Stewards' Summary @ Royal Randwick

Published: 16 Apr 2017

A summary of Royal Randwick for Saturday 15th April is shown below, including Vet Notes, Penalties and Fines. For the full report, visit the racingnsw.com.au website.

Vet Notes

Bandit Belle (Race 1) – a post race veterinary examination revealed that Bandit Belle had choked down during the race, was making abnormal respiratory noises, was suffering respiratory distress and had a poor post race recovery. Trainer Mr D Williams advised that Bandit Belle had undergone a tie forward procedure performed prior to resuming this preparation in February and has been showing signs of poor recovery, particularly when racing on rain affected going. He added that he would now discuss with the owners the future race plans of the filly and undertook to report back to the Stewards in the days subsequent to the race. The Stewards advised prior to racing again it would be required to barrier trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards whereby it will be subject to a veterinary examination by the official veterinarian post barrier trial.
Almighty Girl (Race 2) – a post race veterinary examination found the mare to be sore on the near fore foot where it lost its plate. Stable representative Ms H Devlin was asked to provide a veterinary clearance prior to the mare being permitted to race again.
Astronomos (Race 5) – a post race veterinary examination revealed a poor post race recovery and displaying the thumps. Trainer Mr J Thompson was advised a veterinary clearance was required prior to Astronomos racing again.
Zumbelina (Race 8) – a post race veterinary examination revealed the horse to be displaying a poor post race recovery.

Penalties & Fines

J Cummings, trainer of Rock And Swing – the Stewards approved the late application to add a cross nose band and remove a tongue tie when trainer J Cummings advised the colt had worked well in the gear on Thursday morning. Mr Cummings was fined the sum of $200 for the late notification.
H Bowman, rider of Le Romain pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR137(a) in that near the 50m, he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of English which was steadied when crowded for room. H Bowman's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period to commence on Tuesday, 18 April 2017 and expire on Friday, 28 April 2017 on which day he may ride. A post race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
T Berry, rider of God’s In Him was fined the sum of $300 for failing to ride his mount out to the finish of the race.
G Schofield, rider of Ruling Dynasty pleaded guilty to a charge under AR145 for returning to scale in excess of half a kilogram over his declared weight. G Schofield's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period to commence at the expiration of a suspension incurred under AR137(b) at Warwick Farm on Saturday, 12 April 2017. As such G Schofield’s licence to ride in races will be suspended from Saturday. 29 April 2017 and to expire on Thursday, 4 May 2017 on which day he may ride. In addition, he was fined the sum of $500. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration the beaten margin from the third placegetter Maurus of 0.3 of a length. The circumstances surrounding G Schofield's overweight whereby he changed gear after weighing out for this ride and his record in respect to overweight.

Summary of Races

RACE 1 – TAB Highway Handicap 1200m

Tiger By The Tale – got its head up on jumping.
Supreme Lad – after being slow to begin, was then hampered when bumped by Still Undaunted which was taken out by Bandit Belle. When questioned, App D Panya stated that whilst she expected her mount to settle towards the rear of the field, after beginning only fairly, it was reluctant to stretch out in the early and middle stages despite her efforts to ride her mount along and lost touch with the main body of the field. She added that she continued to place her mount under pressure throughout the middle stages and it was not until the final 200m whereby Supreme Lad commenced to finish the race off. A post race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
Atlantic Sentinel – was slow to begin.
War Hero – raced wide without cover. For a short distance after the 200m, War Hero shifted in resulting in its rider changing the whip through into his right hand.
Bandit Belle – a post race veterinary examination revealed that Bandit Belle had choked down during the race, was making abnormal respiratory noises, was suffering respiratory distress and had a poor post race recovery. Trainer Mr D Williams advised that Bandit Belle had undergone a tie forward procedure performed prior to resuming this preparation in February and has been showing signs of poor recovery, particularly when racing on rain affected going. He added that he would now discuss with the owners the future race plans of the filly and undertook to report back to the Stewards in the days subsequent to the race. The Stewards advised prior to racing again it would be required to barrier trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards whereby it will be subject to a veterinary examination by the official veterinarian post barrier trial.
Always Flushed – when questioned regarding his riding of the mare in the straight, App J Innes Jr stated that he had been advised by connections that Always Flushed does have an inclination to hang out and for this reason, he was to endeavour to attempt to hold the rail. He said that after following Fermanagh Lad into the straight, he became awkwardly placed close to the heels of that runner when he endeavoured to obtain a narrow run to the inside of that gelding near the 200m. App Innes Jr stated that bearing in mind his instructions, he persisted with the inside run and advised the Stewards that he was not able to fully test his mount for some distance approaching the 100m, although at that point in time, his mount was somewhat one paced. The Stewards advised App Innes Jr that in their view, when the opportunity had presented to improve to the outside of Fermanagh Lad, he should have endeavoured to do so to ensure his mount received clear and uninterrupted runs to the finish.
Still Undaunted – a post race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.

