Oaks Day @ Flemington

Riding Changes / Jockey Information

Did not attend meeting:

P Mertens

Other Comments / Explanations:

A number of horses were late on course today due to traffic difficulties.

Race 1 – SEVEN TWO PLATE - 1800 metres:  Dashatin was a late withdrawal at 7.57am by order of the Stewards.  Trainer Mr M Williams was fined the sum of $200 for failing to scratch Dashatin which was afforded a run at approximately 7.00am.

Prior to the running of this event, trainer Mr D Hayes advised Stewards that Acosta would be ridden more quietly due to the wide draw and an announcement was made immediately.  Acosta was ridden accordingly.

The start of this race was delayed slightly when Buffett (NZ) had to be re-plated behind the barriers.

Arazamataz was slow to begin.

Near the 400m Sea Skye (US) shifted out to improve and then became unbalanced after making contact with Tuscany View on at least three occasions.

After passing the 300m Arazamataz got unbalanced after making contact with the hindquarters of Grail Jeuney.

B Higgins (Sea Skye (US)) was issued with a severe reprimand for breaching the provisions of AR137A(5)(a)(ii) for using his whip eight times prior to the 100m which is three more than permissible.  In arriving at this decision the Stewards took into account that it was B Higgins’s first offence.

D Nikolic rider of Buffett (NZ) which performed below market expectations could offer no real excuse for the gelding’s performance today other than the gelding would benefit from the run today.

Mr Rodd rider of Ace Harmony (NZ) which performed below market expectations explained that he had recommended to the stable that the gelding may be improved with the addition of blinkers.  A subsequent veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.

B Higgins rider of Sea Skye (US) which failed to run on in the straight explained that the gelding did not accelerate when put under pressure near the 400m as he would have expected and was dour in the run to the line.  B Higgins further explained Sea Skye (US) would be suited in races of a longer distance than today’s event.

D Oliver (Port Vell (NZ)) explained that his mount was required to race wide without cover and in his view this was the reason it failed to run on in the straight.  A routine veterinary examination was carried out on Port Vell (NZ) which revealed no abnormalities other than a mild cough.

A post race veterinary examination of Peace Treaty revealed no abnormalities.

Race 2 – CROWN PROMENADE STAKES (Listed) - 1100 metres:  Conquering Queen was a late scratching at 11.52am after it became cast in the barriers.  Nuclear Force was also a late scratching at 11.56am on veterinary advice when it also became cast in the barriers.  All bets made prior to 11.52am are subject to the following deductions to betting. All monies bet for a win and/place and concession betting on Conquering Queen to be refunded. All successful bets on the horses prior to the time of withdrawal of Conquering Queen were subject to the following deductions in the dollar from the face value of the ticket: Win bets 4 cents, place bets 5 cents, winning concession bets 4 cents and double bets 4 cents. All monies bet after the Stewards declaration of withdrawal to be paid at face value of the ticket.  No deductions apply for Nuclear Force.

Trainer Mr A Edmonds was advised that a warning would now be placed on Conquering Queen and a barrier certificate must be obtained prior to racing again.  Given the circumstances where Nuclear Force was in the barriers for some time no action was taken.

Cerberus Gal was also examined behind the barriers and passed fit to run.

From the 600m Our Lona was unable to improve its position when held up for clear running until nearing the 200m.

C Lindop rider of Impressive Eagle was severely reprimanded under the provisions of AR137A(5)(a)(i) for using her whip for four consecutive strides prior to the 100m.  In arriving at this decision the Stewards took into account that it was C Lindop’s first offence.

D Nikolic rider of Glam Slam (NZ) could offer no explanation for the mare’s poor performance today.  A subsequent veterinary examination of Glam Slam (NZ) revealed no abnormalities.

A post race veterinary examination of Cerberus Gal revealed no abnormalities other than a slower than normal recovery.

The track was upgraded from Dead 4 to Good 3 at 12.10pm after the running of this race.

Race 3 – THE MOET & CHANDON - 1700 metres:  Mayneda Strategy was a late withdrawal at 7.57am on veterinary advice.

Azwa shifted in at the start and bumped Cassini Contest which then knuckled.

Pearl Of The Sea was slow to begin.

Near the 1500m Liffeybel shifted in and away from Azwa tightening the running of Souk Market which in turn shifted in causing Poison Ivy to be checked.  In all the circumstances the Stewards were satisfied the racing manners of Liffeybel was the major contributing factor and that no rider error was involved and therefore no further action was taken.

B Rawiller rider of Azwa pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provisions of AR137a, the careless riding being that near the 1400m he permitted his mount to shift in when not sufficiently clear of Liffeybel resulting in that horse being taken in onto Souk Market which suffered some crowding and was taken in across the rightful Running of Pearl Of The Sea which was checked.  B Rawiller had his license to ride in races suspended for a period to commence at midnight November 8^th and to expire at midnight November 18^th, a total of 11 race meetings (2 city, 9 country).  In assessing penalty Stewards took into account B Rawiller’s guilty plea, his good race riding record and that the interference was in the high range category.

