Race 1 - AUSTRALIAN CUP CARNIVAL STAKES - 1000 metres:

On the way to the barrier "Riona" lost its rider, slipped over, and then galloped around the track riderless. Acting on veterinary advice the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of "Riona" at 12.19 p.m. As a result of this the start of the race was delayed. Subsequently the Stewards ordered that all monies wagered on "Riona" be refunded, and that all successful bets on horses prior to the time of withdrawal of "Riona" be subject to the following deductions in the dollar from the face value of the ticket: Win Bets: 13 cents; Place Bets: 16 cents; Winning Concession bets: 14 cents, and Doubles Bets: 13 cents. All monies bet after the Stewards' declaration of withdrawal were ordered to be paid at face value of the ticket. N. Callow, rider of "Rohatyn (NZ)", was severely reprimanded for permitting his mount to shift in approaching the 100 metres when not sufficiently clear of "Hootertag", resulting in that filly having to be checked off the heels of "Rohatyn (NZ)". P. Mertens, rider of "Gotrice", was severely reprimanded for permitting his mount to shift in approaching the 100 metres when not sufficiently clear of "Wolseley Parade", resulting in that colt having to be checked off the heels of "Gotrice". During the running of the race "Gotrice" suffered a bleeding attack.

Race 2 - SEPPELT GREAT WESTERN 2000 - 2000 metres:

"Mr. Prudent" was slow to begin.

Race 3 - PURA LIGHT STAR SPRINT - 1100 metres:

Near the 300 metres "Princess Abassi", which was giving ground, shifted out and made contact with "Special Grange", which was taken in slightly by "River Dove". This resulted in both "Special Grange" and "Princess Abassi" becoming unbalanced. "Princess Abassi" then had to be checked off the heels of "Reactive", which was shifting out. L. Currie, rider of "Reactive", was notified to ensure that he is clear of other runners when shifting ground at all times.

Race 4 - BOSS HOGS HOT DOGS PLATE - 1400 metres:

"Indigo Rain" jumped away awkwardly and lost ground. In the run to the winning post "Liberty Hall" had to be steadied when tightened slightly between "Indigo Rain" and "Atomic Man". N. Wilson, rider of "Daneforce", could offer no explanation for the gelding performing below expectations. Wilson stated that "Daneforce" had travelled well in the early stages when leading but, when challenged and put under pressure, gave ground in the straight. Wilson added that "Daneforce" felt normal on pulling up. A veterinary examination of "Daneforce" failed to reveal any abnormality.

Race 5 - VRC SIRES' PRODUCE STAKES - 1400 metres:

Running to the 1200 metres "Air of Grace" had to be checked when tightened for room between "Peace Ruler" and "Delago Brom", which was taken out by "Milkshake", which shifted out away from "Pillaging", which also shifted out away from "Rust". Just prior to "Air of Grace" checking "Fuji Dancer", which had been racing between "Delago Brom" and "Milkshake", had to be eased off the heels of 'Milkshake" when that colt shifted out. Near the 1000 metres "Milkshake" was hampered when tightened on to the running rail by "Delago Brom", which was also hampered when tightened for room by "Peace Ruler", which initially shifted in, and then had to shift in slightly to avoid the heels of "Our Webster", which shifted in before being straightened. As no one rider was fully responsible for the incident, the Stewards notified both N. Callow, rider of "Peace Ruler", and D. Nikolic, rider of 'Our Webster", to ensure that runners on their inside have sufficient galloping room in future. Just prior to straightening "Milkshake" became unbalanced when attempting to take a narrow run between "Rust", which was laying out, and "Delago Brom", which shifted in slightly and brushed "Milkshake". Shortly after this incident "Milkshake" had to be eased off the heels of "Delago Brom". Near the 200 metres "Milkshake" was again hampered when tightened between Rust" and "Fuji Dancer" which, when making ground, shifted in slightly. K. McEvoy, rider of "Fuji Dancer", was notified to exercise the utmost care when shifting ground. A veterinary examination of "Milkshake" failed to reveal any abnormality.

Race 6 - BLAMEY STAKES - 1600 metres:

This race was run over 1628 metres and not 1600 metres as advertised due to the rail being out eight metres for today's programme. Near the 200 metres "Saboteur" had to be eased off the heels of "Border Time" Approaching the winning post "Native Jazz (NZ)", when making ground, had to shift out to avoid the heels of "Rum". A veterinary examination of "Mr. Murphy", which weakened after leading from an outside barrier, failed to reveal any abnormality.

Race 7 - ATA/BOB HOYSTED HANDICAP - 1100 metres:

"Zodiac Star", which had been shifting ground, shifted out and obtained a run on the outside of "Bush Outlaw" and, when making ground, brushed "Bush Outlaw" on the hindquarters, unbalancing that gelding.

Race 8 - DUKE OF NORFOLK STAKES - 3200 metres:

Acting on a confirmed telephone call from Mr. Tony Vasil, trainer of "Zamarin", who stated that the horse was found to be sore in the near fore leg, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of "Zamarin" at 10.10 a.m. Mr. Vasil has submitted a veterinary certificate in respect of "Zamarin".

Race 9 - ANSETT EMPLOYEES APPRECIATION HANDICAP - 2000 metres:

"Johnny say Sorry" was slow to begin. "Marette" jumped away awkwardly, struck the side of the stall, and lost ground. Running to the 1000 metres "Benarrivo (NZ)", which had a tendency to over-race, shifted out and hampered "Monroe" when being eased off the heels of "The Concert Grand" when the pace steadied. The Stewards reprimanded D. Nikolic, rider of "Benarrivo (NZ)", and notified him that, while they accepted that his horse had a tendency to over-race, he must make a greater effort to prevent causing interference when in similar circumstances. S. Arnold, rider of "Grey Song", fifth placegetter, was severely reprimanded for failing to ride his mount out, and notified that he must ensure that he rides all his mounts out to the end of the race.

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

RESUMED INQUIRY:

The Stewards today interviewed Mr. Laing, trainer of "Keep in Mind", which crashed through the running rail near the 600 metres in the Qantas Flying which was run at Mmoonee Valley on Thursday, 14th March. The Stewards notified Mr. Laing that "Keep in Mind" is now suspended from racing until such time as it performs to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an organised trial.

The Stewards Room