Riding Changes: Nil

Race 1 - J. J. HOULAHAN HURDLE - 3200 metres:

"Our Grades (NZ)" stood flat-footed when the gates were released, and lost considerable ground.

After passing the 800 metres "Electric Turban" had to be eased off the heels of "Holy Grail (NZ)", which shifted in

"Holy Grail (NZ)" then obtained a narrow run on the inside of "Mystic Outlaw", which was laying out.

"Holy Grail (NZ)" broke down approaching the last hurdle, and after jumping the last hurdle when being pulled up hampered "Built Him" and "The Bear".

W. Smith, rider of "Covet Cross", stated to the Stewards that he got back in the early stages of the race in accordance with the instructions and in accordance with the gelding's normal pattern of racing. Smith added that "Covet Cross" then made a faulty jump near the 200 metres the first time and almost fell., which resulted in it losing considerable ground. Smith further added that "Covet Cross" then dropped the bit, and was reluctant to race in the middle stages of the race and made another faulty jump near the 1800 metres.

Race 2 - SUPER VOBIS PAGO PAGO HANDICAP - 1100 metres:

"Wyndam Glory", which had been restless in its stall, jumped away awkwardly and lost ground.

Approaching the 800 metres "Spanish Symbol", which was racing greenly, shifted in abruptly.

Race 3 - COOLALINGA WELTER - 1410 metres:

At the entrance to the straight "Mr. Gold Flyer", which was making ground, shifted in slightly and bumped "New Trader", which had shifted out.

In the early part of the straight "Slalom" was disappointed for a run between "Blazing Sun" and "Real Boy" where there was not quite sufficient room. "Slalom" then had to shift out across the heels of "Real Boy" to obtain a clear run near the 200 metres.

During the running of the race "Slalom" and "Real Boy" suffered bleeding attacks. As this is the second occasion on which "Real Boy" has bled, it is now barred from racing.

Race 4 - AUSTRALIAN LAMB COMPANY HANDICAP - 1410 metres:

After jumping away "Gold Lottey" was hampered when tightened for room between "Dux of the Class", which shifted in slightly, and "American Graffiti", which shifted out.

Near the 1200 metres "Dux of the Class", which was shifting ground and over-racing, shifted out and brushed "Taylor Dane".

"Palatash", which was over-racing outside "Taylor Dane", then got its head up and shifted out.

"Palatash" then continued to race ungenerously for some distance, and had to be checked off the heels of "Taylor Dane" near the 1000 metres. "Night Chaser", which was following and over-racing, threw its head in the air and raced ungenerously for a short distance.

Race 5 - CHANNEL 7 SPORTSWATCH HANDICAP - 2000 metres:

"Sir Linford' was slow to begin.

Running to the 1400 metres "Stoneleigh Road" got its head up and was hampered when tightened for room between "Tiger's Eye (GB)" and "Merlin's Law", which shifted in slightly.

In the early part of the straight "Adolescence", which had a tendency to lay in, had to be eased over the heels of "Ascana", which shifted out slightly.

Shortly after this incident "Ascana" and "Samosiera" made contact when "Shibiri" shifted in slightly to obtain a run between "Ascana" and "Maythehorsebewithu (NZ)".

For some distance approaching the passing the 200 metres "Makibaoh" was held up when disappointed for a run between "Wellington" and "Samosiera" when both horses shifted ground slightly.

Near the 100 metres "Kaaponic (NZ)" was inconvenienced when tightened slightly between "Shibiri" and "Samosiera".

On return to scale it was noted that "Maythehorsebewithu (NZ)" had lost it off fore plate.

J. Patton, rider of "Maythehorsebewithu (NZ)", stated that the gelding, which led and gave ground over the concluding stages, felt normal on pulling up, and he believed that the gelding will improve with more racing and over further ground. A veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormality.

L. Milham, rider of "Sir Linford" which performed poorly, stated that after missing the start he rode the gelding in the early stages of the race to take up a forward position, but "Sir Linford" commenced to give ground from the 800 metres and failed to respond to his riding.

A veterinary examination of "Sir Linford" subsequent to the event revealed that the gelding was showing signs of distress with an elevated heart rate. Subsequently Mr. J. J. Houlahan, trainer of "Sir Linford", was notified that prior to the gelding racing again he must produce a veterinary clearance for the gelding, which must include the satisfactory results of an ECG.

Race 6 - MISS LOCKLEYS HANDICAP - 1200 metres:

"Agalia" jumped away awkwardly, and shifted in.

Race 7 - SUPER VOBIS RIVERDALE HANDICAP - 1410 metres:

On entering the course proper "Run Mikhail Run" dislodged Linda Meech and galloped around the track riderless. Acting on veterinary advice the Stewards withdrew "Run Mikhail Run" from the event at 4.22 p.m.

Subsequently the Stewards ordered that all monies wagered on "Run Mikhail Run" be refunded, and that all successful bets on horses prior to the time of withdrawal of "Run Mikhail Run" be subject to the following deductions in the dollar from the face value of the ticket: Win Bets: Three Cents; Place Bets: Four Cents: Winning Concession Berts: Three Cents, and Doubles Bets: Three Cents. All monies bet after the Stewards' declaration of withdrawal were ordered to be paid at face value of ticket.

At the entrance to the straight "Sabre Sonic" was temporarily held up for a run between "Captain Snaadee" and "Tarcoola Midnight".

Approaching the 100 metres "Kehlstein" was inconvenienced when attempting a narrow run between "Smooth Customer" and "Post" when both horses shifted ground slightly.

When asked if there was any explanation for "Traveller's Hat (NZ)" performing below expectations, L. Currie stated that the gelding felt sore in its action over the concluding stages, and on returning to scale. A veterinary examination of "Traveller's Hat (NZ)" revealed that the gelding was sore in the near fore leg. Mr. L. Freedman, trianer of the gelding, will be notified that prio to "Traveller's hat (NZ)" racing again he must produce a veterinary clearance for it. 

Race 8 - SUPER VOBIS BLEVIC HANDICAP - 2000 metres:

Shortly after the start "Gold Chief", Chasseur", Evening Gem" and "Regal Hawk" were tightened for room between "Western Waters" and "Hackett", which shifted in.

Near the 1600 metres "She's Archie" had to be checked over the heels of "Midtane Kid" when taken out by 'Getting Personal" which, when over-racing, shifted out.

 Near the 200 metres "Western Sequel" faltered and fell. "Evening Gem", which was racing to the outside of "Western Sequel", was hampered.

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

The Stewards Room