Riding Changes:

Race 1 - Essendon North Rotary Club John Thompson Mem SV 3YO F Mdn Pl(1)-1200m

The start of this race was delayed due to C. Newitt rider of Tempting Beauty having to be re-weighed as the apprentice had claimed 3 kgs instead of 1.5 kgs for which he is entitled. C. Newitt was fined $200 for this offence.

In the middle stages of the race Salvite, which was over-racing, had to be checked off the heels of Harkaway Ruler for some distance.

On the home turn Harkaway Ruler, which was racing on the inside of Salvite, shifted in and brushed the running rail.

Approaching the 200 metres Tempting Beauty shifted out and hampered Dancing Saint.

Race 2 - Essendon North Rotary Club John Thompson Mem SV 3YO F Mdn Pl(2)-1200m

On jumping away Gemena and Mesmerised were hampered when tightened for room between Skibo Dancer, which initially shifted out and Mrs. Fairweather, which shifted in abruptly.

Near the 700 metres Bygrosve (NZ), which had a tendency to over-race, had to be checked off the heels of Halo's Magic.

Race 3 - The Elms F & M Maiden Plate - 1450m

Rounding the home turn Allumete hung out.

Passing the 200 metres Curtseys was tightened for room between Rosuma and Miss Libby, which shifted in.

Race 4 - Calder Highway C G & E Maiden - 1450m

On jumping away Born To Hustle shifted out and hampered Gargery.

Shortly after straightening North Road was disappointed for a run between Our Astute Prince and Donleavy, where there was insufficient room. North Road then had difficulty in obtaining a run for a short distance.

Race 5 - Country Owners Challenge Maiden Plate - 1850m

On jumping away Desert Momber knuckled and then shifted out and hampered Comonette.

Near the 1400 metres Shuveig, which was over-racing, had to be checked off the heels of Cheveley Kid.

Approaching the 1000 metres Shuveig, which continued to over-race, again had to be checked off the heels of Cheveley Kid.

Comonette was held up when unable to obtain a clear run from the 600 metres to rounding the home turn.

Near the 400 metres R. Debono rider of Bubble Gum accidentally dropped his whip.

Throughout the race Cheveley Kid had a tendency to lay out.

Race 6 - Tooheys Class 2 Handicap - 1450m

On arrival at the barriers Star Indian was examined by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon and passed fit to run.

Race 7 - Identicorp Woodend Cup - 1200m

No report.

Race 8 - Rotary District 9800 MS Awareness Class 4 Handicap - 1850m

Approaching the 100 metres Flying Belle was accidentally struck on the head by the whip of W. Hokai rider of Pemba.

Race 9 - Yallambee Stud F & M Class 4 Handicap - 1200m

Acting on a confirmed telephone call from Mr. R. Douglas, representing Mr. A. Noonan trainer of Kapalua, who stated that the mare had tied up after light work this morning and was unfit to run, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Kapalua at 9.35 a.m. Mr. Douglas did produce a Veterinary Certificate in respect of the mare.

Acting on a confirmed telephone call from Mr. A. Vasil trainer of Fashion Era, who stated that the float transporting the mare had broken down en route to the course and was unable to arrive in time, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Fashion Era at 3.10 p.m.

After being placed into the barriers Firhill became fractious and was temporarily cast. Acting on Veterinary advice the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Firhill at 4.15 p.m. Subsequent to the race Stewards ordered the following deductions to betting. All monies bet for a win and/or place and concession betting on Firhill to be refunded. All successful bets on horses prior to time of withdrawal of Firhill are subject to the following deductions in the dollar from the face value of the ticket - Win Bets - 10 cents, Place Bets - 10 cents, Winning Concession Bets - 9 cents, Double Bets - 10 cents. All monies bet after the Stewards declaration of withdrawal to be paid at face value of ticket.

Sangiovese, which was in the adjoining barrier to Firhill was examined by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon and passed fit to run.

On jumping away Sangiovese knuckled and as a result M. Pegus rider of the mare, lost the use of his near side iron. Shortly after this the saddle on Sangiovese then shifted to the offside, resulting in M. Pegus losing use of both irons and being at a disadvantage for the remainder of the race.

Race 10 - Macedon Ranges Business Services Class 2 Handicap - 1100m

Acting on a confirmed telephone call from Mr. B. Purcell trainer of Diamonds Are, who stated that the float transporting the filly had broken down en route to the course and was unable to arrive in time,, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Diamonds Are at 4.05 p.m.

Prior to correct weight M. Goring rider of Trial Balance requested to view the Stewards video as he believed he might have been denied a fair start. After viewing the video M. Goring was satisfied that he was not denied a fair start. It was established Trial Balance was slow to begin.

Also prior to correct weight E. Cassar rider of Bright D'Amour (NZ), 5^th placegetter and Mr. R. Lawson trainer of the gelding, requested to view the photo finish for 4^th placing. After viewing the photo E. Cassar and Mr. Lawson agreed with the Judge's placings.

Mr. I. Saunders trainer of Poi's Encore was severely reprimanded for adding one piece of padding to the gear of L. Dowson rider of the horse, which resulted in L. Dowson weighing in 1 kilogram over his declared weight.

Shortly after the start Guest Express and Poi's Encore were tightened for room between Pipers Hill, which shifted in slightly, and Infinite Folly, which shifted out.

Passing the 600 metres Ruskin became unbalanced when racing tight on the inside of Infinite Folly.

Near the 500 metres Bush Bells Return had to be eased off the heels of Ruskin, due to shifting in when being brushed by Al Buraque.

On the home turn Ruskin had to be checked off the heels of Morel Lass (NZ), which was weakening.

After passing the 200 metres Bright D'Amour (NZ) became unbalanced when tightened for room by Morel Lass (NZ), which shifted in away from Ruskin.

SWAB SAMPLES

Swab samples were taken from the following winners - Donleavy (Race 4), Young Maverick (Race 5) Romantic Sea (Race 7), Corporate Power (Race 10).

A random swab was taken from Gemena (Race 2) unplaced

Pre-race samples were taken from six horses for post race analysis

FINES & EXPLANATIONS

Mr. L. Corstens trainer of Tristad Folie (NZ) (Race 1) was fined $30 for using wrong colours on the filly.

Mr. C. Brown trainer of Salvite (Race 1) was fined the sum of $50 for his late notification of P. Michaelides as the rider of the filly.

C. Newitt rider of Tempting Beauty (Race 1) was fined $200 for claiming 3 kgs instead of 1.5 kgs for which he is entitled.

The Stewards Room