) in last year's Tooheys New Melbourne Cup.

However Godolphin still retains a strong hand in both races with Narrative (IRE), Hatha Anna (IRE) and Beekeeper (GB) all still in the field.

Godolphin also looks set to play a major part in the Carlton Draught Cox Plate as their multiple Group 1 winner Grandera (IRE) is one of ten internationals paid up for Moonee Valley's spring feature. That international contingent also includes well-travelled Japanese star Eishin Preston (USA).

Eleven-time Melbourne Cup winning trainer Bart Cummings still has eight runners in the field for this year's race including current favourite Magical Miss while Sheila Laxon who trained Ethereal (NZ) to the Cups double in 2001 is putting her faith in a single entrant - seven-year-old mare Forlorna (IRE) which hasn't raced since finishing third in the Group 3 Rotorua Cup (2300M) in May.

Media Release - Racing Victoria

Valley Set to Lose Sunline from Super Saturday

Monday, 09 September 2002 00:00

It is understood that Sunline's trainers, Trevor and Stephen McKee, have decided to wait back for the Group One George Main Stakes in Sydney a week later.

Sunline made her seven-year-old return to racing with a hard-fought win in the Mudgway Partsworld Stakes at Hastings last month.

Media Release - TNZ

Seymour (Vic)

Tuesday, 10 September 2002 00:00

Riding Changes:

*Must produce a medical certificate prior to riding again. 

Race 1 - TOOHEY'S NEW NOVICE HURDLE - 2810 metres:

"Grey Rider" began awkwardly.

B. Scott, rider of "Zinge" which performed below expectations, stated that the mare travelled well until placed under pressure near the 1000 metres, and then failed to respond to his riding from that point. B. Scott added that in his opinion the horse was not suited by the firm track. A veterinary examination of "Zinge" revealed no abnormality.

Race 2 - HAHN PREMIUM FILLIES & MARES MAIDEN PLATE (1) - 1005 metres:

"Clay Cash" was slow to begin.

Near the 700 metres "Snow Board" had to be eased when tightened for room between "Ginger" and "Sequalo's Belle", which shifted out when racing greenly.

When being eased "Snow Board" made contact with the hindquarters of "Ginger", which forced "Snow Board" on to the heels of "Sequalo's Belle", resulting in "Snow Board' having to be checked.

In the early part of the straight "Puss in Cahoots (NZ)" was tightened for room by "Partizenne", which shifted in when racing greenly. "Partizenne" then shifted out and hampered "Just Dance".

On return to scale it was noted that "Ginger" had several lacerations to both hind legs.

Race 3 - HAHN PREMIUM FILLIES & MARES MAIDEN PLATE (2) - 1005 metres:

Mr. Bill Mitchell, trainer of "Spectrum Gallery", assured the Stewards that he had sought a clearance from the NSW TRB Stewards in respect of the filly. He also gave an assurance that "Spectrum Gallery" is clear to race.

"In the Swing" was slow to begin.

Near the 700 metres "Well Toned" shifted in abruptly and inconvenienced "Saratoga Sal".

Approaching the 400 metres "Gypsy Fingers" was tightened for room by "Lunar Rays", which was taken in slightly by "Fearless Living" which, after initially being taken in slightly by "Ocran", shifted in away from that gelding.

Rounding the home turn "Fearless Living" shifted out and bumped "Classic Steal".

At the entrance to the straight "Well Toned" faltered.

In the early part of the straight "Well Toned" and "Jamrah" bumped due to both horses shifting ground.

D. Gauci, rider of "Well Toned" which weakened badly over the concluding stages, stated that his mount travelled well to the home turn, and then failed to respond to his riding in the straight. D. Gauci added that the filly's action did not feel right over the concluding stages. A veterinary examination of :"Well Toned" failed to reveal any abnormality.

Race 4 - SUPER VOBIS THREE-YEARS-OLD MAIDEN PLATE - 1007 metres:

The Stewards took no action against Mr. Tom Hughes, Jnr., trainer of "Balencia", for the late notification of L. Milham as the rider of the filly.

 N. Rawiller, rider of "Jay Vee", second past the post, viewed the Stewards' videos of the home straight and decided not to lodge an objection.

"Aloha Joffa" was slow to begin.

In the early stages of the race "Chapeau" commenced to hang out.

