After being
placed in its starting stall "Doree" was kicked by another runner, which resulted in the mare becoming restless in the starting gates. Acting on veterinary advice that "Doree" was unfit to run, the Stewards withdrew the mare from the event at 1.13 p.m.

Subsequently the Stewards ordered that all monies bet on "Doree" be refunded, and that all successful bets on horses prior to the time of withdrawal of "Doree" be subject to the following deductions in the dollar from the face value of the ticket: Win Bets: 23 cents; Place Bets: 18 cents; Winning Concession Bets: 22 cents and Doubles Bets: 23 cents. All monies bet after the Stewards' declaration of withdrawal were ordered to be paid at face value of the ticket.

P. Mertens, rider of "Bruges (NZ)", stated that near the 50-metre mark his mount was accidentally struck on the head by the whip of M. Goring, rider of "Wild Sugar". Mertens added that he was then unable to ride the filly out hands and heels to the winning post due to it becoming unbalanced.

Approaching the winning post "Well Toned" had to be eased off the heels of "Wild Sugar", which shifted in slightly.

Race 3 - NEBOZUK CARPETS MAIDEN PLATE - 2200 metres

As G. Alexander, trainer of "Bangholme", had informed Racing Services Bureau at acceptance time to remove the blinkers from the gelding for today's event, and as this gear request had been misinterpreted, the Stewards permitted "Bangholme" to race without blinkers.

Approaching the winning post on the first occasion "Vice `Chairman" raced ungenerously when being restrained.

Near the 500 metres "Witch Willy" had to be checked when tightened for room between "Charnwood Lad (NZ)", which shifted in slightly, and "Something Clever", which was taken out by "Ruaton (NZ)" (C. Massey), which shifted out to obtain a run on the outside of "Macroyal". When being checked "Witch Willy" clipped the heels of "Something Clever", and dislodged its rider, N. Wilson. "Canaletta", which was following, then collided with "Witch Willy", resulting in L. Robertson, the rider of that mare, becoming unbalanced and being dislodged. As the Stewards had some doubt as to whether C. Massey was fully responsible for the incident, they gave him the benefit of the doubt. However, they severely reprimanded him for shifting ground when not sufficiently clear.

D. Nikolic, rider of "Laxman", stated that his instructions were to lead today in an endeavour to make the race a genuine staying event and a truly run race, and to try and out-stay the other runners Nikolic added that after leading the horse tired in the straight.

Race 4 - EUREKA REAL ESTATE SUPER VOBIS THREE-YEARS-OLD CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1200 metres

On jumping away "Dodger" was hampered, and "Bounty eat (NZ)" had to be checked when tightened for room between "Sensational Swing" and "Finchley (NZ)", which both shifted ground.

When asked if he could offer any explanation for "Finchley (NZ)" performing below expectations D. Nikolic, the rider of the gelding, stated that "Finchley (NZ)" travelled well throughout the event until put under pressure shortly after straightening. Nikolic added that it was a beaten horse from that point. A veterinary examination of "Finchley (NZ)" failed to reveal any abnormality.

Race 5 - CARLTON DRAUGHT OPEN HANDICAP - 1400 metres

No report.

Race 6 - TEAC RISING STARS CLASS 2 HANDICAP - 1200 metres

No report.

Race 7 - WORKSAFE VICTORIA CLASS 3 HANDICAP - 1400 metres

On jumping away "Khartoum" was tightened for room between "Grandy Ole" and "Delvanno", which both shifted ground.

Near the 1000 metres when being eased off the heels of "Grandy Ole", "Khartoum" shifted out and tightened "Mythical Bid" on to the hindquarters of "Bagatrix".

Rounding the turn near the 1000 metres "Bagatrix" commenced to hang out. "Bagatrix" then continued to hang out badly for the remainder of the race. S. Webb, trainer of the gelding, was notified that a warning was being placed on the gelding for its excessive hanging today, and should it perform in a similar manner in future it may be suspended for a period.

Race 8 - BALLARAT LODGE CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1600 metres

Near the 200 metres "Dancing Cat" and "Lacristi" brushed, and after passing the 100 metres "The Duce" was hampered when tightened for room between "Defence Treaty (NZ)" and "Mister Zed", which both shifted ground slightly.

RANDOM SWAB SAMPLES were taken from the winners of the following races: "Meckiff (NZ)" - Race 1; "Bounty Beat (NZ)" - Race 4, and "Prince Baa Baa" - Race 8.

SWAB SAMPLES were taken from the winners of the following races: "Charnwood Lad (NZ)" - Race 3, and from "Tough Times" - Race 6.

The following horses were pre-race blood tested for post-race analysis: "Quick Knock" and "Something Clever" - Race 3; "Bergere (NZ)" and "Pro Gold" - Race 5, and "Lacristi" and "Prince Baa Baa" - Race 8.

SUMMARY

FINES

Mr. Bill Mitchell, trainer of "Douglas", was fined $30 for using wrong colours on the gelding. Race 4.

SEVERE REPRIMANDS & SUSPENSIONS:

Clint Massey, rider of "Ruaton (NZ)", was severely reprimanded for shifting ground when not clear. Race 3.

HORSE ACTIONS:

Warned for hanging out "Bagatrix" race 7