Riding Changes:

Race 1 - DUBAI RACING CLUB TROPHY - 1400 metres:

Near the 900 metres "Chemeketa", which was over-racing, had to be checked off the heels of "Rotunda", which shifted in when not sufficiently clear. C. Munce, rider of "Rotunda", was notified to ensure that he is two lengths clear when shifting ground at all times.

"Rose Beat (NZ)", which was racing in glue-on shoes in front for the first time, lost both front plates during the running of the race.

A veterinary examination of "Rose Beat (NZ)" revealed that the mare was short in its action in front. Mr. Tony McEvoy, trainer of "Rose Beat (NZ)", was notified that he must produce a veterinary clearance for the mare prior to it racing again.

Race 2 - AAMI BLUE DIAMOND PREVIEW (COLTS AND GELDINGS) - 1000 metres:

After being placed in its stall "Wonder Worker" became restless, and then became temporarily cast. "Wonder Worker" was removed from its stall, examined by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon and passed fit to run. As a result of this incident the start of the race was delayed.

Shortly after jumping away "Restore (NZ)" was badly hampered when tightened for room between "Stormin' Gun" , which shifted out, and "West Bound", which was taken in by "C'est le Reve", which jumped away awkwardly and shifted in. The tightening was aggravated when "Stormin' Gun" was hit on the hindquarters by 'Restdore" and turned outwards.

Race 3 - AAMI BLUE DIAMOND PREVIEW (FILLIES) - 1000 metres:

Prior to correct weight C. Munce, rider of 'Brief Embrace", second placegetter, viewed the Stewards' patrol video before deciding not to lodge an objection.

After being placed in its stall "Jamrah" broke through the front gates and galloped for a short distance. "Jamrah" was returned to the barrier, examined by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon, and passed fit to run.

On jumping away the saddle on "Jamrah" shifted backwards, which inconvenienced its rider, P. Mertens, for the remainder of the race.

"Scent of Romance" was slow to begin.

Shortly after the start "Brief Embrace" had to be eased off the heels of "Bardego", which shifted in. G. Childs, rider of "Bardego", was severely reprimanded, and notified to ensure that he is clear of other runners when shifting ground in future.

Running to the 600 metres "Royal Enclosure (NZ)", which was racing greenly, shifted in away from "Sea of Faith (NZ)", which also shifted in and made contact with "Scent of Romance", resulting in both those horses being hampered.

At the entrance to the straight "Royal Enclosure (NZ)" had to shift considerable ground to obtain a clear run.

On return to scale it was noted that "Scent of Romance" had lost its near fore plate.

Race 4 - LE PINE FUNERAL SERVICES CUP - 1100 metres:

During the running of the race "Super Suave" suffered a bleeding attack.

Race 5 - CHISHOLM PLATE - 1200 metres:

Due to an industrial dispute this race and the following races were re-scheduled. This race was re-scheduled to start at 4.23 p.m.

Prior to correct weight the Stewards viewed the Stewards' patrol video to establish whether "Gradual" had been denied a fair start. It was established that "Gradual", which had been restless in its stall, lost its footing behind on jumping away, and lost ground.

After being placed in its stall "Born Priceless" broke through the front gates and cantered a short distance. "Born Priceless" was returned to the start, examined by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon, and passed fit to run.

"Born Priceless" jumped away awkwardly.

"Disco Girl" was also slow to begin.

"Gradual" was held up for a run rounding the home turn behind "Disco Girl", and on the inside of "Visage".

Race 6 - AUSTRALIA DAY VASE - 1400 metres:

This race was re-scheduled to start at 4.57 p.m.

D. Gauci, rider of "Trenches" which gave ground from the home turn, stated that he believed something may have been amiss with it. A veterinary examination of "Trenches" failed to reveal any abnormality.

After passing the 200 metres "Pure Theatre" had to be checked when disappointed for a run between "Zonked" and "Barkada" where there was insufficient room.

At the entrance to the straight "Barkada" shifted out to obtain a run on the outside of "Zonked" and brushed "Tuscanos".

"Tarcoola Midnight" shifted out abruptly approaching the 100 metres to obtain a clear run.

Race 7 - LOBSTER CAVE PLATE - 1400 metres:

This race was re-scheduled to start at 5.33 p.m.

"Ruling Regent" was examined by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon at the barrier, and passed fit to run.

"Blair" jumped away awkwardly, and lost ground.

"King Salieri" had difficulty obtaining a clear run in the straight and approaching the winning post had to be checked off the heels of "Fappiano's Son" when disappointed for a run between that gelding and "Luxford".

N. Rawiller, rider of "Ruling Regent", stated that the gelding did not feel comfortable throughout the race, particularly when put under pressure approaching the home turn. N. Rawiller added that he believed that something may have been amiss with it, and for this reason he did not ride it out in his normal manner. A veterinary examination of "Ruling Regent" revealed that it was showing signs of mild lameness in the off fore leg.

D. Gauci, rider of "Sacred Shield", could offer no explanation for the gelding's poor performance. Gauci added that "Sacred Shield" failed to respond to his riding from the 600 metres, and gave ground rounding the home turn and in the straight. A veterinary examination revealed that "Sacred Shield" was lame in the near fore leg.

Race 8 - MACQUARIE HANDICAP - 1800 metres:

This race was re-scheduled to start at 6.12 p.m.

"Classic Secret" jumped away awkwardly.

Shortly after the start "Waajib Star" was hampered when bumped by "Knockroe", which shifted out away from "Mr. Casanova".

Near the 1400 metres "Mr. Casanova" shifted out away from "Si Senor", and made contact with the hindquarters of "Knockroe".

Michelle Payne, rider of "Knockroe", was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, the careless riding being that in the Macquarie Handicap she permitted her mount to shift in near the 1300 metres when not sufficiently clear of "Mr. Casanova", thereby tightening that gelding on to "Si Senor", Classic Secret" and "Gunnamatta", and as a result "Si Senor", Classic Secret" and "Gunnamatta" were all severely hampered. Michelle Payne was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence at midnight on Thursday, 31st January, and to expire at midnight on Friday, 15^th February, 2002. In arriving at the penalty the Stewards took into account that Michelle Payne had not been suspended previously..

On return to scale it was noted that "Mr. Casanova" had lost its shock shod off fore plate.

A veterinary examination of "Si Senor" failed to reveal any abnormality.

SWAB SAMPLES were taken from the winners of all races today.

The Stewards Room