STEWARDS REPORT

Australian Turf Club

ROYAL RANDWICK RACECOURSE

Kensington Track

Wednesday 18 May 2022

Weather:                 Fine

Track:                     Soft (7)

Rail:                        +4m entire circuit

Penetrometer:         5.69

COMMITTEE OF STEWARDS:C. L. Albrecht (Chairman), S. G. Railton, T. J. Vassallo, J. J. E. Earl and Cadets K. A. Smart and B. A. Boyce-Mortlock.

(kh)

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Supplementary Reports:

Scone Race Club Saturday 14 May 2022

Race 9 – Emirates Park Ortensia Stakes 1100m:

Surreal Step– Stewards thought it appropriate to question A. Collett in respect of her riding of the gelding, particularly approaching the home turn and in the early stages of the straight. A. Collett advised that her instructions were to switch off Surreal Step and have her mount relax so that it could hit the line, which was consistent with the manner in which it had been ridden when having its first start for trainer B. Widdup at Hawkesbury on 30 April 2022. She stated further that after being brushed by Roheryn at the start she initially rode Surreal Step quietly in keeping with her instructions, however, with the strong tempo in the early stages she was obliged to ride the gelding along from the 800m in an endeavour to take up a closer position behind the runners in advance. She said that joining the course proper at the 600m she had the option of following either Vulpine, which was racing in a one-off position, or Eleven Eleven, and as she considered Eleven Eleven to be a strong winning chance and a horse she knew would close off strongly, she elected to follow that runner rounding the home turn and on straightening she then shifted her mount out in an endeavour to improve. When questioned as to why she did not continue to pursue a run to the outside, A. Collet said that soon after straightening she shifted her mount out away from the heels of Eleven Eleven, however, identified that The Bopper, which had been racing wide and without cover, was losing ground and as she had advanced too far inside the heels of that runner, she then was unable to shift out across the heels of The Bopper without having to restrain Surreal Step heavily. She said, therefore, she elected to shift back to the inside where she identified there was an opportunity to improve. A. Collett said that she had formed the view that by this stage of the meeting the going near the inside was not inferior, which had been reinforced by the fact that the previous winner had made its run near the inside. She said that after making ground quickly, Surreal Step then became held up and was not able to obtain clear running until approaching the 100m. A. Collett said that in retrospect she would have been better to have followed Vulpine approaching the home turn rather than Eleven Eleven, but her decision at that stage of the race was based on her assessment of Eleven Eleven being the better option to follow. When questioned trainer B. Widdup confirmed that he had instructed A. Collett to ride Surreal Step quietly and anticipated the gelding would settle near the rear of the field. He said that whilst there was no specific instruction as to which part of the straight A. Collett was to make her finishing run, he would have preferred for Surreal Step to have continued its run to the outside, however, acknowledged that when the gelding had become held up A. Collett had made a prompt decision to shift back to the inside in an endeavour to find clear running. After considering the evidence tendered and reviewing the videos, the Stewards agreed with jockey Collett’s assessment that the better option would have been to trail Vulpine from the 600m, however, were satisfied that her riding was not unreasonable to the extent that it was culpable under the Rules.

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RACE 1: TAB Handicap 1100m:

Baroque Road– Slow to begin. Raced greenly and shifted ground on a number of occasions in the straight.

Bernasconi– Rider W. Pike reported that the colt was somewhat stirred up pre-race. He added that shortly after the start Bernasconi blundered and in his view was not entirely comfortable on today’s racing surface. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

Oriental Tycoon– Shortly after the start was bumped by Toronomica. Held up upon entering the home straight and at the 300m had to be steadied from the heels of the weakening Red Card. Approaching the 100m was obliged to alter course to the outside of the heels of Miss Black Diamond to continue into clear running.  Rider S. Clipperton reported that it was his intention to settle in a more prominent position, however, after turning its head as the start was effected, Oriental Tycoon was slow to begin and as a consequence settled further back than anticipated.

Miss Black Diamond– Raced wide and without cover throughout the event.

Priority– Began only fairly and from the outside barrier then was shifted behind runners in the early stages.

Spicy Hotpot– Laid in in the early and middle stages. Leaving the 200m was obliged to shift out abruptly across the heels of Captain Bond to continue into clear running.

Red Card– Approaching the 800m had to be eased to avoid the heels of Baroque Road (N. Rawiller), which shifted in when not fully clear. Whilst Stewards acknowledged that Red Card had commenced to overrace leading up to the incident, N. Rawiller was advised to exercise more care. When questioned regarding the performance, K. McEvoy stated that the filly was somewhat stirred up in its preliminary and, as a consequence, raced keenly in the early stages and after being crossed by Baroque Red near the 800m then commenced to race fiercely. He added that near the 600m Red Card improved to the inside of the heels of Ningaloo Star and, as a consequence, had to be restrained. He further added that Red Card raced greenly in the early stages of the straight and due to its racing manners was unable to finish its race off. A post-race veterinary examination revealed Red Card to be slow to recover.