RACE 2 – IGA Liquor Handicap 1200m

Untamed Diamond – raced wide without cover. Untamed Diamond laid in under pressure over the final 200m.
Nudierudie – began awkwardly, shifted in and made contact with Just A Blur, which after being slow to begin, was then hampered when Il Mio Destino shifted out.
Cannyescent – was slow to begin.
Yuma Desert – was slow to begin.
Louie Sea Kay – was slow to begin.
Knit 'n' Purl – from its wide barrier, Knit 'n' Purl was steadied and taken back in across runners at the start. Close to the winning post, Knit 'n' Purl, which was closing its race off strongly, became awkward on the heels of Sweet Serendipity and was unable to be fully ridden out to the finish.
Almighty Girl – rider C Williams stated that in his view, the mare failed to handle today's heavy track conditions. He said that on pulling up, he noted that that the mare, which carried glue on shoes today had been found to have lost its near fore plate, which may have contributed to it weakening in the straight. A post race veterinary examination found the mare to be sore on the near fore foot where it lost its plate. Stable representative Ms H Devlin was asked to provide a veterinary clearance prior to the mare being permitted to race again.

RACE 3 – Mostyn Copper Group Frank Packer Plate 2000m

Rock And Swing – the Stewards approved the late application to add a cross nose band and remove a tongue tie when trainer J Cummings advised the colt had worked well in the gear on Thursday morning. Mr Cummings was fined the sum of $200 for the late notification. When questioned, rider G Schofield stated that his instructions from the wide draw were to go back in the race, but after restraining his mount from the gates, his mount relaxed very quickly and lost some ground. He said that when Acatour, which was positioned in advance of him, did not improve into the race that was run with a solid early tempo, his mount settled further back than what he had intended despite his effort to make up ground. G Schofield stated that he continued to urge his mount forward in the middle stages, however it was not until making the home turn whereby he made up ground on the main body of the field and at this point he was still confident that Rock And Swing was in a competitive position, however in the straight, his mount was one paced over the final 200m.
Veladero – change of tactics, preference for horse to be ridden with cover; settled on pace with cover.
Violate – began awkwardly and raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
Mongolian Wolf – shifted out under pressure in the straight.
Kunming – got its head up on jumping.
Acatour – was slow to begin and then was hampered shortly after the start when Eerised shifted in away from Mongolian Wolf. When questioned, B Shinn stated that he was instructed to take up a position forward of midfield but after being slow to begin, and then being hampered shortly after the start, his mount settled further back than he had anticipated. He said that near the 700m, he attempted to improve to the inside of Kunming and on the back of Violate so as to save ground as his mount was not travelling well at this point, but when Eerised shifted out in advance of him, he was unable to secure this position despite his efforts and consequently, he was obliged to follow Kunming into the straight. He added that once in the straight, his mount ran to the line only fairly. B Shinn added that whilst Acatour won on heavy going previously, he felt today's shifting track conditions did not suit the colt. A post race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
Screamarr – shifted out under pressure from inside the 300m, obliging its rider T Angland to change the whip from the right to the left hand near the 150m.
Captain Duffy – rider T Clark stated that whilst he had to make some use of his mount to go forward and lead in today's race, it was still very disappointing in that it weakened badly in the straight. A post race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities. Stable representative Mr J Bruce advised that Captain Duffy will now undergo a thorough veterinary examination on return to the stables, the results of which he will forward to the Stewards. Mr Bruce also advised a decision will be made on the immediate racing future of the horse. The inquiry was adjourned pending this advice.
Rokda Kasba – rider K McEvoy stated that near the 600m, his mount, which is a big striding horse, lost its action in the heavy track conditions and from this point, he did not test his mount to the finish. A post race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities. Stable representative Mr N Dilmi concurred with the views of K McEvoy and advised that a decision will be made on the immediate racing future of the horse. The inquiry was adjourned pending the advice.

