Stewards' Summary @ Royal Randwick

Published: 23 Jul 2017

A summary of Royal Randwick for Saturday 22nd July is shown below, including Vet Notes, Penalties and Fines. For the full report, visit the racingnsw.com.au website.

Vet Notes

On The Fiddle (Race 2) - a post-race veterinary examination, which raced wide without cover throughout, revealed the gelding to be displaying respiratory noise, respiratory distress and poor post-race recovery. Trainer Mr M Dale was advised that a veterinary clearance would be required including the results of a satisfactory endoscopic examination prior to being permitted to start in a race again.
Lion Couchant (Race 4) – a post-race veterinary examination, which weakened over the final 100m, revealed the gelding to be displaying a poor post-race recovery.
Legerity (Race 4) – a post-race veterinary examination of the colt, which weakened over the concluding stages, revealed findings consistent with previous veterinary examinations. The post-race condition will be followed up with the Hawkes stable.
Time Out Of Mind (Race 5) – a post-race veterinary examination revealed the horse to be displaying a poor recovery rate. Trainer Mr K Lees was advised that a veterinary clearance would be required prior to the horse racing again.
Marenostro (Race 6) - a post-race veterinary examination revealed a healing superficial abrasion to the off-side fetlock.
Reldas (Race7) – a post-race veterinary examination revealed multiple speedy cuts to the off-hind leg. Trainer Mr R Smerdon advised an assessment will be made on the short term racing future of the gelding. The matter was adjourned pending advice from the stable.
Dubaiinstyle (Race 9) - a post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be mildly lame in the near-foreleg. Stable representative Mr L Prior was advised a veterinary clearance would be required prior to the gelding racing again.

Penalties & Fines

B Shinn, rider of Invincible Knight, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR137(a) in that passing the 200m he permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Lay Down The Law, resulting in that runner being crowded and losing its rightful running. B Shinn’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period to commence on Sunday, 30 July 2017 and to expire on Sunday, 13 August 2017, on which day he may ride.

Summary of Races

RACE 1: ATC Member For A Day Handicap 1200m

Gretzky – made contact with Gresham at the start.
Gresham – made contact with Gretzky at the start.
Dracarys – began awkwardly. On a number of occasions in the home straight was inclined to shift ground.
Commanding Witness – after the 400m, when racing greenly, shifted in abruptly and made slight contact with the running rail. Then commenced to hang out, shifted ground out for some distance approaching the 200m. The gelding continued to race greenly for the remainder of the race.
Colosimo – approaching the 200m was directed to the inside of Commanding Witness to continue into clear running.

RACE 2: TAB Highway Handicap 1400m

Poor Corner – the gelding, which was fractious in the enclosure and struck the enclosure rail, was examined by the Club's Veterinary Officer on arrival at the barriers and was cleared to race. Although it did not affect his finishing position, App. N Heywood, rider of 3rd placegetter, was advised to ensure that he rides his mounts out hands and heels to the finish wherever possible. Last Try Wins – slow to begin and, despite being ridden along, did not muster speed.
Quirimbas – began awkwardly and from its wide barrier steadied and shifted in behind runners shortly after the start.
Magic Arli – crowded on jumping between Gentle Annie and Nic’s Vendetta, both of which shifted ground. App. N Heywood (Poor Corner) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR137(a) in that approaching the 300m he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of Magic Arli, which was checked and lost its running. App. Heywood’s permit to ride in races was suspended for a period to commence on Sunday, 30 July 2017 and to expire on Thursday, 10 August 2017, on which day he may ride.
On The Fiddle – for some distance approaching the 50m was carried wider by Poor Corner (App. N Heywood), which shifted out under pressure. Approaching the 50m was again hampered and shifted out further to avoid the heels of Poor Corner. In the circumstances, App. Heywood was reprimanded. A post-race veterinary examination, which raced wide without cover throughout, revealed the gelding to be displaying respiratory noise, respiratory distress and poor post-race recovery. Trainer Mr M Dale was advised that a veterinary clearance would be required including the results of a satisfactory endoscopic examination prior to being permitted to start in a race again.
Nic’s Vendetta – a post-race veterinary examination of the gelding, which commenced to tire over the final 50m, did not reveal any abnormalities.
D’Beak – when questioned, App. A Adkins explained that with the gelding resuming today he had been asked to ride his mount positively in an endeavour to offset the draw and, as there was a perceived lack of early tempo in the race, he had also been advised that D’Beak may benefit from this positioning with the rail being out 10m. Co-trainer Mr P Jones confirmed the instructions issued and was advised that, whilst the Stewards accepted the rationale for the gelding being positioned prominently, he was nonetheless obliged to ensure he informs the Stewards of a change of riding tactics in future.
Suncraze – lost its off-fore plate in running.
Salesman – when commencing to close the race off well was held up when awkwardly placed and was unable to be fully tested over the final 100m.