RACE 2: Hyland Race Colours Handicap 1100m:

Desert Mist– After being slow to begin then was shifted behind runners in the early stages from its wide barrier. K. Latham reported that the gelding raced greenly throughout the event.

Fire Power– A post-race veterinary examination of Fire Power, which raced wide and without cover and subsequently weakened in the home straight, revealed the colt to be slow to recover.

I’m A Shaker– A. Collett reported that the colt made the home turn awkwardly and was not entirely comfortable in its action and, as a consequence, commenced to weaken over the final 200m. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the colt to be slow to recover.

Secret Revolution– Near the 300m was disappointed for a run between Ahoy and I’m A Shaker, which shifted in after initially shifting out when rounding the home turn. As a consequence, Secret Revolution was held up until inside the 200m.

Shadow Vampire– Slow to begin. Approaching the 100m shifted in under pressure, requiring its rider to stop riding and straighten.

Ahoy– Began awkwardly.

Koshu– Near the 700m was inconvenienced and obliged to steady away from the heels of Silentsar, which after initially shifting in then was corrected by its rider and shifted out.

Lucky Variety– As H. Bowman was overweight, K. McEvoy was substituted as the rider of the filly. H. Bowman was fined $200 under AR190(3). Near the 300m had to be eased when momentarily held up behind Fire Power and consequently, was obliged to alter course to the outside of Silentsar to continue into clear running.

Veravino– Raced keenly in the middle stages and passing the 600m had to be restrained from the heels of Secret Revolution. When questioned regarding his riding rounding the home turn, J. Collett explained that he had contemplated following Lucky Variety, however, as his mount had improved to the inside of the heels of that runner, he would have been obliged to restrain his mount in an endeavour to trail Lucky Variety. He added that on straightening he had anticipated Secret Revolution obtaining clear running between Ahoy and I’m A Shaker, which would have allowed him to trail that runner and improve into the race, however, when Secret Revolution was disappointed for this run, he was obliged to steady his mount and was then held up for clear running until the 200m whereby he was able to place the filly under pressure.

RACE 3: Admire Mars @ Arrowfield Handicap 1550m:

Podium– When questioned regarding the gelding leading today, J. Collett explained that his instructions were to ride the gelding in a forward position, anticipating being behind the leaders. He said that after beginning well from the inside barrier and without pressuring his mount, when no rider of any other runner showed intent to lead, he was left in the leading position whereby, in his view, his mount raced too keenly. He said as a consequence Podium failed to respond to his riding in the straight and weakened. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be slow to recover. Stewards will follow up on the post-race condition of Podium in the days subsequent.

Brillar– When questioned regarding the gelding settling towards the rear of the field, which appeared to be in contrast to its most recent starts, K. McEvoy explained that from the widest barrier, after travelling a short distance it became apparent to him that he would be caught racing wide due to a number of runners drawn to his inside showing good early speed and therefore he elected to restrain Brillar and settle back in the field with cover. He added that when the pace steadied near the 600m Brillar commenced to overrace and when rounding the home turn, when Tympanist commenced to improve, he was unable to maintain his position and was forced wider. He added that Brillar raced flat and failed to finish off the race, and, in his view, would be better suited when able to settle in a more prominent position. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

O’Not A Doubt– R. King stated that the only excuse she could offer for the performance of the gelding, which weakened in the straight, was that O’Not A Doubt was up significantly in class. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

Terrameades– Slow to begin and shortly afterwards made contact with Vyner. Cast the near-hind plate during running.

Vyner– The gelding, which had its head turned to the nearside, was slow to begin as the start was effected.

Toesonthenose– Approaching the 200m raced tight between Duke Of Gordon and Terrameades.

Tympanist– From a wide barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages.

RACE 4: Vinery Yearlings Handicap 1300m:

Mad As Zariz– App. E. Hennessy reported that the gelding travelled well in the early and middle stages, however, after rounding the home turn, when afforded clear running, failed to respond to her riding and weakened over the latter stages. She added that in her view Mad As Zariz may have been affected by the period of time between its last start on 24 March 2022 and today’s event. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be slow to recover.