Approaching the 1000 metres "Chapeau" continued to hang out for some distance, which resulted in B. Cross, its rider, easing the gelding out of the race. After being eased out of the race,"Chapeau" began to race in a more tractable manner and completed the race. Subsequently Mr. G. Mance, trainer of "Chapeau", was notified that the gelding is now suspended from racing until such time as it trials to the satisfaction of the Stewards.

On two occasions near the 1000 metres "General Quarters" raced ungenerously, shifted in and had to be eased off the heels of "Jay Vee".

Approaching the winning post "Etoile West" shifted out under pressure and brushed "Jay Vee".

S. King, rider of "Axezewang" which performed poorly, stated that the colt never travelled well throughout the race, and was a beaten horse prior to straightening. A subsequent veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormality.

Race 5 - TOOHEYS NEW MAIDEN PLATE - 2010 metres:

For some distance approaching the 400 metres "Let's Romance" was held up.

Rounding the home turn and in the early part of the straight "Touch of Heart" was held up when unable to obtain a clear run.

Race 6 - TOOHEYS NEW HANDICAP- 1305 metres:

"Foreign Affair" sprawled on jumping away.

Approaching the 400 metres "Foreign Affair" was disappointed when attempting a run between "Belle Princess" and "Carnasquare" where there was insufficient room.

Rounding the home turn and in the early part of the straight "O'Temptation" was held up when unable to obtain a clear run.

Near the 200 metres "Belle Princess" had to be eased when disappointed for a run between "Skylight Jimmy" and "Infamy" due to "Infamy" shifting in slightly.

Race 7 - TOOHEYS RACING CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1005 metres:

Prior to correct weight being declared P. Mertens, rider of "Stormin' Abassi", fourth past the post, viewed the photo finish print for third placing. After a lengthy consultation between the Stewards and Mr. W. Quin, the Judge, correct weight was declared.

On jumping away "Thai Kingdom" shifted out and made contact with "Radioactive Star", resulting in that mare shifting out and bumping "Hossegor".

Shortly after this "Hossegor" was hampered by "Sky Pirate", which shifted in.

Approaching the 200 metres "Hossegor" was again hampered by "Sky Pirate", which shifted in.

After passing the 200 metres "Tycoon George" and "Street Mate" brushed due to "Street Mate" shifting in slightly under pressure.

N. Rawiller, rider of "Thai Kingdom" which weakened over the concluding stages, stated that the horse over-raced in the early and middle stages of the race, and added that "Thai Kingdom" was a beaten horse when placed under pressure in the home straight. A veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormality.

Approaching the winning post "Blah Blah Blah" had to change course to avoid the heels of "Street Mate".

S. Arnold, rider of "Hossegor", which performed poorly stated that after being bumped on jumping away, and hampered shortly after the start, the gelding never travelled well throughout the race. S. Arnold added that whilst "Hossegor" was hampered again in the early part of the straight he was a beaten horse at that stage .

Race 8 - HAHN PREMIUM CLASS 3 HANDICAP - 1607 metres:

On arrival at the barrier "Spectacular Storm" was kicked by another runner. "Spectacular Storm" was then examined by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon, who passed the gelding fit to start.

"Spectacular Storm" was slow to begin

Near the 700 metres "Shrewdly Different", which was over-racing, accidentally clipped the heels of "Bicarb", resulting in Michelle Payne, rider of "Shrewdly Different", almost being dislodged. In the incident Miss Payne lost the use of her near-side iron.

Subsequent to the event the Club's Veterinary Surgeon reported that "Super Spur" had a very mild trace of blood in both nostrils. As the Veterinary Surgeon was unsure as to whether the traces of blood had been caused by a bleeding attack or from a laceration to the horse's mouth, which occurred during the running of the race, the Veterinary Surgeon recommended that an endoscopic examination be performed of "Super Spur" within 48 hours to determine whether the horse had suffered a bleeding attack. Mr. S. Clifton, trainer of "Super Spur", was advised of the Veterinary Surgeon's recommendation and directed to forward details of that examination to the Steward's department. Upon receipt of that information Steward's will then decide if "Super Spur" is deemed to be a bleeder under the rules of racing.

Race 9 - HAHN PREMIUM LIGHT CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1607 metres:

After arriving on the course "Sea Fit (NZ)" was examined by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon, who reported that the gelding had sustained an injury to its near hind leg due to being cast in the float en route to the course. Acting on this advice the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of "Sea Fit (NZ)" at 4.05 p.m.

ROUTINE SWAB SAMPLES were taken from the winners of the following races: "Doree" - Race 2 and "Prince Baa Baa" - Race 8.

