Stewards Report Walcha Jockey Club Walcha RACECOURSE

Friday 7th February 2020

Weather: Fine Track: Soft (7) – Heavy (8) 3.27pm – (9) 4pm Rail: True

Committee of Stewards: S Cullen (Chairman), J Marshall, J Penfold & K Blanch (Trainee).

Riding Changes: Race 1: B Looker replaced M Paget (transport) Race 5: J Kehoe replaced M Paget B Cray replaced K Stanley (transport) Race 8: J Kehoe replaced J Worley (transport)

Race 1: Class 3 Handicap 1440m Malzoom – began awkwardly, shifted in abruptly and was unbalanced. a post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding displayed a slow recovery rate. Trainer Mr. G Groth said that Malzoom would be spelled.

Lookin’ Alive – was crowded at the start, then over raced during the early stages.

Olivia’s Girl – crowded at the start.

Race 2: Maiden Plate 1440m Luck In Running – a post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormality.

Treble Clef – began very awkwardly and was slow away, then was held up and unbale to go forward for some distance approaching the home turn.

Nature Boy – began awkwardly and was slow away. Trainer Mrs. L Selby was advised that a warning for unruly pre-race behavior and poor performance would be placed on the geldings racing record.

Mistress Rosetta – when questioned relative to the altered riding tactics, B Hodder explained that her mount which had previously raced behind midfield in the early stages of its races, began very well today and to avoid being trapped wide she elected to ride forward in the early stages.

Good As Gold – was kicked by another runner in the mounting enclosure and scratched on veterinary advice. When correct weight was declared it was ordered that all bets made on Good As Gold be refunded in full and with regard to betting with bookmakers, all successful wagers placed prior to 1.52pm be subject to the following deduction on the face value of the betting ticket: 1st Olympic Fame – 0 cents Win & 2 cents Place 2nd Cross Eyed Mary – 2 cents Place 3rd Treble Clef – 2 cents Place

Race 3: Benchmark 58 Handicap 1700m Our Girl Babs – when questioned in relation to his ride, particularly between the 1500m and the 1000m, G Ryan explained that after his mount was slow to begin, it obtained a position at the rear of the field as was its custom. He said that passing the winning post on the first occasion the mare was not travelling well and could not hold its position without being placed under pressure which he was reluctant to do at this time. He stated that approaching the 1000m he began to ride with some vigour in an attempt to maintain proper contact with the field, however the mare was unresponsive and could not improve. He said that because of this he was forced to ride with full vigour from the 600m and Our Girl Babs only responded moderately and was fully extended from that point. Further, he said that whilst Our Girl Babs appeared to be improving in the home straight, it was outside weakening runners and it was disappointing. Trainer Mr. N Godbolt said that he was unsurprised with the mare’s position in the early and middle stages and some consideration had been given to Our Girl Babs being spelled prior to today’s race, however it was decided to extend the preparation to include this race. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormality. Mr. Godbolt said that Our Girl Babs would be spelled.

Race 4: Open Handicap 1000m Patriot – B Stower, the rider of Epic Decision, pleaded guilty to a charge under AR131a, stating that she engaged in careless riding when she directed her mount outwards near the 100m, when insufficiently clear of Patriot which was crowded onto Call Me Brad and had to be checked. B Stower’s license to ride in races was suspended for a period to commence 12/2/2020 and expire 21/2/2020, on which day she may ride.

Epic Decision – slow to begin, then was held up and unable to improve approaching the home turn.

Race 5: Maiden Handicap 1000m Warrah Flash – slow to begin, then had to be checked and was forced wider near the 300m, when crowded by Peachies Dream which shifted out abruptly when not quite clear.

Our Mate Chuckles – when questioned R Hutchings explained that his mount failed to travel at any stage and was continually unbalanced in the heavy track conditions. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormality.

Trelise – was crowded at the start.

Bard’s Voice – began awkwardly and shifted out abruptly, then had to be checked when momentarily crowded passing the 300m.

Peachies Dream – was crowded at the start.

All A Lady – began awkwardly and shifted in abruptly.

Miss Breffni – was crowded at the start, then was bumped heavily and became unbalanced rounding the home turn.

Trip To London – crowded at the start.

Race 6: Class 2 Handicap 1000m Friendly Venture – when questioned, G Ryan stated that his mount failed to travel at any stage and was unbalanced in the heavy track condition. Trainer Mr. M Dobie reported that the mare cast its off hind plate during the race.

Alchera – slow to begin.

Alshahhad – missed the start (2L).

Race 7: Open Handicap 1440m Trainer Mrs. S Grills was fined $100 for presenting Hamoon Ballad at the mounting yard with Winkers fitted, which are not part of that mare’s approved racing gear.

Professor Marx – a post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormality.

Mister Smartee – L Rolls was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts in at least hands and heels fashion to the end of every race wherever possible.

Vega De Lago – began very awkwardly and was slow away.

Redemption Road – was forced slightly wider at the entrance to the home straight.

Race 8: Benchmark 58 Handicap 1200m Penfold – began awkwardly.

Red Liberty – a post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding displayed a slow recovery rate. Trainer Mr. G Groth said that Red Liberty would be spelled. Regardless, Mr. Groth was advised that considering history of Red Liberty with similar issues, the gelding must undergo a dynamic scope, prior to racing again.

Invincible Bot – slow to begin.

Swiftly Mango – was bumped and became unbalanced rounding the home turn. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare was tying up behind. Trainer Ms. S Torrens was advised that prior to racing again Swiftly Mango must undergo a veterinary examination to determine its suitability to race.

Celtic Tiger – slow to begin.

Summary of whip use: No noncompliance

General: Swab samples were taken from all winners and the following runners: See Me Out, Radiant Choice & Hardyo.

SUMMARY

Fines Race 7: S Grills - $100 AR106(1) Suspensions Race 4: B Stower – AR131a careless riding – 12/2/20 until 21/2/20 (can ride) Reprimands Nil Warnings Race 2: Nature Boy – prerace behavior & poor performance Trials Nil Bleeders Nil Falls and Injury Nil Certificates Race 8: Red Liberty – dynamic scope Tactics notified Nil