GENERAL:

Glen Innes trainer Mr M. Simmons pleaded guilty to a charge under AR175(gg) of having made a false statement relative to information provided to Hunter and North West Racing Association Chief Steward, Mr S. Cullen, in a telephone conversation of 15 March 2002. This followed a report of an irregularity in the preliminary analysis of a sample taken from his horse Joshua Michael (NZ) after it finished 2nd in race 7, the Straight Draw Handicap 2400m at the Warwick Farm race meeting on Sunday 10 February 2002 indicating an elevated level of hydrocortisone. (The confirmatory analysis, giving due regard to the uncertainty of measurement value, did not confirm the level of hydrocortisone to the specifications of AR178C(f) which constitutes a positive swab). Mr Simmons was fined $1,000 for having made a false statement in respect to treatment given to Joshua Michael (NZ) leading up to the race which may have affected its hydrocortisone level. He was also placed on notice in respect to his use and control of therapeutic substances in his stable and the security of such substances and horses in his care.

RACE 1: Rotary Health Research Fund Handicap 1300m

Blue Lyric and Royal Catch were slow to begin. A post-race veterinary examination revealed Geeing, which raced disappointingly, was displaying mild respiratory distress. Ms E. Candy, representing trainer Mrs G. Waterhouse, was advised that before Geeing is permitted to race again a veterinary certificate, including the results of an endoscopic examination, must be produced and the gelding must barrier trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards.

Full Song got its head up and overraced throughout the early and middle stages. When questioned concerning the performance of the winner, Catechism, as compared to its 10th placing at Warwick Farm on 17 April 2002, trainer Mrs P. Webber stated that the gelding's form prior had been consistent, however, at Warwick Farm, whilst the instructions had been to take up a forward position, Catechism had got back in the field due to interference, did not appreciate racing between horses and also did not handle the track conditions.

Flatter was slow to begin. Near the 1000m Sunbeam Alpine (P. Falvey), which was inclined to shift in away from Thunder On, shifted in crowding Flatter onto Philadante. In the incident Philadante became unbalanced, was reluctant to hold its position and lost ground as a result. P. Falvey was reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to take earlier corrective action. Following a report from New South Wales TRB Veterinarian Dr C. Suann upon examination of Flatter after the race of some cloudiness and pigmentation in the near-side eye, the Stewards advised trainer Mr T. Martin that under AR64A(2) he must provide specialist veterinary evidence that any impairment in the sight of the eye does not constitute a danger to such horse or other participants in a race, trials or track work.

RACE 4: Masterton Homes Superfecta 1400m

Trainer Mr G. Rogerson was fined $100 for the late declaration of a rider for Klazig (LR35).

RACE 5: Sydney Volkswagen Dealers Handicap 1900m

No report.

RACE 6: Roman Printing Lord Mayor's Cup 2400m

Near the 200m Dance Director was struck across the nose by the whip of L. Beasley (Velsontas). When questioned, L. Beasley (Velsontas) stated that his mount travelled well in the run but was most disappointing in that it did not respond to his riding in the straight. A post-race veterinary examination revealed Velsontas had been galloped on the off-hind leg.

RACE 7: Sydney Jaguar Dealers Civic Stakes 1200m

Palladium Star knuckled over on jumping and made contact with Desert Sashay. Adamantly jumped awkwardly. Kiveton was slow to begin. Kootoomootoo was inclined to hang in rounding the home turn resulting in Adamantly being momentarily crowded.

Darahim was withdrawn at 3.46pm acting on veterinary advice that the gelding was sore in the near-fore shoulder. The Stewards ordered that a swab sample be taken and ruled that a veterinary clearance must be provided prior to Darahim's next race start. Air She Goes knuckled over badly on jumping. Majestic Fiesta was inclined to hang in away from A Deena resulting in Citihonours and Lord Kefalonia being hampered. Near the 50m Majestic Fiesta shifted out taking A Deena out causing Lord Kefalonia to be steadied when tightened for room when racing to the inside of the heels of Air She Goes. When questioned regarding the poor performance of Trailer, P. Falvey stated that the only excuse he could offer was that the horse did not appear to appreciate the track, which had commenced to become chopped up. A post-race veterinary examination of Trailer revealed no abnormality.

SUMMARY

Fines:
Race 4: trainer G. Rogerson (Klazig) fined $100 - late declaration of rider (LR35)

Reprimands:
Race 3: P. Falvey (Sunbeam Alpine) - shifting in (AR137(a)).

Trials:
Race 1: Geeing (trainer Mrs G. Waterhouse) - disappointing performance.

Certificates:
Race 1: Geeing (trainer Mrs G. Waterhouse) - including results of endoscopic examination - disappointing performance.
Race 3: Flatter (trainer T. Martin) - cloudiness in near-side eye. Specialist clearance required (AR64A(2)).

The Stewards Room