RACE 3: ATC Owner Benefits Card Handicap 1100m

Secret Trail – began awkwardly.
Positive Problems – When questioned, rider C Brown he had been asked to ride the mare just behind the leaders if possible. He said from the outside barrier in the early stages, when a number of runners proceeded in advance of him, he elected to allow those runners to improve. He added when Nassak maintained its position behind Clipper he was left ultimately racing to its outside, in a wide and without cover throughout the race. C Brown said Positive Problems was still in a competitive position approaching the 200m, however the condition of the mare, which was resuming from a spell today, waned. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.
Upscale – when questioned regarding the disappointing performance, rider H Bowman stated that the mare travelled satisfactorily whilst positioned behind Positive Problems. He said, after shifting to the outside of that runner in the early part of the straight, his mount commenced to lay out and did so for the remainder of the race. He added the finishing effort of Upscale was only one-paced and he was of the view that the mare performed below expectations today. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.
Sangiovese – when questioned, J Collett explained that from his wide barrier today he had been instructed to ride his mount conservatively, which ultimately in the small field resulted in Sangiovese travelling at the rear of the field to find cover.. He said approaching the 200m he shifted to the outside of Clipper and commence to pressure his mount, however the mare became unbalanced, commenced to lay out and, although Sangiovese was closing off reasonably, and could not make up appreciable gronund. He added for the reasons he outlined he felt that the mare was doing its best under hands and heels riding and he said that it was not appropriate to use the whip. Whilst the explanation tendered by J Collett was accepted, he was nonetheless advised that wherever possible he must endeavour to ensure he places his mounts under the appropriate pressure. Stable representative Mr J Bruce was advised that he must ensure he notifies stewards of any change in riding tactics.

RACE 4: Sydney Spring Carnival Now On Sale sprint 1000m

Dorf Star – began awkwardly and became unbalanced after making contact with Super Too.
Lion Couchant – raced wide without cover throughout the event. A post-race veterinary examination, which weakened over the final 100m, revealed the gelding to be displaying a poor post-race recovery.
Star Crossed – near the 900m Star Crossed and Walk Right In were checked when tightened for room between Legerity (C Reith), which shifted out, and Salerno (App. C Van Der Werf), which shifted in slightly. Both C Reith and App. C Van Der Werf were asked to exercise more care and advised that, as the significance of the shift was only minor, Stewards believed this was the appropriate action. When questioned, App. N Heywood explained that as a result of the interference he received in the early stages, the gelding raced much further back than had been anticipated. He said that under pressure in the early part of the straight his mount commenced to lay in and did so for the remainder of the race. He added, having regard to the circumstances that resulted in Star Crossed being positioned towards the rear of the field, he believed these were the principal reasons for its below expectation performance. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.
Salerno – laid in under pressure in the straight.
Dorf Star – briefly held up for a short distance approaching the 100m.
Super Too – when questioned, App. D Panya stated that, although she was asked to lead in the race, the mare did not travel as strongly as it has done for her in previous starts. She said that she was disappointed with the manner in which her mount commenced to tire over the final 100m and she felt it may derive benefit from today’s first up performance. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities. The post-race condition of Super Too will be followed up with trainer Mr M Conners.
Legerity – a post-race veterinary examination of the colt, which weakened over the concluding stages, revealed findings consistent with previous veterinary examinations. The post-race condition will be followed up with the Hawkes stable.

RACE 5: Schweppes Handicap 1200m

Chatuchak – slow to begin. Inclined to lay out in the early part of the straight.
Super Star Bob – slow to begin.
Argent D’or - from its wide barrier steadied and shifted in behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the 200m was directed back to the inside of the heels of Spending To Win to continue to improve.
Spending To Win – laid out under pressure passing the 200m.
Parlay Vous – shifted out slightly and at the same time Agent D’Or shifted in, resulting in Parlay Vous being hampered near the 50m.
Time Out Of Mind – a post-race veterinary examination revealed the horse to be displaying a poor recovery rate. Trainer Mr K Lees was advised that a veterinary clearance would be required prior to the horse racing again.

RACE 6: ATC Heritage Volunteers Handicap 1800m

Auvray – on Friday, 21 July 2017 Stewards were notified by the Freedman stable that the gelding had sustained a minor abrasion to the outside of its near-side forearm. A veterinary clearance was tendered by the stable veterinarian. Auvray was inspected by the Club’s Veterinary Officer after arriving on course and was cleared to start.
Loophole – slow to begin.
So Willie – slow to begin.
Sound Proposition – slow to begin. Over the concluding stages raced tight with Loyalty Man.
Marenostro - raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Near the 800m commenced to shift out in an endeavour to improve and in doing so made contact with Sound Proposition. The rider of Sound Proposition, App. R King, maintained her line, which resulted in Marenostro then shifting back to race on the fence. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a healing superficial abrasion to the off-side fetlock.
Loyalty Man – over the concluding stages raced tight with Sound Proposition.