RACE 4 – TAB Hall Mark Stakes 1200m

Santa Ana Lane – change of tactics to be ridden further back; settled well back.
Denmagic – was slow to begin (2L). Denmagic, approaching the 600m, was steadied to avoid the heels of Counterattack when that runner shifted in.
Santa Ana Lane – after being slow to begin, was steadied when crowded between Royal Tudor and Mighty Lucky. Rider C Williams advised that his mount failed to handle the heavy track conditions and although well beaten in the straight, he was not too disappointed with the performance considering it held its margin on the leading division in the straight. A post race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
Mighty Lucky – was slow to begin and then hampered when Redzel shifted out. Near the 75m, Might Lucky, which was inclined to lay in, became awkward on the heels of Hellbent for a short distance. Mighty Lucky continued to lay in for the remainder of the race and proved difficult to ride out.
Counterattack – in the middle stages, commenced to overrace badly and was unable to be settled by its rider and approaching the 600m, was checked and shifted in away from the heels of Takedown. Counterattack laid out under pressure in the straight.
Federal – near the 75m, shifted in abruptly.
Takedown – T Clark stated that his mount was able to take up a position on the speed, but in his view, did not handle today's heavy track conditions particularly as it was racing first up today. A post race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
Hellbent – when questioned regarding being more forward today, rider D Lane stated he intended to take up a midfield position, but when his mount commenced well, and with the lack of early pace, it ultimately raced up outside the lead without being pressured.

RACE 5 – Sharp Japan Racing Association Plate 2000m

New Tipperary – change of tactics to be ridden more forward; settled outside the leader. New Tipperary began awkwardly.
Bring Luck – was slow to begin
Happy Hannah – was slow to begin. Rider K McEvoy stated that whilst the mare travelled comfortably, it failed to stretch out and did not appreciate today's shifting track conditions. A post race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
Green Sweet – began awkwardly, got its head up and was steadied away from the heels of Top Of My List. Rider J Victoire stated that his mount settled back in the field, but found it difficult to make up ground on today's heavy track conditions and he attributed today's disappointing performance to it not handling today's heavy going. A post race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
Rudy – leaving the 1000m, commenced to race keenly and shifted out away from the heels of New Tipperary, resulting in Rudy then racing wide and without cover thereafter.
Big Blue – rider T Berry stated his mount failed to handle today's heavy track conditions which was particularly noticeable in the straight when under pressure. A post race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
Astronomos – a post race veterinary examination revealed a poor post race recovery and displaying the thumps. Trainer Mr J Thompson was advised a veterinary clearance was required prior to Astronomos racing again.

RACE 6 – Moet & Chandon Champagne Stakes 1600m

Aberro – trainer Mr M Laurie reported to Stewards that Aberro had lost both front teeth whilst being transported from his Mornington stable during the week. A veterinary clearance was tendered by Mr Laurie and a veterinary examination by Racing NSW Senior Official Veterinarian Dr C Suann when the colt arrived on course passed it fit to start. Aberro began awkwardly.
Ace High – change of tactics to be ridden more positively and try and lead if possible; settled on pace.
Nashville Skyline – from its wide barrier, was steadied and shifted back in across runners after the start.
Memento – from its wide barrier, was steadied and shifted back in across runners after the start.
The Mission – shortly after the start, shifted in and made contact with Reflectivity. The Mission raced keenly in the lead throughout the early and middle stages.
Invader – when questioned regarding his riding and in particular the reasons his mount travelled three deep without cover for the major part of the event, H Bowman stated he was issued with no specific instructions other than that connections had advised that in their view, the ground towards the rail between the 800 and 600m was somewhat inferior, although he advised that in his opinion, it was not a disadvantage to hold a position on the rail throughout this section of the race. He stated that in accordance with his instructions, he elected to maintain a position one off the rail behind One More Honey. He added that when he was of the view that One More Honey had shifted to the rail, he elected to improve to that runner's outside with a view to then following Whispered Secret throughout the middle stages. He added that when One More Honey did not shift directly to the fence, but maintained its position one off the rail, and Whispered Secret then went forward and crossed to the rail, his mount was left three wide without cover for the remainder of the event. H Bowman added that whilst he considered maintaining a position to the inside of One More Honey in the early stages, as he did not want to be following Ace High and that influenced his decision to shift to the outside of One More Honey in the middle stages. He did add, however, that Invader was not entirely suited by the shifting track conditions, but nonetheless he believed that Invader finished the race off soundly. Whilst the Stewards, in all the circumstances, did not consider H Bowman's decision to shift away from the running rail as unreasonable, he was nevertheless advised that in the opinion of the Stewards, given the manner the track had been racing today and the fact that he had formed a view that the inside going was not a disadvantage, the preferable option would have been to maintain his position towards the rail in the early and middle stages.
Eshtiraak – a post race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
Reflectivity – a post race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.

