Riding Changes:

* S. Noll was advised that a medical certificate must be produced prior to riding again.
** An inquiry was adjourned into the reason for S. Tronerud and C. Quilty being unavailable to fulfil their engagements.

Race 1 - St. Patrick's School, Stratford Maiden Plate - 2200 metres

On jumping away "Brother Daniel" was bumped in onto "Audrey's Knight" by "Seki Seki" which shifted in.

Approaching the 800 metres "Dhoom Rhya" had to be eased off the heels of "Seki Seki".

Near the 500 metres "Dhoom Rhya" had to be eased when attempting a run when there was insufficient room between "Brother Daniel" and "Seki Seki".

I. Culliver rider of "Seki Seki" ,which performed poorly explained that the mare was reluctant to stretch out throughout the race and at different stages had a tendency to lay out. I Culliver added that in his opinion "Seki Seki" raced like a tired horse and may be feeling the effects of recent racing. A subsequent veterinary examination of "Seki Seki" revealed no apparent abnormalities.

Race 2 - Foster O'Brien Real Estate Super Vobis 2-Y-O Handicap - 1200 metres

On jumping away "Hickok" knuckled, then shifted outwards and bumped "Wild Knight".

"Wrested" which began awkwardly raced greenly for some distance.

Rounding the home turn "Buk Buk Luk" which had a tendency to lay out had to be eased off the heels of "Wild Knight" which shifted in slightly.

M. Pay rider of "Master of Disguise" which performed poorly and was eased down over the concluding stages of the race explained that the geldings action did not feel right at any stage throughout the race the race. M. Pay added that in his opinion the gelding may be shin sore. A subsequent veterinary examination revealed that "Master of Disguise" was shin sore.

A. Robertson rider of "Hickok" explained that he eased the gelding down after passing the 200 metres as in his opinion "Hickok" was had over raced and commenced to give ground from the top of the straight. Stewards notified A. Robertson that whilst they accepted that "Hickok" was tiring he must continue to ride his mount out hands and heels to the end of the race.

Race 3 - Madden Glass & Aluminium Fillies and Mares Maiden Plate - 1400 metres

In the early stages of the race "Polar Award (NZ)" and "Ocean Lake" raced ungenerously.

Near the 500 metres "Miss Gorgeous (NZ)" had to be checked when tightened for room between "Sky Glow" which shifted out slightly and "Chinta" which shifted in. "Ocean Lake" which was following had to be checked in consequence.

In the straight "Ocean Lake" was held up for a short distance.

Subsequent to the event the clubs veterinary surgeon reported that "Ton of Sand" had been galloped on both hind legs.

Race 4 - Duesburys Gippsland Colts, Geldings and Entires Maiden Plate - 1400 metres

"Dagger Boy" was slow to begin.

Near the 1300 metres "Dagger Boy" had to be checked to avoid the heels of "Tenterfield Ocha" which shifted in abruptly when hanging.

Race 5 - St. Patrick's Cup - 1400 metres

L. Milham rider of "Refugee" which weakened badly in the home straight explained that in his opinion the gelding was sore in the off hind leg. A subsequent veterinary examination of "Refugee" revealed that the gelding had pulled up in a distressed state. Mr A Wilson trainer of "Refugee" will be notified that prior to the gelding racing again he must produce a veterinary certificate of fitness including the results of an ECG examination prior to and after exercise.

Race 6 - Sporting Legends of Sale Class 1 Handicap - 1200 metres

Near the 900 metres "Friesian Glory" shifted out and made contact with the hind quarters of "Royal Navigator" resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced.

L. Dowson rider of "Royal Navigator", which weakened badly in the home straight stated that his mount travelled well until placed under pressure at the top of the straight and then failed to respond to his riding from that point onwards. A subsequent veterinary examination of "Royal Navigator" revealed that the gelding had pulled up in a slightly distressed state.

Race 7 - Morelli's Furniture Class 4 Handicap - 1100 metres

On jumping away "Concluding" knuckled badly resulting in L. Dowson the rider of the mare almost being dislodged.

D. Short rider of "Boremax" stated that he eased his mount down over the concluding stages as he believed the gelding felt sore in front. A subsequent veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.

Race 8 - Catholic Development Fund Class 2 Handicap - 1500 metres

On arrival at the course "Champagne Fibee" was examined by the clubs veterinary surgeon who reported that the mare was lame in the off fore leg and unfit to run. Acting on this advice the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of "Champagne Fibee" at 4.20 pm.

Shortly after the start "Mookcollo", which had changed course and obtained a run on the inside of "Lily Flojay" had to be checked when tightened for room by that filly which shifted in.

Evidence was taken from apprentice jockey G. Mathrick ,rider of "Destination Dubai" and R. Booth, rider of "Master Jago" into the reason for "Master Jago" being hampered and taken out off its course near the 600 metres. As the Stewards desired Mr. T. Mathrik, master of G. Mathrik to be present at the inquiry prior to giving further consideration to the matter, the inquiry was adjourned to a date to be fixed.

In the home straight "Club Rancho" and "Destination Dubai" shifted out together under pressure.

SWAB SAMPLES -

Race 1 - A random swab sample was taken from "Brother Daniel" fifth place getter.
Race 3 - A random swab sample was taken from "Western Sequel" winner of the race.
Race 4 - A routine swab sample was taken from ""Kosmikos (NZ)" winner of the race.
Race 5 - A random swab sample was taken from "Mr. Donizetti (NZ)" winner of the race.
Race 7 - A routine swab sample was taken from "Talpare" winner of the race.

ADJOURNED ENQUIRY

Stewards today concluded an inquiry into the reason for M. Allen's failure to fulfil his engagements to ride at Bairnsdale Racing Club meeting held on 25^th February, 2002. After taking evidence from M. Allen Stewards fined him the sum of $200 in respect of this matter.

The Stewards Room