Escaped– When questioned W. Pike stated that it was his intention to lead the event. He said that near the 1000m when a number of runners were vying for the lead, which resulted in a strong early tempo, rather than continue to pressure his mount to obtain the lead, he elected to ease the gelding to obtain a position off the speed with cover. He added that Escaped travelled satisfactorily through the middle stages but failed to respond to his riding in the straight and was disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Stewards will follow-up on the post-race condition of Escaped in the days subsequent.

Naval Warfare– From the outside barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages.

Savvy Legend– Began only fairly and from a wide barrier then was shifted behind runners in the early stages.

Real Key– Passing the 1000m raced in restricted room to the inside of Briars Kingdom, which shifted in slightly.

RACE 5: PKF Handicap 1400m:

Black Queen– Began awkwardly. When commencing to close its race off over the final stages could not be fully tested when placed close to the heels of Niffler.

Sensationalisation– The mare, which was restless in the barriers, then began only fairly and shortly afterwards was hampered by Merlinite, which shifted out. Near the 400m became unbalanced when bumped by Finepoint (H. Bowman), which shifted out. H. Bowman was advised to exercise more care. W. Pike reported that, as advertised, his instructions were to settle in a more forward position with the option to lead. He said that after riding aggressively in the early stages he was able to obtain a position outside the leader, Jeanne D’Arc, whereby Sensationalisation travelled satisfactorily through the middle stages. He added that after being bumped and becoming unbalanced on entering the home straight, his mount failed to respond to his riding thereafter and was disappointing with its finishing effort. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Stewards will follow up on the post-race condition of Sensationalisation in the days subsequent.

Sequana– Began only fairly and shortly afterwards was crowded between Ita and Jeanne D’Arc, which shifted in.

Segrill– Began awkwardly and from its wide barrier then was shifted behind runners in the early stages.

Merlinite– Began only fairly, shifted out and made contact with Sensationalisation. From its wide barrier Merlinite then was shifted behind runners in the early stages.

Jeanne D’Arc– Shortly after the start shifted in and made contact with Sequana.

RACE 6: First Justify Yearlings Handicap 1100m:

Hollywood Gossip– App. T. Schiller stated that after being pressured in the lead, the filly, which was resuming today, did not respond to his riding in the straight and weakened. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the filly to be slow to recover.

Deep Romance– S. Clipperton reported that after being bumped on the hindquarter by Po Kare Kare on jumping and becoming unbalanced, Deep Romance failed to muster any early speed despite his efforts and, as a consequence, settled much further back in the field than anticipated.

Phule– Began awkwardly and from the outside barrier then was shifted behind runners in the early stages.

Po Kare Kare– J. McDonald reported that the filly slipped behind on jumping, and became unbalanced after making contact with Deep Romance and, consequently, lost ground at the start. He added that as a result of this Po Kare Kare settled further back than he would have liked.

Sachello– Shortly after the start was bumped by Deep Romance and became slightly unbalanced. App. R. Jones reported that the filly was not suited on the Soft (7) track. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the filly to be lame (1/5) in the near-hind leg, and to have lost its near-hind plate during running. Trainer Mr M. Dunn was advised that a veterinary clearance will be required before Sachello is permitted to race/barrier trial again.

Prasiolite– Began only fairly and from its wide barrier then was shifted behind runners in the early stages. Near the 350m had to be steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of No Statement, which lost ground after being checked. A short distance later passing the 300m Prasiolite had to be checked when tightened for room between Phule, which shifted in marginally away from Po Kare Kare, and No Statement (App. E. Hennessy), which shifted out. In electing not to issue a careless riding charge against App. E. Hennessy, Stewards were mindful that her mount had sustained interference only a short distance prior to this incident and that No Statement had shifted marginally after being rebalanced and placed under pressure for a short distance. App. Hennessy, however, was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. T. Berry reported that after receiving interference in the early stages of the home straight and when out of contention he desisted from continuing to pressure his mount over the concluding stages.

No Statement– Raced wide and without cover until the 600m. Leaving the 400m had to be checked when tightened for room between Glittery, which was inclined to lay in after being contacted on the hindquarter, and Miss Maz (K. McEvoy), which shifted out. K. McEvoy was reprimanded.

Miss Maz– K. McEvoy reported that the filly travelled too keenly when racing three wide and without cover outside the leaders and, consequently, weakened in the straight.

Captain George– Raced keenly in the middle stages and near the 600m had to be steadied from the heels of Sachello. Captain George continued to race keenly thereafter.

