GENERAL:

App. N. Cumberland was fined $100 for accepting engagements at today's Sydney Turf Club and Illawarra Turf Club race meetings.

RACE 1: Cabra-Vale Diggers 2002 Handicap 1100m

The start was delayed when Royal Purler had to be replated.

Ski Lodge, Entrant and Smash were slow to begin.

Making the first turn Entrant shifted out resulting in Kidman, which was inclined to run out away from that horse, taking Fawayez wider.

At the 800m Fuji Beauty had to be checked off the heels of Canny Dancer.

B. York (Kidman) was severely reprimanded for allowing his mount to shift in close to the finish line resulting in Fawayez being checked.

When questioned, App. R. Brewer (Ski Lodge) stated that he reinjured his ankle when his horse contacted the side of the stall. Subsequently he was stood down by the club's doctor and the following replacements were approved: App. S. Pollard on Dedewin in race 6 and Huge Demand in race 7, App. L. Price on Splendid Retreat in race 8.

App. R. Brewer stated that during the race he was not happy with the action of Ski Lodge and, in addition, the filly was reluctant to take runs between horses. He stated further that he did not ride his mount out and over the concluding stages was looking down because he felt something was amiss.

A post-race veterinary examination of Ski Lodge revealed no abnormality.

Trainer Mr R. Thomsen stated that Ski Lodge got its tongue over the bit and its tongue had significant discolouration following the race. Mr Thomsen indicated that he would experiment with a tongue control device.

RACE 2: C.V.D. President's Handicap 2000m

The Stewards clarified with trainer Mr G. Rogerson that although Plea was withdrawn on race morning on 22 December, the gelding had not missed any work and had been cleared by his veterinarian.

Plea was inclined to get its head up and overrace when the pace was slow early.

Rounding the home turn and in the early part of the straight Gallant Pride was held up for a run.

RACE 3: C.V.D. Vice-President's Handicap 1200m

For a short distance passing the 200m Treasure Time was held up on the heels of Gwen's Star.

Cadastral was inclined to get its head up and race greenly in the early part of the straight.

When questioned concerning the poor performance of Autumn Night, C. Munce confirmed that his instructions were to lead, however, the filly missed the start, which allowed Gwen's Star to cross him early and he elected to take up a position behind Radiance Of Apollo one off the fence with cover. He said that Autumn Night travelled reasonably, but was a beaten horse when taken out by Cadastral rounding the home turn.

A post-race veterinary examination revealed Autumn Night to be distressed and showing signs of dehydration. A swab sample was taken.

Ms E. Candy, representing trainer Mrs G. Waterhouse, was advised that a veterinary certificate of fitness must be produced before Autumn Night is permitted to race again.

Ikamatua knuckled over on jumping, shifted out and bumped Festive Knight.

A post-race veterinary examination revealed Ikamatua lost its near-fore plate during running.

When questioned regarding the improved performance of the winner, Banker Under Fire, as compared to its 5th placing at Eagle Farm on 15 December Mr M. Dunn, representing trainer Mr G. Ryan, stated that the principal factor had been the addition of blinkers. Mr Dunn stated that Banker Under Fire had raced successfully in blinkers last preparation, but that they had been removed and were again added after its disappointing last start performance. He stated in addition that at Eagle Farm Banker Under Fire had become unusually stirred up on a particularly hot day and had not run to expectations.

When questioned concerning Contender being ridden in the lead today, L. Beasley stated that whilst the tactics had been left primarily to himself, he had expected to be racing off pace. He stated, however, that when he dug his mount up from its barrier to cross to the rails and nothing challenged him early, and as the pace was very moderate, he was content to maintain the lead.

App. N. Tomizawa (Shadowplay) was severely reprimanded for permitting his mount to shift in shortly after the start crowding Ikamatua and Ripon By.

Real Asset, which missed the start, had to be checked shortly after when Kapitza and Arbitrage came together.

On two occasions in the middle stages Sportsman was tightened for room by How I Wonder, which was inclined to lay in.

A post-race veterinary examination revealed Kapitza had sustained a laceration to the near-hind cannon.

Provided by NSW TRB

The Stewards Room