RANDOM SWAB SAMPLES were taken from "Jamrah", winner of Race 3; "Domineer Prince", winner of Race 5, and "Reckabar", winner of Race 6.

ADJOURNED INQUIRY:

An inquiry into the late notification of D. O'Heare as the rider of "Blah Blah Blah" in the Tooheys Racing Class 1 Handicap was adjourned to a date to be fixed.

Sky Heights' Injury "Not Serious"

Monday, 09 September 2002 00:00

Sky Heights' trainer Colin Alderson said that he will get a better idea on the exact nature of the gelding's leg query in the "next day or two."

"The vet came out and looked at him on Saturday morning and found a bit of filling in a leg," Alderson reported. "I asked him whether we should run and he said if he was his he wouldn't run, so we didn't."

Alderson said the injury is "not serious" and his spring carnival plans remain intact and he could be a runner this Saturday at Moonee Valley.

So far this season things haven't gone as planned for Alderson. A couple of weeks ago he had to abort carnival plans for the brilliant Queensland Derby winner De Gaulle Lane after the injury prone galloper again went amiss.

Melbourne Cup - First Acceptances

Tuesday, 10 September 2002 00:00

Media Release - Racing Victoria

Victorian Jumps Report Released

Monday, 09 September 2002 00:00

Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) today released publicly the report by an Independent Review Panel into Jumping Racing in Victoria.

Chairman Graham Duff said RVL is pleased to note that the independent panel has conducted itself in a transparent and consultative manner and has delivered a very comprehensive and robust report.

Mr Duff said the primary finding of the Panel is that jumping racing is an integral part of the Victorian racing industry and it should be allowed to continue however while Victorian jumping racing’s safety standards are in line with world’s best practice, the Panel contends that further safety measures should be put in place.

The Panel heard almost 60 submissions from animal welfare agencies, racing bodies and other interested parties and individuals. Mr Duff said the quality of those submissions was first class and showed that jumping racing is a very passionate and important issue.

The Panel has made 38 recommendations for improving the safety of jumping racing and securing its performance and long term viability.

CEO Neville Fielke said RVL proposes to conduct an assessment of the Panel’s recommendations including costing their implementation and examining a range of alternative options.

"This critical process will be undertaken over the next couple of months," Fielke said.

The Panel's report is available for viewing at Racing Victoria's website or copies can be obtained from Racing Victoria's offices.

Media Release - Racing Victoria

Cox Plate - First Acceptances

Tuesday, 10 September 2002 00:00

Media Release - Racing Victoria

Stawell (Vic)

Monday, 09 September 2002 00:00

Riding Changes: Nil

Race 1 - JOIN WIMMERA RACING MAIDEN PLATE (1)- 1300 metres: 12.10PM

"Bachelor's Symbol" jumped away awkwardly. In the early stages of the race "Bachelor's Symbol" over raced.
Near the 1000 metres "Bachelor's Symbol" which continued to over race shifted in and hampered "Bretoy Dreams".
Also near the 1000 metres "Twig Prancer" shifted in and brushed the running rail.

Race 2 - WIMMERA RACING FULL MEMBER $75 MAIDEN PLATE (2) - 1300 metres: 12.40PM

On jumping away "Comstar" shifted in and hampered "Oakwood Miss". Near the 1100 metres "What Bliss" had to be checked when tightened for room by "Borrachoso" which was taken by "Hardware Lane" which shifted in to avoid the heels of "Comstar" (E. Cassar which shifted in. E.Cassar was severely reprimanded for shifting ground when not sufficiently clear. Passing the 900 metres "Borrachoso" shifted out and hampered "Hardware Lane". Approaching the winning post "Hardware Lane" was tightened for room between "Comstar" and "What Bliss". Brent White, rider of "Oakwood Miss" fourth place getter was fined $200 for having weighed in one kilogram over his declared weight.

Race 3 - CORPORATE MEMBER $195 MAIDEN PLATE - 1600 metres: 1.15PM

 When the gates opened "Against The Tide" jumped away awkwardly and "Bread Maker" stood flat footed and lost ground.
Near the 1500 metres "Find The Line" had to be eased to avoid the heels of "Mahajini" (H McKechnie) which shifted in. H McKechnie was reprimanded for shifting in when not clear. Shortly after this incident "Soviet Step", "Head Shepherd" and "Fight For Future" were tightened for room by "Find The Line" which shifted in to avoid the heels of "Sunderland" (B. Cross) which shifted in. As a result of the tightening "Head Shepherd had to be checked. B. Cross was severely reprimanded for shifting ground when not sufficiently clear. Approaching the 1200 metres "Head Shepherd" had to be checked when tightened for room by "Against The Tide" which was taken in slightly by "Brandy Springs" (S. Harrison). The interference was aggravated due to "Against The Tide" racing ungenerously. Stewards notified S. Harrison to exercise more care when shifting ground in the future. B. Cross, rider of "Sunderland" second place getter was severely reprimanded for failing to ride his mount out to the end of the race. The stewards did not believe B. Cross' action affected the result of the race.

