STEWARDS’ REPORT

Newcastle Jockey Club 

NEWCASTLE RACECOURSE

Saturday, 18 November 2023

Weather:                 Fine

Track:                      Good (4)

Rail:                         True

COMMITTEE OF STEWARDS:  T P Moxon (Chairman), J B Marshall, R W Loughlin, K E Blanch and S K Morrish                                                                                                                                                                                                 jl

RACE 1:  NZB Airfreight Max Lees Classic 900m

Market Magic – Shortly after the start was bumped by Erno’s Cube, which shifted out.  T Clark reported the colt, which was having its first race start, was stirred up prior to the running of the event.  He said that, having regard to the colt’s pre-race manners, it was unable to finish the race off in the straight.  A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.  Following the event T Clark was dislodged from Market Magic.  T Clark was cleared to fulfill his remaining engagements.

Efharisto – A post-race veterinary examination revealed the filly to have bled from both nostrils.  Stable representative Mr D Beadman was told, as it was the first occasion, Efharisto would now be subject to the embargoes under AR79(4).

Erno’s Cube – Shifted out on jumping and bumped Market Magic.  Held up from the 400m to the 300m.

Gimme Gimme – Began only fairly.

Nymphadora – Raced wide and without cover throughout the event.

Shoutaboutit – Raced wide and without cover throughout the event.

RACE 2:  Karaka 2024 Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap 1600m

Toesonthenose – After shifting to the running rail near the 1000m, was steadied from the heels of Unamerican, when that runner itself was being restrained.

Unamerican – When the pace of the race reduced approaching the first turn near the 1000m commenced to race keenly and was restrained from the heels of Alastor.

Cosmic Field – From the outside barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages.

Resistible – A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to be displaying cardiac arrhythmia for the first time. Stable representative Mr S McLean was advised of the provisions of the Racing Australia Code of Practice under AR88B(2)(b).

Modern Millie – Raced wide and without cover from the 800m.

Touch Of Navy – The gelding was a late scratching at 11.53am when it was found to be 2/5 lame in the off-foreleg.  Trainer J. Bannister was advised to provide a veterinarian’s certificate of fitness prior to the gelding racing/trialling again.

Stray – Slow to begin.

Let Me Reign – When questioned, R Jones stated that he was instructed to ride the horse in a forward position.  He added that, after obtaining a prominent position in the early stages, he was content to allow Alastor, which was improving to his outside, to cross to the lead, with the view of then racing outside that runner.  He said that, after being crossed by Alastor, that runner reduced the tempo and, when Resistible became awkwardly placed on its heels and immediately shifted out prior to him being able to improve in advance of it. He said that, as a consequence, Let Me Reign was carried to a three wide position.  He added that he then allowed Let Me Reign to stride forward, whereby he was able to obtain a position outside the lead near the 800m.

Sian – When the pace of the race reduced in the middle stages, commenced to race keenly and was steadied from the heels of Toesonthenose.

Street Candi – Raced keenly in the middle stages.  Rounding the home turn was taken back through the field when awkwardly positioned behind Resistible when that runner gave ground quickly from the 500m.

RACE 3:  TAB Highway Handicap 1600m

Imatruestar – Had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the straight.

Rematch – When questioned regarding Rematch racing in the lead, N Rawiller stated that he was instructed, from the wide barrier, to ride the gelding conservatively.  He said, after beginning extremely well, he was neutral on the horse in the initial stages and was assessing whether there was going to be a position for him with cover.  He added that, when there was no pressure from the runners positioned to his inside, when Rematch was still holding a relatively prominent position, he then allowed the gelding to improve forward, whereby he obtained the lead near the 1300m.

Sharp Shock – Shortly after the start was crowded between Magic Pharoah and Skyforger, which shifted in.

Skyforger – Raced wide and without cover throughout the event.

