Riding Changes:

Race 1 - LEVY'S LICENCED FOODWAY MAIDEN PLATE.

Rounding the home corner Classic Impetuous had some difficulty obtaining a clear run.

Race 2 - BLUE GUM FARM SUPER VOBIS THREE YEARS OLD MAIDEN PLATE.

George Evagora who was to be overweight on Dalsonic was severely reprimanded and notified that he must not accept rides outside his weight bracket. In deciding not to penalise G. Evagora, Stewards took into account that G. Evagora had just returned to race riding after a long break. Stewards question E. Cassar regarding his riding of Crimson Trist, throughout the race. After taking evidence from Eddie Cassar rider of the colt and Allison Hook (Stable Hand) representing trainer Cliff Brown and Dr H. Rankin the club's veterinary surgeon. Stewards adjourned an inquiry into this matter to a date to be fixed.

Race 3 - L J HOOKER BENALLA MAIDEN PLATE.

On arrival at the course Ruby Raider was examined by the clubs Veterinary Surgeon, who reported that the mare had suffered lacerations to both hind legs and was unfit to start. Stewards withdrew Ruby Raider at 12:05 PM. On weighing in D. Short rider of Freestone winner (Weighed in more than half a kilogram below his allotted weight).after calling for the bridal D. Short then weighed in at his correct weight. Stewards then declared correct weight. Approaching the 700 metres, Siraami had to be eased to avoid the heels of Sanderae Lass, which shifted in slightly. Near the 300 m Kyiv Magic shifted out slightly which resulted Sanderae Lass being taken out onto Noble Defence which also shifted out and brushed Siraami. Shortly after this Noble Defence was severely hampered when tightened for room between Juggerly which shifted out and Siraami which shifted in slightly. After passing the 100 metres Paradise Legs hung in and approaching the winning post Freestone shifted out under pressure which resulted in Kyiv Magic being taken out slightly as a result of this Paradise Legs brushed Kyiv Magic.

Race 4 - BENALLA VETERINARY CLINIC CLASS 1 HANDICAP.

In the straight Uncle Willy laid out under pressure. M. Goring rider of Rustic Trio, which performed poorly stated to the Stewards that the gelding travelled well in the early and middle stages of the race but failed to respond to his riding in the straight. A Veterinary examination of Rustic Trio, subsequent to the event revealed no abnormality.

Race 5 - RYAN & MCNULTY BENALLA ST PATRICKS CUP HANDICAP.

At the entrance to the straight Doolam Gem, and Ralahamy were held up for a run. Approaching the 100m A Regal Dane and Sovereign Squall, brushed due to both horses shifting ground slightly. Approaching the winning post A Regal Dane and Sovereign Squall raced tight.

Race 6 - TOOHEYS NEW CLASS 4 HANDICAP.

Shortly after the start Shutters was tightened for room between Questwin and Grimhuntamug (NZ) when both horses shifted ground slightly. Approaching the 700m Grimhuntamug which was racing greenly had to be checked to avoid the heels of Rich Ruby Red (Luke Currie) which shifted in slightly. Luke Currie was advised that he must leave sufficient room for horses on his inside when racing in similar circumstances in future.

Race 7 - ROYAL HOTEL CLASS 2 HANDICAP.

Acting on a confirmed telephone call from Mick Price, trainer of La Cimbali (NZ) that the mare was suffering from a colic attack and was unfit to start. Stewards withdrew La Cimbali (NZ) at 11:00 AM. Prior to correct weight Luke Currie rider of Obergurgl (Second Place Getter) wished to view the photo finished point for first after viewing the print, Luke Currie agreed with the judges placing's and Stewards declared correct weight. Rounding the home corner Allure Francaise (NZ) was held up for a run. Near the 400m Gypsy Melody which was laying out shifted out and brushed the hind quarters of Allure Francaise (NZ), as a result of this Gypsy Melody became unbalanced. In the straight Obergurgl hung in under pressure. Hawaii Jig (NZ) was slow to begin. Approaching the winning post Special Eire had to be eased ofF the heels of Obergurgl which continued to lay in.

Race 8 - DIOCESAN DEVELOPMENT FUND CLASS 3 HANDICAP.

As M. Pumper had become indisposed and as no other suitable rider was available the Stewards permitted E. Marchant to be substituted as a rider for Unquote. Acting on a report from the starter that Truculent after being placed in it's stall became restless and it commenced to kick out at the rear of the gates. Was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon after being taken out of it's stall who reported that the gelding was unfit to start. Acting on this advice Stewards withdrew no 9 at 5:01 pm. Stewards ordered,

VENUE: Benalla RACE NO. 8 HORSE: Truculent TIME OF WITHDRAWL: 5:01PM

All monies bet for a win and/or place and concession betting on Truculent to be refunded. All successful bets on horses prior to time of withdrawal of Truculent are subject to the following deductions in the dollar from the face value of the ticket.

Win Bets: 7c
Place Bets: 8c
Winning Concession Bets: 7c
Double Bets: 7c

All monies bet after the Stewards declaration of withdrawal to be paid at face value of ticket.

After approaching the 500m Moxie Magic, which was laying in under pressure had to be checked to avoid the heels of Foxy Brown (Vincent Caddy) which shifted out under pressure. Vincent Caddy was notified that he must stop riding and straighten his mounts when in similar circumstances.

SWAB SAMPLES -

Race 1, Charnwood Song, Winner.
Race 3, Freestone, Winner.
Race 4, Uncle Willy, Winner.
Race 6, Long Bow, Random Swab (Unplaced).
Race 8, Balmy Bar, Winner.

FINES:

Luke Currie was fined the sum of $100 Dollars for failing to for fill his engagement on Ralahamy due to being overweight.

George Evagora rider of Grimhuntamug was fined the sum of $200 Dollars for adding a girth Cover to his gear after weighing out for race 6.

The Stewards Room