CHICKASA (C. Bryant) jumped away awkwardly.

In the vicinity of the 400 metres PHARISEE (B. Vale), which was showing a tendency to lay in, shifted in onto WIRINGI (K. Louca) resulting in that gelding being tightened and hampered for a short distance and in turn shifting in onto SKAGNETTI (C. Bryant) and tightening that gelding for a short distance.

Rounding the home turn WIRINGI (K. Louca) shifted out bumping PHARISEE (B. Vale) resulting in that gelding becoming unbalanced for a short distance.

Racing to the 200 metres PHARISEE (B. Vale) shifted in making contact with WIRINGI (K. Louca).

An inquiry was conducted regarding the reasons for apprentice, C. Bryant, rider of SKAGNETTI, weighing in 3 kg in excess of the weight at which he weighed out. After taking evidence from C. Bryant and the Clerk of Scales, R. Cowin, C. Bryant was charged with a dishonest action under ARR 175(a) in that he attempted to manipulate the scales when weighing in, in order to record the weight of 52kg, at which he had weighed out. C. Bryant pleaded guilty to the charge and was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence at midnight on Thursday, 28^th February and to expire at midnight on Wednesday, 10^th April 2002; a period of six weeks.

TURTLE DIARY was a late withdrawal at 1.20 pm when no rider was available to ride that filly.

CHEWBACCA was a late withdrawal at 2.05 pm when no rider was available to ride that gelding.

FLAME OF EDEN (A. Stead) was slow to begin.

J. O’Connor, rider of VITAL PARTNER, reported, subsequent to the event, that after the gates were released they had sprung back and struck the head of that filly.

I’M A PEST (C. Bryant) showed a tendency to lay in, in the straight.

When no other rider was available, Stewards permitted Apprentice C. Bryant to ride BRAVE ENCOUNTER one half a kilogram over.

Correct Weight for this event was delayed owing to apprentice A. Stead wishing to view the video of the start after he believed that ROYAL BELLOTTO, which had missed the start approximately one length, had been denied a fair start when the gates were slow to open. After viewing the video and after taking evidence from the official Starter, Mr. P. Florance, and from the Stewards’ observations, Stewards believed that ROYAL BELLOTTO’s chances had not been materially affected and declared that gelding a starter.

CARNIVOROUS was a late withdrawal at 1.20 pm when no rider was available to ride that gelding.

Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, GRISWALD (J. Marks) shifted in resulting in DAMON (C. Bryant) being tightened and having to be steadied and shift out to avoid the heels of GRISWALD. In turn MISTER MANDEREE (B. Vale), which was racing inside of DAMON, was also hampered. J. Marks, rider of GRISWALD, was reprimanded by Stewards and advised, in future, to make sure he was sufficiently clear before shifting ground.

A veterinary examination of TRISTACE (NZ), which tailed the field for the majority of the race, revealed no visible abnormalities.

A veterinary examination of GRISWALD subsequent to the event revealed that the gelding had suffered a laceration to its off hind leg.

A veterinary examination of AMARINA subsequent to the event revealed that gelding had a minor laceration to its head, sustained in the gates.

FAST TIME was a late withdrawal at 4.30 pm when no rider was available to ride that mare. As betting had already commenced, bets on other runners made prior to the withdrawal were to be deducted 13 cents in the dollar for the win and 12 cents in the dollar for the place. SP bets were not subject to the deductions.

PRINCESS POLLY (A. Stead) was slow to begin.

Race 4 BRAVE ENCOUNTER (Winner)

Race 5 DAMON (Winner)

RIDING CHANGES:

The Stewards Room