As a result of this interference Poison Ivy was inconvenienced, Exceed Us had to be eased and Pass The Parcel had to be checked.

A post race veterinary examination of Pearl Of the Sea which performed below expectations revealed no abnormalities.

Race 4 – TCL ELECTRONICS STAKES (Listed) - 1200 metres:  Near the 900m Happy Hippy shifted in bumping the hindquarters of Gibraltar Moon resulting in Happy Hippy becoming quite unbalanced.

Passing the 300m Trim was held up for a clear run between My Girl Helen and Gibraltar Moon.  Subsequently Trim shifted out making contact with the hindquarters of Gibraltar Moon on more than one occasion putting that filly off balance.  K McEvoy rider of Trim was advised to exercise more care.

G Boss rider of Husskila (NZ) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provisions of AR137a, the careless riding being that approaching the 200m he permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Illusionary resulting in Illusionary having to be checked.  G Boss had his license to ride in races suspended for a period to commence at midnight November 8^th and to expire at midnight November 15^th, a total of 8 race meetings (2 city, 6 country).  In assessing penalty Stewards took into account G Boss’s guilty plea, his good race riding record and that the interference was in the mid-range category.

D Nikolic rider of Pretty (NZ) could offer no explanation for the disappointing performance today.

Race 5 – ALL GREYS 1400 - 1400 metres:  Translation jumped away awkwardly and lost ground.

Outlandish Lad was wide without cover in the early stages.

Near the 1100m No Jurisdiction shifted in after receiving a bump from Unleashed Hell when insufficiently clear of Not A Copy which was taken in across the rightful running of Our Grey Goose which had to be eased in consequence.  M Payne rider of No Jurisdiction was given the benefit of the doubt as the result of the bump from Unleashed Hell was nonetheless given a severe reprimand for permitting her mount to shift in when not clear.

K McEvoy rider of Boogaloo which performed below market expectations stated that in his opinion the mare may not be suited to today’s distance of 1400m.  K McEvoy added that Boogaloo appeared normal on return to scale.

M Payne rider of No Jurisdiction which performed below expectations explained that is was not her intention to lead on the gelding today however when No Jurisdiction commenced to over-race in the early stages she had little option but to allow the gelding to stride forward to the lead and she was of the opinion that leading and over-racing was detrimental to the gelding’s chances toady.

Race 6 – CROWN OAKS (Group 1) - 2500 metres:  On Wednesday November 4^th, trainer Mr G Ryan advised Stewards that Melito would be ridden more quietly in this event. 

Due to a clerical error Melito had not been released as having been approved to wear blinkers for the second time in this event.

The explanations of the trainers of Silent Surround, Zapurb and Well Rounded for being late on course due to a traffic accident were accepted.

Perfect Rhythm jumped away awkwardly then shifted out abruptly.

Also at the start Valdemoro shifted out and bumped Money Angel.

Passing the winning post the first time Princess Rage commenced to over-race and got its head up when being restrained off the heels of Savsbelle.  Shortly after this, Perfect Rhythm failed to negotiate the first turn, hung out causing crowding to Princess Rage, Valdemoro and Faint Perfume all of which were forced wider on the track.

After the running of the race the Club’s veterinary surgeon reported that Well Rounded was lame in the off fore leg.  Trainer Mr L Freedman was notified that a veterinary certificate of fitness is required prior to Well Rounded racing again.

A post race veterinary examination of Melito which performed below expectations revealed no abnormalities.

Race 7 – MYER SPRING FASHION STAKES (Listed) - 1800 metres:  After viewing the Stewards film, M Rodd rider of King Diamond, third past the post, lodged an objection against Viking Hero (M Zahra) being declared the winner alleging interference over the final 100m.  It was established that at the 50m Viking Hero shifted in and bumped King Diamond and from that point continued to take King Diamond in off its course to the winning post.  This resulted in M Rodd having to stop riding King Diamond nearing the winning post to avoid causing interference to Don Jose.  The Stewards were of the opinion that the degree of interference suffered to King Diamond exceeded the nose by a half head margin at the finish of the race therefore upheld the objection and amended the placings to read as follows: Turf Express - first place, King Diamond - second place and Viking Hero - third place, and correct weight was then declared.

Za Bullet and Kutchinsky were both slow to begin.

Near the 1700m Za Bullet, which commenced to over-race, had to be checked off the heels of Don Jose.

Near the 200m Za Bullet, which was commencing to give ground, had to be eased to avoid the heels of Viking Hero which shifted in slightly and King Diamond which shifted out and away from Don Jose after King Diamond was initially taken out by Don Jose.  In all the circumstances there were a number of contributing factors in this incident therefore no action was taken.

