GENERAL:

Trainer Mr L. Curtis was fined $500 when he pleaded guilty under LR82(1) to having failed to register staff Sam Nicoletti, Anthony Rosta and Christine Healy, all of whom had been in his employ since the commencement of the racing season on 1 July 2001.

The Falcon jumped outwards at the start crowding Irish Prince onto Knockdown Power. Shaanxi was held up for a run in the early part of the straight. Fouardee did not obtain clear running until approaching the 100m. Approaching the first turn Knockdown Power had to be steadied when tightened for room between Make Me A Miracle and Cosmic Rays, which was taken in slightly by Rather Proud (C. Brown). C. Brown was advised to exercise more care.

Prince Of Play got its head up and overraced making the first turn and then came together with Pimpala Warrior as Pimpala Warrior endeavoured to improve to the outside of the heels of Damowin resulting in Pimpala Warrior becoming badly unbalanced. Shortly after straightening Pimpala Warrior again became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by Full Song, which shifted out.

RACE 3: Ansett Australia Absolutely! Handicap 1200m:

No report.

RACE 4: Ansett Golden Wing Superfecta 2000m:

On the home turn, when being checked off the heels of Replay, Hey Pronto shifted out resulting in Brassed being hampered. Hey Pronto was then held up for room for a short distance thereafter. G. Boss (Agincourt Express) was warned against the practice of looking around unduly in the straight. G. Boss explained that he had endeavoured to find cover on Agincourt Express early but when unable to do so with the pace slow and being trapped wide he went forward, however, was still trapped wide when the pace quickened. A post-race veterinary examination revealed Kincourt was badly abraded on both hind bumpers and had sustained speedy cuts to the off-hind pastern. Trainer Mr R. Thomsen indicated that Kincourt will now be spelled. A post-race veterinary examination revealed Blazing Arch had been galloped on on the off-hind leg.

RACE 5: Ansett Global Rewards Grey Stars Handicap 1300m:

When questioned concerning the disappointing performance of Glo Rest C. Brown stated that whilst he had received some pressure in the lead by Our Eeyore Glo Rest was nevertheless disappointing and had felt slightly jarred up after the race. A post-race veterinary examination of Glo Rest did not reveal any abnormality. A swab sample was taken. Trainer Mr T. Martin undertook to report if there was anything amiss with Glo Rest following the event.

RACE 6: Ansett Australia Premiere Stakes 1200m:

An objection was lodged by D. Beadman, rider of 2^nd placegetter, (Padstow) against On Type (B. York) being declared winner alleging interference over the final 50m. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the videos the Stewards dismissed the objection when they found that over the concluding stages Padstow shifted in near the 30m and made contact with On Type resulting in that mare becoming momentarily unbalanced. The Stewards advised D. Beadman that they deemed there to be no grounds for the objection. When questioned C. Munce (Maitland Gold) said he had not intended to lead on the mare but when she jumped well and when the inside runners did not persist he took the opportunity of crossing rather than easing and being caught wide. An inquiry was opened into J. Cassidy's ride on Century Kid, and in particular the reason he allowed Maitland Gold to cross him early. J. Cassidy stated that in its work and its trial he had endeavoured to allow Century Kid to settle as it had shown a propensity to overrace when ridden for speed. He stated that when Maitland Gold showed an intention to go forward early, rather than risk firing up Century Kid to hold the inside running he allowed that runner to cross, but in retrospect agreed with the Stewards that he had erred in doing so. He added that rounding the home turn he shifted out in an endeavour to improve but when a run commenced to develop to the inside of Maitland Gold on straightening and as there was no run to his immediate outside he went back to the rail. He added that when Maitland Gold shifted in slightly near the 200m he then had to check and was badly held up on the heels of that runner until near the 100m. Trainer Mr G. Rogerson stated that he had left the tactics to be adopted on Century Kid to J. Cassidy, but had publicly indicated that it had been his wish to endeavour to settle Century Kid this preparation as he was hopeful of the gelding getting over further ground. Mr Rogerson stated that he had advised the connections that in his view Century Kid was forward enough to win the event and he believed there had been stable support for the gelding. The inquiry was adjourned so the Stewards may examine relevant betting ledgers.

RACE 7: Star Alliance Handicap 1300m:

No report.

The Almighty One was slow to begin. Mr D. Seldon, trainer of Haunting Spirit, which raced more forward today, was reminded of his obligation to notify the Stewards of a change in race tactics.

SUMMARY:

Fines:
^{Trainer L. Curtis fined $500-not register staff (LR82(1)}

The Stewards Room