RACE 7: July Sprint 1100m

Reldas – began awkwardly and lost ground (3L). When questioned regarding the disappointing performance, rider C Brown stated, after missing the start (3L), his mount was able to improve and re-join the body of the field without being unduly pressured, however the gelding when under hard riding in the straight, did not respond to his urgings and commenced to weaken over about the final 100m. He added that Reldas retired from the race very quickly after the winning post. A post-race veterinary examination revealed multiple speedy cuts to the off-hind leg. Trainer Mr R Smerdon advised an assessment will be made on the short term racing future of the gelding. The matter was adjourned pending advice from the stable.
That’s A Good Idea – slow to begin.
Petrossian – raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
Kudero – raced wide without cover throughout the event. Laid in in the early part of the straight.
Felines – held up for clear running in the early part of the straight and when endeavouring to improve into a run to the outside of That’s A Good Idea made contact with the hindquarter of Boss Lane on a number of occasions and becoming unbalanced. Felines then did not obtain completely clear running until the 200m. Rider H Bowman was advised to exercise care when attempting similar manoeuvres in the future.
Boss Lane - laid in in the straight, obliging its rider App. A Adkins to change his whip into the right hand near the 100m.

RACE 8: Winx Is Coming Handicap 1200m

Bolero King – after arriving at the barriers, the gelding shifted it’s off-fore plate, which necessitated it being replated. Bolero King then underwent a veterinary examination and was cleared to start. When questioned, rider K McEvoy stated he had been asked to ride the gelding prominently and he was advised that he should endeavour to achieve this by placing as little pressure as possible on his mount to comply with the instructions. He said in the early stages, after beginning well, he noted Taillevent a horse he considered would race midfield, unexpectedly improved to his inside and as that horse was racing very fiercely with its head up, he elected in the circumstances to allow that runner to proceed in advance of him and shifted in to race with cover behind Choice Larga. He said Bolero King then proved difficult to settle on a number of occasions, got its head up and raced keenly for some distance after the 800m. K McEvoy added that the gelding also became unbalanced when travelling close to the rail behind Taillevent after the 600 and in the home straight he had difficulty obtaining clear running until about the 200m. He said in hindsight it would have been a preferable option to allow his mount to settle outside Taillevent, but due to the racing manners of that runner he believed that Bolero King’s best interests would be served by having it race with cover.
He’s A Given – began awkwardly. Held up for clear running until passing the 200m.
Torpenhow – slow to begin.
Annandale Lass – raced wide without cover throughout and near the 600m laid in towards the heels of Choice Larga and was awkwardly placed briefly.
Last Witness – briefly crowded for room at the 600m between Bolero King and Annandale Lass, which shifted in slightly. Near the 200m made contact with Kings Of Leon due to both horses shifting ground.
Kings Of Leon – near the 200m made contact with Last Witness due to both horses shifting ground.
Taillevent – rider K O'Hara explained that she had been instructed to ride the gelding in a midfield position, however soon after the start her mount, which was racing with blinkers on for the first time today, took charge of her, got its head up on a number of occasions and when being steadied continued to get its head up and did not respond to her endeavours to settle. She said as a consequence Taillevent led, which was contrary to the pre-race intentions. Trainer Mr B Hill reported it would now be his intention to remove the blinkers from the gelding. Mr Hill was advised a warning would be recorded against the racing manners of Taillevent.

RACE 9: #Theraces Handicap 1500m

Invincible Knight – slow to begin. From its wide barrier steadied and shifted in behind runners shortly after the start.
Francesco – slow to begin. Raced wide without cover from the 1000m.
Brazen – slow to begin.
Steyne – rounding the first turn was steadied away from the heels of Muraqaba which eased to allow Kingsguard to cross. Hollywood Bound, which was trailing, was checked and got its head up. Brazen, which was trailing Hollywood Bound, was also hampered. For the major part of the straight Steyne was unable to obtain clear running and was not able to be tested until passing the 50m.
Pelethronius – raced keenly in the middle stages. Held up for clear running until passing the 300m. 7
Lay Down The Law - raced wide without cover throughout. Passing the 600m taken wider by Francesco, which shifted out around the heels of Muraqaba to improve. B Shinn pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR137(a) in that passing the 200m he permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Lay Down The Law, resulting in that runner being crowded and losing its rightful running. B Shinn’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period to commence on Sunday, 30 July 2017 and to expire on Sunday, 13 August 2017, on which day he may ride.
Kingsguard – after the 300m shifted out and made contact with Muraqaba. Kingsguard continued to shift out under pressure thereafter. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of the gelding, B Avdulla stated his mount was pressured in the early stages to obtain a position outside the early leader Gold Ambition. He said, although the gelding travelled comfortably, he soon came under pressure early in the straight and after the 200m commenced to tire quickly. He added that Kingsguard in his opinion is better suited when able to obtain the lead comfortably and dictate the race at a moderate tempo. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.
Admiral Jello – for some distance in the straight was continually shifted out to continue into clear running, which it was able to achieve approaching the 100m Gold Ambition – rider T Clark stated that his mount travelled fairly in the early and middle stages, however raced with a real lack of enthusiasm and he was unable to provide any tangible explanation for the poor showing of the gelding. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.
Dubaiinstyle - Rider A Hyeronimus explained that due to his positioning near the 100m he felt his mount was not in a competitive placing and therefore he did not ride it out over the final 50m. A Hyeronimus was advised that nevertheless he must ensure that attempts to test his mounts at all times where possible. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be mildly lame in the near-foreleg. Stable representative Mr L Prior was advised a veterinary clearance would be required prior to the gelding racing again.