M Zahra (Viking Hero) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding under the provisions of AR137a, the careless riding being that inside the final 100m he permitted his mount to shift in whilst riding it along thereby taking King Diamond in to a point of Don Jose being tightened towards the winning post and placed in restricted room after the winning post and M Zahra failing to make sufficient effort to straighten his mount sooner than he did.  M Zahra had his license to ride in races suspended for a period to commence at midnight November 7^th and to expire at midnight November 13^th, a total of 7 meetings (1 city, 6 country).  In assessing penalty Stewards took into account that the interference was in the low range category.

Race 8 – GRAZIA ULTIMATE STYLE GUIDE STAKES (Listed) - 1100 metres:  Cardinal Virtue which was fractious in the barriers was removed from its stall and examined by the Club’s veterinary surgeon who passed the horse fit to run.

Passing Salute jumped away awkwardly.

Diplomatic Force was slow to begin.

Near the 900m Ferocia commenced to over-race quite badly and had to be checked off the heels of Final Arbiter and then shifted out abruptly causing crowding to Rocking All Right and Diplomatic Force which was checked.  In this incident Diplomatic Force made contact with the hindquarters of Keano (NZ) resulting in Keano (NZ) becoming unbalanced.

Near the 600m Ferocia had to be eased to avoid the heels of Final Arbiter which shifted out when not fully clear.  N Hall rider of Final Arbiter was issued with a reprimand for permitting his mount to shift ground when insufficiently clear of other runners.

Near the 200m Final Arbiter again shifted out in an effort to gain clear running from behind Diplomatic Force and in doing so bumped Rocking All RIght causing that horse to become unbalanced and forced wider on the track.

D Oliver rider of Trumuntana which performed below market expectations stated that in his opinion the gelding was not suited to the slower pace today and would be better suited in races run at a faster tempo.  A subsequent veterinary examination of Trumuntana revealed no abnormalities.

Post race veterinary examinations of Cardinal Virtue and Keano (NZ) both failed to reveal any abnormalities.

Race 9 – LA VIE EN ROSE VASE - 1600 metres:  Ship In The Night raced wide without cover.

Near the 100m Unapred was steadied to avoid the heels of Elmore.

C Williams reported at scale that in his opinion the track was too firm for Red Hustler today.  A post race veterinary examination of Red Hustler revealed no abnormalities.

Swab Samples

A total of 51 horses underwent pre-race blood screening on course today.

Pre-race blood for post-race analysis:

R2 – Royal Charades, R3 – Azwa, R4 – Marquardt (NZ), R5 – Go Forest Go, No Jurisdiction, R7 – Cheerful Jury, R8 – Cardinal Virtue, R9 – Bolle

Pre-race urine for post race analysis:

R2 – Solchow, R4 – Hush Up

Post race samples from following horses:

R1 – Tintern (winner), R2 – Very Discreet (winner), R3 – Umatain (winner), R4 – Trim (winner), R5 – Outlandish Lad (winner), R6 – Faint Perfume (winner), Valdemoro (second place), Savsbelle (third place), R7 – Viking Hero (third place), R8 – Burdekin Blues (winner), R9 – Sadalbari (winner)

Raceday Summary

Supplementary reports

Tuesday November 3^rd 2009

Trainer Mr D Hayes pleaded guilty to a charge under AR175j for insulting behaviour towards RVL appointed veterinary surgeons during the course of their duties.  The particulars being that on Melbourne Cup morning, November 3^rd he made a comment through various media outlets, including free to air television, making reference to RVL appointed veterinary surgeons as knuckleheads. In assessing penalty Stewards did take into account Mr Hayes’s guilty plea and unblemished record and Mr Hayes was fined the sum of $2000.

Race 7 – EMIRATES MELBOURNE CUP (Group 1) - 3200 metres:  C Brown rider of Shocking pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provisions of AR137a, the careless riding being that near the 1700m he permitted his mount to shift in when not sufficiently clear of Kibbutz (NZ) resulting in tightening to that horse which in turn shifted in making contact with Alcopop which became unbalanced.  C Brown had his license to ride in races suspended for a period to commence at midnight November 7^th and to expire at midnight November 16^th a total of 10 race meetings (2 city, 8 country).  In assessing penalty Stewards took into account the interference was in the mid-range category and C Brown’s guilty plea and no allowance was made for his record.

C Brown (Shocking) was found guilty of a charge under AR137A(3) for using his whip in an unnecessary manner approaching the winning post, by hitting the horse down the shoulder during a celebratory gesture.  C Brown was fined $500.

L Nolen rider of Ista Kareem was fined the sum of $300 under the provisions of AR137A(5)(a)(ii) for using his whip eight times prior to the 100m which is three more than is permissible.

Futures deductions

R2 – scratch Tango’s Choice, Belle’s Ready, Bon Marche, Warm Whispers, Nuclear Force & Conquering Queen.  All bets between official scratching time and 11:52am less 4c win and 5c place.

R6 – scratch Livia.  All bets between acceptance time & official scratching time less 10c win & 10c place.

R7 – scratch Tamland.  All bets between acceptance time & official scratching time less 2c win & 3c place.

R8 – scratch Bocuse.  No deductions, runner taken out of market.