ARKNAVAH (R. McKenna) was slow to begin.

After jumping the obstacle at the 1100 metres CURRENCY ROAD dislodged its rider P. Thomas. P. Thomas reported he had suffered an injury. CURRENCY ROAD reopened an old laceration on its near hind leg.

LUNAR REIGN underwent a Veterinary examination prior to the running of the race and was declared fit to start.

HONEYED (C. Bryant) and STRONG ON DREAMS (A. Peterson) were both slow to begin.

Racing to the 700 metres KATE’S PRIZE (NZ) (W. Hokai) raced greenly.

CYCLONE AT SEA (M. Hagley) and MAINLIGHT (S. Harrison) were slow to begin.

RACE 4 – NOEL BARR TOYOTA CLASS 4 HANDICAP – 1200 metres

MISTY HEIGHTS (C. Robertson) was slow to begin.

Racing to the 1000 metres VENETIAN HABIT (B. Blacker) rolled out and as a result brushed NEVER SWEET (C. Lindop). Shortly after, VENETIAN HABIT continued out and as a result NEVER SWEET had to be checked to avoid the heels of that mare. B. Blacker was advised to exercise greater care in similar circumstances.

Racing to the 300 metres VENETIAN HABIT (B. Blacker) rolled in and as a result ACADEMY STORM (NZ) (M. Hagley), which was attempting a run between VENETIAN HABIT and CASCADE GOLD (S. Harrison), had to be steadied for a stride or two. ACADEMY STORM (NZ) was unable to obtain a clear run over the final 150 metres.

RACE 5 – CLEANAWAY CLASS 2 HANDICAP – 900 metres

On jumping away BEADMAN (S. Harrison) shifted out, resulting in CANDELINA (K. Post) being hampered. At the same time TILLISCORE (D. Missen) shifted in, resulting in CANDELINA losing its position. BEADMAN continued to shift out and as a result TILLISCORE dipped and lost ground.

JET EXPRESS (NZ) underwent a Veterinary inspection prior to the start and was declared fit to race.

SEDONIC (M. Hagley) jumped away awkwardly.

On jumping away LINEAGE (T. Barras) shifted out abruptly, resulting in JET EXPRESS (NZ) (C. Puls) being taken out, across the heels of BITOVATUNE (M. Hoppo). In consequence JET EXPRESS (NZ) lost some ground.

Racing to the 600 metres SANGHA RIVER (W. Hokai) and BONTARRI (K. Post) brushed on several occasions.

Correct Weight was delayed to allow W. Hokai, rider of SANGHA RIVER, to view the Official Photo-Finish of the event. After doing so, in conjunction with Stewards, Correct Weight was declared.

Michelle Hagley, rider of SEDONIC, explained to the Stewards that she was of the opinion that the gelding’s performance had improved today with the blinkers back on, and also the instructions from Trainer Mr. Bruhn to make the horse race in the early stages of the race, as against letting the gelding relax.

RACE 7 – CARLTON DRAUGHT BLUE LAKE HANDICAP – 2050 metres

Racing to about the 400 metres STAFF PARTY (NZ) (J. Potter) was disappointed for a run and had to be steadied to avoid the heels of BITSKI (C. Cole), when that gelding started to weaken.

Racing to the 200 metres P. Gatt, rider of TAWTRICE, accidentally struck STAFF PARTY (NZ) on the head with his whip.

RACE 8 – YOUNG’S THE MAN’S SHOP CLASS 1 HANDICAP – 1300 metres

On jumping away BOSENDORF (C. Robertson) shifted in, resulting in SWIFT VALLEY (J. Potter) being taken in. In consequence RED DALOO (C. Lindop) had to be steadied off the heels of BIG AMY (NZ) (M. Hagley).

Racing to the 900 metres FUEL GUZZLER (A. Peterson), which had a tendency to over-race, shifted out abruptly, resulting in SWIFT VALLEY (J. Potter) having to be steadied for a short distance.

SWABBING:

Swab samples were taken from the following horses:-

Race 2 QUERIDA GEM (winner)
Race 4 NEW STATUS (winner)
Race 6 SEDONIC (winner)
Race 7 STAFF PARTY (NZ) (winner)
Race 8 BIG AMY (NZ)

Swab samples were taken from the following horses for the purpose of TCO₂ testing:

ALLENDALE ROSE, BITSKI, JOANNE GRACE (NZ), INFLEWINZER, FINNISS LADY, TAWTRICE, BENAZZI (NZ), ELUA, MORE MELBOURNE, BOSENDORF, RED DALOO, COOL CONDIE, STAFF PARTY (NZ), TELL NO LIES (NZ), A RED LIGHT, HIDDEN ACCOUNT

The Stewards Room