Riding Changes:

Race 1 - GIPPSLAND BONUS SERIES MAIDEN PLATE 1400 metres:

On arrival at the barrier "PROUD RUN" was examined by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon who passed the mare fit to run.

Approaching the 800 metres "MISS SAGAMARTHA (NZ)" shifted out away from "KREMLIN ADVANCE" and in doing so bumped the hindquarters of "RUSSIAN BALLET" resulting in that filly becoming unbalanced.

Rounding the home turn "DAGGER BOY" shifted out slightly resulting in "RUSSIAN BALLET" being bumped out onto the hindquarters of "SKI POWER".

L. Currie, rider of "RUSSIAN BALLET" which performed below expectations, stated that after missing the start slightly the filly had a tendency to over race in the early stages. L. Currie added that "RUSSIAN BALLET" was a beaten horse when placed under pressure approaching the home turn and gave ground from that point onwards. A subsequent Veterinary examination revealed that the filly had been galloped on the near hind leg.

Race 2 - AYGEE SUPER VOBIS 2YO MAIDEN PLATE 1200 metres:

"GOLD JUBILEE" jumped away awkwardly and was then brushed by "STORM POINT" which shifted in.

Race 3 - SUPER VOBIS 3YO MAIDEN PLATE 1100 metres:

"YONNIE" was slow to begin and "FLY WITH HONOUR (NZ)" knuckled.

Near the 800 metres "CHIMING MILL" shifted in and tightened "FLY WITH HONOUR (NZ)" resulting in that gelding becoming unbalanced.

Approaching the 100 metres "NAWANDA" had to be eased to avoid the heels of "BIKINI LOVE" which shifted out slightly.

During the running of the race "HARLEM PRINCESS" lost its near fore plate.

Race 4 - TEAC RISING STARS CLASS 1 HANDICAP (APPRENTICE RIDERS ONLY) 1700 metres:

On two occasions approaching the 1200 metres "MOOKCOLLO" had to be eased when improving on the inside of "DIESEL CLAUSE" where there was insufficient room.

Approaching and rounding the home turn "STAR OF SALE" was held up for a run.

Race 5 - STRATFORD HANDICAP 1400 metres:

A veterinary report of "A CLASS ACT" which had been eased down by its rider in the home straight, revealed no apparent abnormalities.

Stewards questioned A. Darmanin, rider of "POMEROY", into his riding of the gelding throughout the race. A. Darmanin explained that he had restrained "POMEROY" in the early stages as instructed and then elected to sit quietly in the middle stages of the race and endeavour to obtain inside runs after passing the 600 metres as instructed. A. Darmanin added that after passing the 700 metres "POMEROY" began to hang out and for this reason he had difficulty riding the gelding along in his normal manner. A. Darmanin further added that after straightening his mount continued to hang out and proved difficult to ride. Evidence was also taken from Mr S. Alderson, representing Mr C. Alderson, the trainer of "POMEROY", who confirmed the instructions. Whilst the Stewards conceded that "POMEROY" had a tendency to hang out, A. Darmanin was severely reprimanded for the manner in which he rode "POMEROY" and notified him that the Stewards were particularly concerned with the lack of vigour and initiative shown by him between the 600 metres to the entrance of the straight. A. Darmanin was further notified that he must ride all of his mounts in a manner that leave no room for query. The evidence tendered by Mr S. Alderson was accepted.

A subsequent veterinary examination of "POMEROY" revealed no apparent abnormalities.

Prior to the running of Race 8, Mr S. Alderson notified the Stewards that in his opinion "POMEROY", which was still on course, was favouring its off foreleg. Subsequently, "POMEROY" was re-examined by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon who reported the gelding was lame in the off foreleg. Mr S. Alderson was notified that prior to "POMEROY" racing again a veterinary certificate of fitness must be produced.

Race 6 - AUTUMN BONUS SERIES CLASS 4 HANDICAP 1700 metres:

"CONCLUDING" began awkwardly.

Approaching the winning post "PERIGNON", which was shifting out, had to be eased to avoid the heels of "WESTERN SEQUEL".

A. Robertson, rider "GOLD DEPUTY" was severely reprimanded for failing to ride his mount out to the end of the race. In arriving at their decision, Stewards took into account that A. Robertson's actions did not affect the placings.

Race 7 - CARLTON DRAUGHT CLASS 2 HANDICAP 1200 metres:

No report.

Race 8 - CAUSEWAY CAR SALES CLASS 3 HANDICAP 1400 metres:

After arriving on course "CLEVER CLAUDETTE" was examined by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon who reported that the mare had twisted a plate and was lame in the off foreleg. Acting on this advice, Stewards ordered the withdrawal of "CLEVER CLAUDETTE" at 4.18 p.m.

"ARGENT RULER" knuckled at the start.

Near the 100 metres L. Milham, rider of "FREESTONE" accidentally dropped his whip.

SWAB SAMPLES

Routine swab samples were taken from the following winners:

Race 1 - OUR NUDGER.
Race 3 - YONNIE.
Race 4 - SPASMODIC.
Race 5 - BOORTKOI MUSTANG.

A random swab sample was taken from the following horse:
Race 7 - PHIDIPIDES (winner).

The Stewards Room