Race 4 - LOCAL MEMBER $40 F & M MAIDEN PLATE - 1100 metres: 1.50PM

An objection was lodged by B. Rawiller, rider of "Fraarjean" equal fourth placegetter against "Fancy A Flutter" second place getter and "So Like Silk" equal fourth place getter for alleged interference near the 250 metres. After taking all the evidence and viewing the stewards patrol videos stewards dismissed the objection against "Fancy A Flutter" and upheld the objection against "So Like Silk". The amended placing's being "Fraarjean" fourth and "So Like Silk" fifth. It was established that approaching the 200 metres "So Like Silk" shifted out under pressure and tightened "Fraarjean" out on to "Fancy A Flutter". When being tightened "Fraarjean" was struck over the head on two occasions by the whip of L. Meech, rider of "So Like Silk". "Fraarjean" then had to be eased to avoid the heels of "Fancy A Flutter"(B. Cross) which shifted in slightly. B. Cross and L Meech were reprimanded and notified to exercise more care when in similar circumstances in the future. During the running of the race "Archway Lady" suffered a bleeding attack.
Shortly after the start "Scrouchery Mob" shifted out and hampered "Soulfly". Near the 900 metres "Twilight Reign" brushed the running rail. Approaching the winning post "So Like Silk" shifted out under pressure towards "Fancy A Flutter".

Race 5 - GRAMPIANS SEPTIC CLEANING SERVICE CLASS 2 HANDICAP - 1600 metres: 2.25PM

 When the gates opened "Golden Arches" stood flat footed and lost considerable ground. Mr R Wilson trainer of the mare was notified that "Golden Arches" was now suspended from racing until such time as the mare trials to the satisfaction of the stewards in a trial. "Vraagg" was slow to begin. "Heart Of Man" jumped away awkwardly. On the home turn "Speed Merchant" and "Decanter" came together due to "Speed Merchant" initially shifting in when weakening and "Decanter" then shifting out after being brushed on the hindquarters.

Race 6 - TOOHEYS NEW HANDICAP - 2000 metres: 3.00PM

Approaching the home turn "Meet The Stars" had to be checked to avoid the heels of "Ruby Lips" which was weakening. "Meet The Stars" then had difficulty in obtaining a clear run for a short distance. Approaching the 100 metres "Meet The Stars" was tightened for room by "Regal Revenue" which shifted in slightly. At the entrance to the straight "Nimir" was tightened for room between "Captain Toddy" and "Striding Edge" which shifted out. Shortly after this "Nimir" was again tightened for room between "Striding Edge" and "Captain Toddy" which shifted in.

Race 7 - LEWATTS CAFÉ F & M CLASS 3 HANDICAP - 1100 metres: 3.35PM

On jumping away "Gettonoah" shifted out and hampered "Midas Millions". In the straight "Rare Praise" had a tendency to lay in and "Polydunk" had a tendency to lay out under pressure

 Race 8 - BORONIA VILLAS CLASS 4 HANDICAP - 1600 metres: 4.15PM

 Near the 200 metres 'Stealth Knight" shifted in and inconvenienced "Captain's Key". Shortly after this incident "Woodful" shifted in and inconvenienced "Captain's Key".

 Race 9 - ST. KILDA RD PARKVIEW HOTEL CLASS 1 HANDICAP- 1300 METRES: 4.55PM

P. Marks, rider of "Naimh" stated to the stewards that he eased his mount down rounding the home turn as the mares action deteriorated and he believed something was amiss with the mare. A veterinary examination subsequent to the race failed to reveal any abnormality. Rounding the home turn "No Charge" was held up when unable to obtain a clear run.

SWAB SAMPLES: were taken from the following winners;

Race 1 - "Bariddy".
Race 3 - "Fight For The Future".
Race 6 - "Dinky Barry".
Race 7 - "Ruby Lips".
Race 9 - "Go Ched"