RACE 7: PKF Sydney Handicap 1550m:

From The Bush– Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Stewards identified from the inquiry room that G. Buckley had used his whip on nine occasions prior to the 100m, which was more than permitted under the rule. When Stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that From The Bush had gained an advantage that resulted in it finishing in 2^nd place in the race, in accordance with AR221(2), they declined to exercise their powers under AR132(10) and did not proceed with a formal protest. At a subsequent inquiry G. Buckley pleaded guilty to a charge under AR132(7)(a)(ii) for using his whip on nine occasions prior to the 100m. G. Buckley was fined $200.

Spanish Point– Laid out under pressure in the home straight.

So United– App. T. Sherry was unable to offer any explanation for the gelding failing to finish off in the straight. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

Commander Bell– W. Pike reported that his mount did not feel comfortable in its action in the straight. A post-race veterinary examination revealed Commander Bell to be bilaterally lame behind. Trainer Mr B. Partelle was advised that a veterinary clearance will be required before Commander Bell is permitted to race/barrier trial again.

Battenburg– Raced wide and without cover throughout the event.

Island Bay Boy– From a wide barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages.

Norman– C. Schofield reported that the gelding travelled comfortably behind the leaders, however, when the pace quickened rounding the home turn, Norman dropped the bit and did not respond to his riding thereafter and gave ground. He said when the gelding was out of contention, he did not test it over the final 200m as he was concerned there may be something amiss. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be displaying cardiac arrhythmia. Trainer Mr C. Waller was advised that a veterinary clearance, including the results of an ECG, will be required before Norman performs in a barrier trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards.

RACE 8: Victor Ludorum @ Darley Handicap 1100m:

Buckin’ Beauty – Began awkwardly, shifted out abruptly and bumped Zain’s Girl.

Prince Invincible – When questioned regarding the gelding leading, K. Latham said that, as advised to Stewards, the intention was to endeavour to find cover behind the leaders. He said, however, that Prince Invincible began well and when there was not the anticipated speed from runners to his inside, he elected to allow his mount to stride forward when the gelding was racing too keenly in the early stages rather than risking remaining wide and without cover.

Broken Hill – Passing the 100m shifted out and away from Prince Invincible and made contact with Deep Finesse. T. Berry reported that the colt began awkwardly, lost ground and as a result settled further back than intended. He added that Broken Hill overraced in the early and middle stages when racing amongst horses.

Deep Finesse – Passing the 100m became unbalanced after being bumped by Broken Hill, which was taken out by Prince Invincible. When questioned regarding the performance, J. McDonald stated that the colt travelled well through the early and middle stages, however, was disappointing in the manner in which it closed off the race. He said, however, that he expressed to connections that the colt did not appear to have its mind on the job and they may consider gelding the horse. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Trainer Mr J. Thompson confirmed that in light of today’s performance Deep Finesse would be spelled and also would be gelded during this period. Stewards advised Mr Thompson that Deep Finesse would be required to barrier trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards prior to being permitted to race again.

Kattegat – Began awkwardly. Held up in the early stages of the home straight. When questioned regarding his riding rounding the home turn and in the straight, W. Pike explained that when rounding the home turn his intentions were to shift to the outside of runners, however, when Broken Hill shifted out abruptly in advance of his mount, taking Buckin’ Beauty wider, rather than restrain his mount and shift wider at this stage, he elected to opt for runs back to the inside. He said that after doing so, shortly after he was obliged to steady when awkwardly placed at the heels of High Cost near the 350m. He added that near the 150m, due to the runners in advance of him again shifting out, he felt it was in his mount’s best interests to shift in to continue into clear running, whereby Kattegat finished off the race well. Stewards were satisfied that W. Pike’s riding was reasonable given the circumstances.

Safado – Bumped on jumping by Zain’s Girl, which was taken out. From the outside barrier then Safado then was shifted behind runners in the early stages.

Zain’s Girl – On jumping lost ground when crowded between Safado and Buckin’ Beauty, which shifted out abruptly. From a wide barrier Zain’s Girl then was shifted behind runners in the early stages.

GENERAL:

Summary of whip use

The Stewards noted the following riders exceeded the permitted strikes of the whip prior to the 100m under AR132(7)(a)(ii). Bearing in mind the totality of whip use, no action was taken.

Swab samples were taken from all winners and the following runners:

Race 1: Captain Bond, Oriental Tycoon, Toronomica

Race 2: Secret Revolution, Silentsar (2)

Race 3: O’Not A Doubt, Terrameades, Vyner,

Race 4: Mad As Zariz, Azarmin, Oakfield Twilight, Briars Kingdom

Race 5: Niffler (2), Finepoint

Race 6: Deep Romance, Sachello, My Snow Queen

Race 7: From The Bush, So United, Commander Bell, Karlstad, Fields Of Honour

Race 8: Buckin’ Beauty, Deep Finesse, Kattegat, Sur La Mer