Echoes Of My Mind – App. J Stanley pleaded guilty to a charge under AR132(7)(a)(ii) in that he used the whip on 9 occasions (4 more than permitted) prior to the 100m.  App. Stanley was fined $300.  When questioned regarding his riding in the middle stages and as to whether there was an opportunity to continue forward to cross Rematch and race on the rail, App. J Stanley stated that he was instructed to ride the gelding in a forward position, preferably with cover.  He added, after obtaining a position outside of Rematch in the early stages, he was content to remain racing in this position, however, after leaving the 1200m Rematch was then eased, which resulted in Echoes Of My Mind racing in advance of that runner.  He said he then continued forward to cross Rematch approaching the first turn near the 1000m, however, when the gelding did not respond to his riding and he felt he would have had to have made a considerable amount of use of the gelding to cross Rematch, he elected to remain racing in a one off position in an attempt to have Echoes Of My Mind travel as best as possible from the 800m.  App. Stanley added that Echoes Of My Mind then came under pressure rounding the home turn and was one-paced in the straight.

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

Rossy’s Typa Girl – Slow to begin (2L).

Captain Underpantz – Slow to begin.

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

Leica Model – Blundered on jumping.

Reet Petite – Raced very wide and without cover throughout the event.

Magic Pharoah – Raced keenly throughout the early stages.

Candy Kiss – Near the 350m had to be steadied when crowded by Leica Model when that runner was taken in by Satay Chicken (J Parr).  In issuing a reprimand against J Parr, Stewards were mindful that J Parr had made an attempt to correct Satay Chicken prior to Candy Kiss being crowded.

RACE 4:  NZB Insurance F&M Benchmark 78 Handicap 1400m

Missy Moola – Began awkwardly.  After being crossed by Portray near the 900m, commenced to race keenly and was steadied from the heels of that runner a short distance later.  Held up from the 400m until passing the 200m.

Portray – N Rawiller reported that Portray travelled satisfactorily in the lead throughout the early and middle stages.  He said, however, that Portray came under pressure in the early part of the straight, where it failed to respond to his riding and, after giving ground near the 300m, when he had concerns with its action, he desisted from riding the mare over the final 150m.  A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.  Stewards will follow up on the post-race condition of Portray, at which time they will consider what action is taken against the mare.

Hide Your Heart – Passing the 200m was bumped by Fairway Star when that runner was taken out by Extra Smart.

Running Bear – Trainer Ms J Bowen was advised a warning would be recorded against the mare in respect to being difficult to load.

Fairway Star – Began only fairly and then from a wide barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages.  Passing the 200m became unbalanced when bumped by Extra Smart (App. J Stanley), which shifted out under riding.  App. Stanley was reprimanded.  A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

Extra Smart – Near the 1000m, when racing keenly, was steadied from the heels of Missy Moola.  Near the 200m shifted out, made contact with Fairway Star and became unbalanced.

Chase My Crown – D Gibbons stated that rounding the home turn he was trailing Extra Smart.  He said that when that runner shifted out he was able to improve trailing Missy Moola, a horse he felt would take him into the race.  He said, however, when Missy Moola was unable to obtain clear running and became held up, he was unable to place Chase My Crown under pressure until the 200m, when he shifted to the outside of Running Bear.

RACE 5:  Alf Kneebone Trans-Tasman Trophy Benchmark 88 Handicap 1850m

Camaguey – Had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the straight.  App. Z Lloyd dropped his whip passing the 200m. 

Pervade – Inside the 50m was inconvenienced by Wineglass Bay, which was taken out by

Wineglass Bay – Near the 50m was inconvenienced by I’mintowin, which shifted out slightly when racing tight with Wineglass Bay.

I’mintowin – Near the 50m, when racing tight to the inside of Wineglass Bay, shifted out, resulting in its rider having to stop riding and correct his mount.

RACE 6:  New Zealand Bloodstock The Beauford 2300m

Numerian – Had difficulty obtaining clear running from the 400m until near the 250m.

Stockman – N Rawiller reported that his mount failed to quicken when placed under pressure on the Good 4 surface and in his opinion, Stockman is better suited racing on tracks with more give.  A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

Parry Sound – Held up in the early part of the straight, before shifting to the inside of Sky Lab near the 350m to obtain clear running.  Approaching and passing the 200m was held up and unable to be tested.

Olympic Gaze – Began only fairly and shortly after the start was hampered by Canberra Legend, which was taken in.

