Canterbury Park 16 January 2002: Race 7 Slipper Festival Boot Party Handicap 1200m

The Stewards today continued their inquiry into the riding tactics adopted on Miss Varikos. Trainer Mr D. Smith today stated that whilst he had not spoken personally to Darryl McLellan he had left instructions that the horse was going to make use of the inside barrier and to take up a forward position if possible. He added that he had anticipated Cardiff Bay leading with Miss Varikos taking the sit behind that horse and was surprised that Miss Varikos was vying with Cardiff Bay for the lead in the early stages. He added that it was apparent that the race was run much quicker than he had anticipated and consequently Miss Varikos was unable to be competitive at the end of the race. Both Mr Smith and D. McLellan were advised that their explanations were accepted, however, D. McLellan was advised that he would be expected to show greater judgment than he did on this occasion in regards to the fast early section.

GENERAL:

The Stewards today questioned B. Pengelly relative to his inability to fulfil engagements at the Wyong Race Club meeting yesterday. B. Pengelly stated that he had injured his neck in a track work incident at Warwick Farm track on the morning of Monday 21 January and tendered a medical certificate to that effect. B. Pengelly's explanations were noted, however, he was reminded of his record concerning his inability in recent months to fulfil riding engagements and advised that the Stewards would continue to monitor the situation.

RACE 1: Richard Jones Handicap 1600m

The club's veterinary surgeon reported that on arrival at the barriers Llenda Crown had a small quantity of blood in the mouth. Llenda Crown was passed fit to start.

When questioned regarding the somewhat disappointing performance of Contender, L. Beasley stated that although his mount did not appear to appreciate racing to the inside of Glenn, Contender did not feel right in its action throughout the race. A post-race veterinary examination of Contender revealed no abnormality. A swab sample was taken. Trainer Mr J. O'Shea said that Contender had pleased him in its work leading up to today's race and the only explanation he could offer was that the gelding may have jarred up. Mr O'Shea undertook to report to the Stewards on the progress of Contender in the days subsequent.

RACE 2: Alexander Mackellar Handicap 1600m

It was reported the Octessa had lost the near-fore plate on jumping.

Paris Win was slow to begin.

When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Medowie Hunter, which weakened badly in the straight to finish last, S. Treweek stated that his mount travelled reasonably well throughout the event and at the 600m he commenced to ride the gelding along in an endeavour to put it in the race. He added that Medowie Hunter then responded for a short distance before weakening from the 400m. A post-race veterinary examination of Medowie Hunter revealed no abnormality. A swab sample was taken. Trainer Mr D. P. Smith was unable to offer any reason for the disappointing performance and stated that consideration would now be given to spelling the gelding. Mr Smith was advised that should it be his intention to continue this racing program of Medowie Hunter that the gelding would have to barrier trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards before its next race start.

Let's Talk Treason and Bror were slow to begin.

Near the 900m Frisk Me was briefly crowded for room between Let's Talk Treason and Jabiru Lad, which shifted out off the heels of Zillion.

Zillion was badly held up for a run in the early part of the straight.

Near the 200m, after being bumped by Zillion, which in turn was bumped by Marauder, Jowles shifted out and away from Zillion resulting in The Strutter being badly hampered and taken out causing Jabiru Lad to be hampered when taken across the heels of Frisk Me.

Near the 100m Bror was inclined to shift out under pressure.

A post-race veterinary examination revealed The Strutter had sustained a minor laceration to the near-fore tendon.

Continental Dane blundered at the start.

Honey Ryder began awkwardly.

Shortly after the start Satanay shifted out and bumped Intrusa.

Continental Dane was unable to obtain clear running over the final 100m when held up on the heels of Honey Ryder.

Stardust Beauty was inclined to lay out throughout the middle stages.

A post-race veterinary examination of Stardust Beauty, which finished distanced, revealed no abnormality.

Medowie Emperor was tardy to begin.

Azraq was held up for a run in the early part of the straight.

Near the 200m Ruready had to be steadied off the heels of Sweet Racer when that horse was taken out slightly by Thunder Time.

After this Ruready had some difficulty obtaining clear running until near the 100m.

When questioned trainer Mr M. Lees stated the Britt's Best was obliged to be ridden back at its last start after drawing a wide barrier from the 1200m start at Newcastle. He added that with the more favourable draw today Britt's Best was able to take up a more prominent position.

RACE 6: E. Deas Thompson Handicap 1100m

Trainer Mr B. Westbury was reprimanded for failing to lodge the stable return for Furness by the prescribed time (LR39).

On With The Show shifted out abruptly at the start resulting in Blue Suttarb being checked.

Regal Deva jumped awkwardly.

Passing the 600m Ebony Fair was steadied when racing between El Senorita and the riderless On With The Show.

Over the final 100m Blue Suttarb was unable to be ridden out by its rider, J. Morris, when awkwardly placed near the heels of the riderless On With The Show.

L. Cassidy (Dolly's Princess) and D. Beadman (Lady Po) did not ride their horses out fully due to being in the vicinity of the riderless On With The Show.

A post-race veterinary examination revealed Lady Po to have sustained a small abrasion to the back of the off-hind hock.

An inquiry was opened into the reason for App. L. Price being dislodged from On With The Show near the 900m. After taking evidence from J. Morris (Suttarb), App. S. Pollard (Regal Deva), N. Stanley (Dane Wiz), D. Beadman (Lady Po) and R. Quinn (Gee Trump) the inquiry was adjourned to a date to be fixed so that App. Price, who was transported to hospital, may give evidence.

RACE 7: W. A. Long Handicap 1400m

As App. L. Price was unable to fulfil his engagement, App. N. Tomizawa was substituted as the rider of Temecula.

Ghostline shifted in at the start and hampered Gundagai.

Near the 200m Bonsoir was crowded for room between Temecula and Flipnul.

For some distance approaching the 200m Ghostline attempted a tight run to the inside of Gundagai.

A short distance after the 200m Ghostline raced in restricted room when Gundagai was taken in slightly by Valadez, which, after being held up, shifted in to obtain clear running.

RACE 8: H. C. Dangar Handicap 2200m

As A. Huke was indisposed due to injury, he was replaced by N. Stanley. A. Huke was advised that he would be required to furnish a medical certificate prior to riding again.

Passing the winning post on the first occasion Big Henry, which was inclined to overrace, was steadied when crowded for room by Simmysue, which shifted in and away from Shalcroud.

Passing the 1000m Adam's Luck and Alemar made contact on several occasions as Alemar shifted out.

Near the 600m The Builder (C. Brown) shifted out to improve and in doing so made solid contact with the hindquarters of Adam's Luck resulting in that horse becoming badly unbalanced. C. Brown was advised to exercise care when shifting ground.

Near the 500m Big Henry had to be checked off the heels of the tiring Clarion's Tune.

Reprimands:

Race 6:
Trainer B. Westbury (Furness) - not lodge stable return by prescribed time (LR39)

A. Huke

Riding Changes:

Race 7:
App. N. Tomizawa on Temecula

Race 8:
N. Stanley on Clarion's Tune

The Stewards Room