RACE 7 – Schweppes All Aged Stakes 1400m

English – co-trainer Mr A Bott reported to Stewards on Monday, 10 April 2017 that English had sustained a minor laceration to its near hind hock. A veterinary clearance was provided by stable veterinarian Dr L Begg. English was examined by Racing NSW Senior Veterinarian Dr C Suann on the morning of 14 April 2017 who passed the mare fit to start and a subsequent examination when English arrived on course today confirmed the mare was fit to start. H Bowman (Le Romain) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR137(a) in that near the 50m, he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of English which was steadied when crowded for room. H Bowman's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period to commence on Tuesday, 18 April 2017 and expire on Friday, 28 April 2017 on which day he may ride. A post race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
Japonisme – change of tactics to be ridden further back, if possible; settled worse than midfield.
Voodoo Lad – was slow to begin and raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
Famous Seamus – raced wide and without cover throughout.
Divine Prophet – which had been slow to begin, shifted in and made contact with Tivaci. A post race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
Tivaci – was slow to begin and was bumped by Divine Prophet on jumping.
Jungle Edge – raced greenly in the straight.
McCreery – approaching the winning post, was unable to be fully ridden out when awkwardly placed on the heels of Le Romain, which commenced to shift in.
Redkirk Warrior – overraced in the middle stages.

RACE 8 – McGrath Estate Agents J H B Carr Stakes 1400m

Diddums – the nearside barrier of Diddums rebounded after the start and made contact with Diddums on jumping. The matter was brought to the attention of the ATC starter for his attention.
Invincibella – was slow to begin and then was hampered shortly after when My Country began awkwardly and ran in.
Smart Amelia – was slow to begin and then, from its wide draw, was shifted back in and across runners after the start.
Fleeting Strike – was slow to begin.
Lilac Lane – which had been slow to begin, was bumped shortly after the start by Grundalina. A short distance later, Grundalina was crowded for room by Zumbelina and Lilac Lane, which was taken out by Diddums.
Prompt Response – raced wide and without cover throughout.
My Country – raced wide and without cover throughout. My Country bled for the first time. Co-trainer Mr P Snowden was advised that My Country would now incur the mandatory ban 3 month ban from racing.
Zumbelina – rounding the home turn, was held up on the heels of the tiring Lilac Lane. A post race veterinary examination revealed the horse to be displaying a poor post race recovery.

RACE 9 – The Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy 1400m

Be Like Dad – the declaration of correct weight was delayed to enable to Stewards to view the patrol films of the start afforded to Be Like Dad. It was established that as the start was affected, Be Like Dad became fractious and when being assisted by the barrier attendant was held for a short period of time resulting in Be Like Dad missing the start by 4 lengths. Having regard to the fact that the incident occurred simultaneously as the start was affected, the Stewards deemed Be Like Dad be declared a runner. Trainer Mr D Payne was advised that a warning would be placed on the barrier manners of Be Like Dad. A post race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities. Sort After – blundered on jumping and lost ground (3L). Rider T Angland stated that after losing ground at the start, his mount settled further back than he had intended but travelled well in the run. He said that his mount, which was second up today, found it hard to make up ground on the heavy track conditions. A post race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
Marenostro – was slow to begin.
Moher – began awkwardly.
Pajaro – from its wide barrier, Pajaro, which was slow to begin, was steadied back in across runners after the start.
God’s In Him – rider T Berry (placed sixth) was fined the sum of $300 for failing to ride his mount out to the finish of the race.
Fabrizio – rider B Shinn stated his mount travelled well in the lead, but was disappointing in its failure to finish the race off. The only explanation he could offer was that under its big weight today, its condition may have given out on today's heavy track. Co-trainer Mr A Bott, whilst endorsing the views expressed by B Shinn, said nevertheless Fabrizio performed below expectations. The Stewards deemed the performance of the gelding as unacceptable. Before Fabrizio may race again, it must trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official trial.
Ruling Dynasty – G Schofield pleaded guilty to a charge under AR145 for returning to scale in excess of half a kilogram over his declared weight. G Schofield's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period to commence at the expiration of a suspension incurred under AR137(b) at Warwick Farm on Saturday, 12 April 2017. As such G Schofield’s licence to ride in races will be suspended from Saturday. 29 April 2017 and to expire on Thursday, 4 May 2017 on which day he may ride. In addition, he was fined the sum of $500. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration the beaten margin from the third placegetter Maurus of 0.3 of a length. The circumstances surrounding G Schofield's overweight whereby he changed gear after weighing out for this ride and his record in respect to overweight