Race 1: Cabra-Vale Diggers 2002 Handicap 1100m:

Mr W. Davenport, representing trainer Mr R. Thomsen, reported that Ski Lodge was found to be shin sore following the event and had been sent for a spell.

Race 6 Do It At Diggers Handicap 1800m:

Ms E. Candy, representing trainer Mrs G. Waterhouse, reported that a veterinary examination did not reveal any problem with Summer Alice, which raced disappointingly, and that the filly had pulled up well and had done well in the stable since that run.

LATE RIDING CHANGES:

As B. Pengelly was indisposed the following substitutions were made:
Race 1 D. McLellan on Corner Kicker
Race 4 R. Quinn on Babouchke
Race 7 R. Quinn on Stroda

Cloistered Habits was slow to begin.

Corner Kicker shifted in at the start taking Cardiff Bay in on to Mukka Damarto and Beautiway

At the 600m Bonsoir, which was pulling hard, raced in restricted room between Corner Kicker and Mukka Damarto.

At the 450m, Coablo, which had been unable to improve, had to be checked off the heels of Descendant, and then did not obtain clear running until passing the 200m.

Descendant, which also had been held up at the 450m, shifted out near the 250m and in so doing bumped Corner Kicker, which ran out hampering Beautiway.

A post-race veterinary examination revealed Bonsoir had sustained a laceration to the near-fore pastern.

Casa Del Mar, which was slow to begin, was badly held up and taken back through the field on the home turn when O' Venus commenced to weaken and did not obtain clear running until near the 200m.

Near the 250m Laetitia shifted in and contacted the running rail.

Hurricane Hayley was held up and unable to obtain clear running until near the 200m.

Hurricane Hayley, which returned to the enclosure with blood in its mouth, was found to have a cut lip.

When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of O' Venus, D. Beadman stated that he was instructed to race in a forward position and after jumping awkwardly and bumping Sequi he had to ride his mount hard to take up a forward position. He added that mid-race O' Venus was tightened on a couple of occasions by Lady Aurora, which was inclined to lay in, but that the filly was disappointing in its failure to run on in the straight. D. Beadman stated that in his opinion O' Venus might be suited to be ridden quieter over additional ground. A post-race veterinary examination of O' Venus revealed no abnormality. A swab sample was taken. Ms D. Henderson, representing trainer Mr J. Denham, stated that O' Venus had done well since its 6 th placing at Rosehill Gardens on 19 December 2001 and undertook to report if there was anything amiss with the filly in the days subsequent.

When questioned regarding Smooth Moves being ridden back, L. Beasley stated that his instructions were to ride the filly behind the pace, but from its wide barrier Smooth Moves relaxed immediately on jumping and he finished further back than he intended.

RACE 3: Picton Bowling Club Handicap 1550m:

A veterinary certificate was tendered for Mr. Ripley, which was a late withdrawal at 5.18pm.

Daneborogh jumped awkwardly.

Daneborogh was inclined to run out under the whip passing the 100m.

D. McLellan (Freedom Mist) was reprimanded for using the whip on a horse that was out of contention (AR137A).

When questioned concerning Azraq racing outside the leader as compared to it being ridden back on 2 January, B. York stated that on both occasions he had no specific instructions and that tactics had been left to his discretion. He added that as there was no pace in tonight's event he elected to go forward.

Babouchke was inclined to overrace throughout the early and middle stages.

Passing the 700m Cojones was inclined to lay in and hamper Blow The Whistle.

L. Beasley (Flying Ella) was severely reprimanded for permitting his mount to shift out under pressure close to the finish line causing Blow The Whistle to be hampered.

Charo Style had to be checked on jumping when tightened for room between Real Silence and Marauder, both of which shifted ground.

Approaching the first turn Rebelgaze got its head and raced ungenerously.

At the entrance to the straight Charo Style was disappointed for a run inside Real Silence and had to shift to the outside of the heels of that runner approaching the 200m in order to obtain clear running.

Mont Blanc Magic reared and got its near-fore leg over into the adjoining stall and was withdrawn on veterinary advice at 9.45pm.

Subsequently it was directed that all bets made on Mont Blanc Magic be refunded in full and that there be no alteration to betting. Trainer Mr P. Stelio was advised that a warning was placed on the barrier manners of Mont Blanc Magic.

When held up for a run Lion Rock came into contact with Halls Of Assembly on a number of occasions passing the 200m.

RACE 7: Sydney Night Racing Superfecta 1550m:

When questioned concerning the improved performance of the winner, Abstained, trainer Mr F. Phillips stated that two starts ago the gelding performed well when it ran on strongly after being held up and was beaten 3.7 lengths at Rosehill Gardens on 15 December. He added that on the Randwick all-weather track Abstained got further back than he had wished and ran on only fairly.

A post-race veterinary examination revealed Fancy Colours, which was retired mid-race, had sustained a fracture to the off-hind pastern.

G. Boss (Redinburgh) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding under AR137(a) in that at the entrance to the straight he directed his mount out making solid contact with Stroda forcing Stroda out on to Clevatilla causing both horses to be severely checked.

Taking into account G. Boss's good riding record, his licence to ride in races was suspended for a period to commence on Sunday 13 January 2002 and to expire on Sunday 27 January 2002 on which day he may ride.

Reprimands:
Race 3: D. McLellan (Freedom Mist)—use whip on horse out of contention (AR137A).

Severe Reprimands:
Race 4: L. Beasley (Flying Ella)—shifting out close to finish line (AR137(a)).

Suspensions:
Race 7: G. Boss (Redinburgh) 13/1/02 to 27/1/02—directing mount out at entrance to straight causing Stroda and Clevatilla to be checked (AR137(a)).

Warnings:
Race 6: Mont Blanc Magic (trainer P. Stelio)—barrier manners.

The Stewards Room