Stewards Set to Order out Nostrovia
- Thursday, 26 September 2002 00:00
Nostovia, who set up a huge break in the jumping race at Sandown last Saturday before being grabbed with a couple of strides, is an acceptor for the $60,500 Spring Quality Hurdle (3200m) on Saturday.
The gelding's trainer Gary Mallinson said stewards have indicated they will scratch the horse from the race after he failed a barrier test yesterday morning.
Stewards ordered the horse to be tested in the barrier after he caused a lengthy delay at Sandown last week.
"He's just a horse that won't enter the barrier with his rider on race days," Mallinson said.
"Had the rider done what he was told at Sandown he would have walked straight in."
Mallinson added the gelding would enter the barrier without problems at home during the week, but would take exception to this when tested in race or trial conditions.
"For some reason the jockey has to be on the horse when a barrier ticket is required," Mallinson reported.
Nostrovia will now be forced to miss this weekend's race with his trainer suggesting a Hurdle at the Cranbourne Cup Carnival next month will probably be his next start over the obstacles.
Saturday's Spring Quality Hurdle (3200m) will now have just nine runners including the proven jump performer Specular, Zabeel's Pride, Piermont and Calcavecchia.