Canberra Legend – Shortly after the start was bumped on the shoulder by Sky Lab and, as a consequence, became unbalanced and blundered.  When questioned, T Schiller reported that he was instructed to ride the horse in a forward position, however, after suffering interference soon after the start, the horse settled further back than intended.  He added that, when the tempo reduced in the middle stages, Canberra Legend commenced to race a little keenly and, therefore, he elected to commence a forward move, whereby he was able to obtain the lead near the 1100m.  T Schiller said, although he made a forward move mid race, he felt he was able to obtain the lead without having to make significant use of the horse and for this reason he was disappointed in the manner in which Canberra Legend finished off the race.  T Schiller further stated that the horse may have come to the end of a long preparation.  A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.  Stewards will follow up on the post-race condition of Canberra Legend in the days subsequent.

Youth Spirit(IRE) – Had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the straight.  Near the 200m, when giving ground, was eased from the heels of Canberra Legend, which shifted out.

Andalus – Bounded on jumping and then from the outside barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages.

Tapildoodledo – Approaching the winning post on the first occasion was restrained when crowded between Parry Sound (R Bayliss) and Stroke Of Luck (App. Z Lloyd), due to both runners shifting slight ground.  R Bayliss and App. Lloyd were advised to exercise more care.  R Jones reported that his saddle shifted back soon after the start.

RACE 7:  New Zealand Bloodstock 3YO Spring Stakes (Group 3) 1600m

Kintyre – Shortly after the start shifted in and bumped Influential.

Influential – Shortly after the start was bumped by Kintyre, which shifted in.  J Parr reported that, when obliged to race wide and without cover throughout the event, Influential raced fiercely and refused to settle.  He added, after giving ground soon after straightening, he desisted from testing Influential and eased the horse down from the 200m.  A post-race veterinary examination of the gelding which was beaten 28L did not reveal any abnormalities.  Stable representative Mr Z Jones was told Influential must barrier trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards prior to racing again.

Invincible Spy – T Clark reported that, after obtaining the lead, the colt travelled satisfactorily throughout the early and middle stages.  He said, however, Invincible Spy came under pressure rounding the home turn and failed to respond to his riding.  He added, after giving ground in the early part of the straight, he then desisted from testing the colt over the final 200m.  A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.  Stewards will follow up on the post-race condition of Invincible Spy in the days subsequent.

Jurisprudence – From a wide barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages.  Passing the 400m was bumped by Metallic Ruler, which shifted out.

Metallic Ruler – Passing the 400m shifted out and bumped Jurisprudence.

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

Until Valhalla – R King reported that the filly travelled well throughout the early and middle stages, however, was one-paced when placed under pressure in the straight and, in her opinion, raced flat. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

Vieste – The filly underwent a pre-race veterinary examination and was deemed suitable to race.  From the outside barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages.  Passing the 400m was bumped by Jurisprudence, which was taken out by Metallic Ruler.

Genzano – App. Z Lloyd reported that the filly settled in a forward position at its most recent starts in weaker grade and smaller fields.  He said, being up in grade and drawn wide, he was instructed to obtain cover to ensure the horse settled.  He said for this reason, when there was genuine tempo in the early stages, he was able to shift behind runners soon after the start to obtain a position midfield on the rail.

Just In Time – D Gibbons reported that the filly travelled well in a prominent position and trailed the favourite, Invincible Spy, throughout the early and middle stages.  He said that, when that runner did not quicken as he had anticipated it would, Just In Time was held up behind Invincible Spy rounding the home turn until approaching the 200m.  He added, however, when under pressure from the 200m, Just In Time did not respond to his riding and was disappointing.  A post-race veterinary examination revealed the filly to be 2/5 lame in the off-hind leg.  Co-trainer Mr W Freedman was advised a veterinary clearance would be required prior to Just In Time barrier trialling or racing again. Mr Freedman advised that Just In Time will be sent for a spell.

Kind Words – Held up rounding the home turn and in the early part of the straight.

RACE 8:  The Newcastle Herald Hunter 1300m

Mazu – Blundered badly on jumping.

