Riding Changes:

* No other rider available

Race 1 - REDDITCH STEEPLECHASE - about 3400 metres:

On jumping the first fence in the straight on the first occasion "Aorangi" shifted in and hampered "Twist of Luck (NZ)".

Turning out of the straight "The Galway Piper" was hampered when tightened for room by "Sampan Man", which was taken in by "Byrncav Star".

When "The Galway Piper" fell at the first fence near the 800 metres on the second occasion "Twist of Luck (NZ)", which was following, was badly hampered, resulting in Robert McKenna, its rider, being dislodged. "Staking", which was following, was hampered, and "Sampan Man", which was also following, was badly hampered and almost fell, losing considerable ground.

After jumping the last fence Gavin Crofskey, rider of "Miracle Star (NZ)", dropped his whip.

As Mr. J. Myhill, part-owner/trainer of "The Galway Piper" which had failed to complete the course for each of its last three runs, had left the course, the Stewards will interview Mr. Myhill in respect of the gelding's` recent performances.

Race 2 - LA TROBE SUPER VOBIS HANDICAP - 1200 metres:

"Glefti" and "Magic Bird" were slow to begin.

Over the concluding stages of the race "King Wells", which was laying in, inconvenienced "Environs".

On return to scale it was noted that "Environs" had lost its near fore plate.

Race 3 - WHITTIER HANDICAP - 2137 metres:

"Sir Linford", which missed the start, was hampered shortly after jumping away by "Kawasaki San (NZ)", which shifted out.

"Aquiver" hung in under pressure in the straight.

S. King, rider of "Kawasaki San (NZ)" which weakened from the top of the straight, eased the mare down in the run to the post as he believed that something was amiss with it. A veterinary examination of "Kawasaki San (NZ)" failed to reveal any abnormality.

Race 4 - CENTURY SUPER VOBIS HANDICAP - 1200 metres:

"Don't tell Tom" knuckled on jumping away and lost ground.

Race 5 - SANDOWN COUNTRY CUP - 1600 metres:

"China Syndrome" was unable to obtain a clear run rounding the home turn and in the early part of the straight.

P. Mertens, rider of 'Mr. Donizetti (NZ)", was charged with careless riding, the careless riding being that he permitted his mount to shift in in the early part of the straight when not sufficiently clear of 'Brassy Jim", which resulted in "Brassy Jim" having to be checked. As some doubt existed as to whether P. Mertens was fully responsible the Stewards gave him the benefit of the doubt and did not proceed with the charge of careless riding. However, P. Mertens was severely reprimanded and notified that he must ensure that he is clear of other runners at all times when shifting ground.

It was established that on the home turn "Brassy Jim" had to be checked when tightened for room between "Alephea", which had been shifting out slightly, and "Mr. Donizetti (NZ)", which shifted in. As "Brassy Jim" was being tightened "Doolam Gem", which was endeavouring to take a narrow run between "Brassy Jim" and "Alephea", made contact with the hindquarters of "Brassy Jim", turning that gelding inwards. R.. Wheeler, rider of "Silk Shamrock", was charged with careless riding, the careless riding being that he permitted his mount to shift out in the early part of the straight when not sufficiently clear of "Badger's Wood", thereby tightening "Badger's Wood" on to the hindquarters of "Alephea", and "Badger's Wood" having to be checked. As R. Wheeler wished his Master to be present, the inquiry was adjourned to Friday, 12^th April, 2002 at the Racing Centre at 1.00 p.m.

Approaching the passing the 200 metres "Brassy Jim" got its head up when being eased off the heels of "Alephea".

Race 6 - ZEPHYR BAY HANDICAP - 1300 metres:

After passing the 1000 metres "Blazing Sun" had to be eased off the heels of "Paternal", which shifted out.

After passing the 600 metres "Dignity Dancer (NZ)" had to be checked when disappointed for a run between "Gattaca (NZ)" and "Slipstream" where there was insufficient room.

P. Mertens, rider of "Kapuna", stated that the gelding hung in in the straight, and he was unable to ride in out in his normal manner when racing close to the heels of "Prince Benbara" for the majority of the straight.

Approaching the winning post "Paternal" had to be checked when tightened for room between "Slipstream", which shifted in slightly, and "Zodiac Star", which was hanging out. The Stewards reprimanded both A. Findlay, rider of "Slipstream", and B. Fenech, rider of "Zodiac Star", and notified them that they must make a greater effort to keep their mounts straight in future.

"Just Honor (NZ)" was inconvenienced approaching the winning post when tightened slightly between "Slipstream" and "Kapuna", which was racing close to the heels of "Prince Benbara".

No report.

Race 8 - LOVE A SHOW SUPER VOBIS HANDICAP - 1600 metres:

"Cherry Orchard (NZ)" jumped away awkwardly, shifted out and hampered "Argegno".

"Lucky Punch" was blocked for a run over the concluding stages of the race.

B. Fenech, rider of "Cherry Orchard (NZ)", stated that the filly hung from the home turn, and as he believed that something was amiss with it he was unable to ride it out over the concluding stages. A veterinary examination revealed that the filly had a laceration to its near hock.

SWAB SAMPLES were taken from the winners of all races today.

FINES/EXPLANATIONS:

Jason Evans, rider of "Aorangi", was fined the sum of $200 for having attempted to weigh out to ride the gelding in a body protector that did not conform with the standards prescribed under the Rules - Race 1.

M. Ellerton, trainer of "Exclusive Appeal", was fined $50 for the late notification of S. Arnold as the rider of the colt which ran in the La Trobe Super Vobis Handicap - Race 2.

S. Webb, trainer of "Show 'em Power", was fined $30 for using wrong colours on the colt which ran in the La Trobe Super Vobis Handicap - Race 2.

ADJOURNED INQUIRY:

An inquiry into the reason for C. Mahar being overweight to ride "Twist of Luck (NZ)" in the Redditch Steeplechase and having to be replaced was adjourned to a date to be fixed. (Race 1)

The Stewards Room