King Of Sparta – Held up rounding the home turn and unable to improve.

Rustic Steel – From the outside barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages.

Dark Destroyer – Slow to begin and then from a wide barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages.

Sinawann – From a wide barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages.  Raced keenly throughout the early stages.

Opal Ridge – App. D Gibbons reported that, although obliged to race wide and without cover throughout the event, he was still somewhat disappointed with the performance of Opal Ridge, which failed to respond to his riding in the straight.  A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

Dajraan – A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

RACE 9:  NZB Kurt Fearnley Legend Mile Benchmark 78 Handicap 1600m

Manbehindthemoney – The gelding was a late scratching at 5.21pm on veterinary advice after kicking out and making heavy contact with the back gate.  The Stewards ruled that all monies invested on Manbehindthemoney be refunded in full and that all successful wagers made prior to 5.21pm be subject to the following deductions in the face value of each ticket:

1^st Tavi Time 10 cents win 7 cents place

2^nd Promitto 16 cents place

3^rd Colour Sergeant 15 cents place

Trainer Ms A Neasham was advised a veterinary clearance is required prior to Manbehindthemoney racing or barrier trialling again.

Major Artie – Raced wide and without cover throughout the event.

Sweet Mercy – A Hyeronimus reported that, as notified to Stewards, he was instructed to ride the mare in a more forward position.  He added that Sweet Mercy was fractious after being loaded into the barriers and, as a consequence, was slow to begin and settled at the rear of the field.  A Hyeronimus further stated that Sweet Mercy raced flat and failed to close its race off.  A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.  Stewards will follow up on the post-race condition of Sweet Mercy in the days subsequent.

The Hungarian – After beginning only fairly, was steadied when crowded between Tavi Time and Pandano, which shifted out.

Tavi Time – D Gibbons reported that the gelding got its head up and raced ungenerously for a short distance passing the 1200m.

RACE 10:  2024 TAB Karaka Millions Benchmark 94 Handicap 1300m

Acquitted – Began awkwardly. When questioned regarding his riding rounding the home turn and in the early part of the straight, N Rawiller stated that he trailed Capo Strada from the 600m.  He added that when Capo Strada shifted out slightly rounding the home turn, Acquitted improved to the inside of that runner.  He added when Fender was commencing to give ground, he was unable to improve towards the inside and, as a consequence, he was obliged to wait until Capo Strada had quickened to be in a position to shift out from the inside of that runner.  He said that, when a run then developed between Capo Strada and Ita near the 300m, he was able to place the gelding under full pressure, where it closed the race off well.

Fender – A Hyeronimus reported that from the inside barrier he was instructed to obtain a forward position.  He added, however, that with the genuine tempo of the event, Fender was at its top and was not able to travel comfortably throughout the early and middle stages.  He said that, when Fender failed to respond to his riding in the early part of the straight, he then desisted from riding it out over the final 200m.  A Hyeronimus added that, in his opinion, Fender may appreciate racing on tracks with more give.  A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

Secret Plan – Slow to begin.  Near the 150m was bumped by Ita, which shifted out.

Capo Strada – Held up rounding the home turn.

Ita – Near the 150m shifted out and bumped Secret Plan.

GENERAL:

Summary of whip use:

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:  Gram, Erno’s Cube (2), Efharisto.

Race 2:  Resistible, Modern Millie, Let Me Reign, Stray.

Race 3:  Rematch (2), Satay Chicken, Devocean, Sharp Shock.

Race 4:  Missy Moola, Hide Your Heart, Fairway Star, Zoe’s Promise.

Race 5:  King Of The Castle, Camaguey, Pervade (2).

Race 6:  Sky Lab, Torrens (2), Parry Sound, Tapildoodledo.

Race 7:  Kintyre, Invincible Spy, Until Valhalla, Kind Words.

Race 8:  Mazu, Coal Crusher (2), Excellent Proposal, Rocketing By (2), Military Expert.

Race 9:  Oakfield Waratah, Sweet Mercy, Pandano, Promitto.

Race 10:  Much Much Better, Marnix, Acquitted.