Stewards' Summary @ Cox Plate Day

Published: 24 Oct 2015

A summary of the Moonee Valley Stewards' Report for Saturday 24th October is shown below, including the Unlucky Runners, Vet Notes, Penalties and Fines. For the full report, visit Racing.com.

Vet Notes

Twist Tops (Race 1) - began awkwardly. An irregular heart rhythm was detected on post race veterinary examination. The filly shall not start in any race until the Stewards have received a satisfactory veterinary report. The report must include the results of an ECG performed at rest and cardiac auscultation performed within 30 minutes of completing a satisfactory gallop of at least 1000m.
Delta Dor (Race 1) - severely tightened for room at the start by Dalradian, which shifted out abruptly. Weakened badly in the straight after leading; rider Stephen Baster could offer no explanation and a post race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be sore in front and will require a veterinary clearance prior to racing again.
Harlem River (Race 5) - A post race veterinary examination revealed the filly had tied up.

Unlucky Runners

Rata Tat Tat (Race 1) - began awkwardly. Raced five wide without cover.
Quiet Order (Race 1) - severely tightened at the start by Valliano, which began awkwardly and shifted in abruptly. Approaching the 400m had to be steadied when shifting away from the heels of Emphatically and was then held up for clear running until approaching the 200m and near the 150m had to shift out across the heels of Credible Witness to obtain clear running to the outside.
Le Meringue (Race 1) - severely checked when tightened for room shortly after the start between Emphatically which shifted out slightly and Bangs, which was taken in abruptly when bumped by Dalradian, which had shifted in abruptly after making contact with Delta Dor.
Bangs (Race 1) - hampered shortly after the start when heavily bumped by Dalradian, which shifted in abruptly.
Emphatically (Race 1) - severely hampered shortly after the start after being bumped heavily by Bangs which had been taken in abruptly.
Pearl Congenial (Race 1) - raced three wide without cover.
Preemptive (Race 1) - raced four wide without cover.
Diamond Oasis (Race 2) - slow into stride and shifted in and brushed General Jackson resulting in Diamond Oasis floundering.
General Jackson (Race 2) - got unbalanced when crowded for room between Vatican and Diamond Oasis which had improved quickly to the inside of Tawteen, which was endeavouring to take up the lead position. Stewards were satisfied that both Hugh Bowman (Diamond Oasis) and Stephen Baster (Tawteen) displayed the necessary degree of care by straightening their mounts to relieve the pressure.
Unanimously (Race 2) - upon straightening had to change course to the inside of Vatican to obtain clear running and then over the concluding stages was again held up when making ground.
Air Apparent (Race 3) - raced three wide without cover.
January Rain (Race 4) - bounded at the start, was slow to begin and then shortly after the start blundered after being brushed by Demonstrate then clipped the heels of Holler.
Harlem River (Race 5) - sprawled at the start and as a result was slow into stride. A post race veterinary examination revealed the filly had tied up.
Miss Gidget (Race 5) - began awkwardly and made contact with the right hand starting gate. Raced wide without cover. A post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Criterion (NZ) (Race 9) - slow into stride. Checked off the heels of Winx near the 1600m. Checked severely near the 450m to avoid the heels of Winx which had improved to the inside of The Cleaner which after initially having shifted out was then straightened by its rider. In assessing the incident the Stewards could not be fully satisfied that Hugh Bowman (Winx) had a careless riding charge to answer, given the contributing factors in that The Cleaner, when being straightened, left insufficient room for two runners to the inside resulting in Criterion running out of room.
Complacent (Race 9) - raced three wide without cover. Rider James Doyle reported when placed under pressure it failed to respond and was most disappointing; a post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.

Penalties and Fines

Glen Boss, rider of Valley Sweetheart (Race 5) - pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provisions of AR137(a), the carelessness being that near the 250m he went where there was insufficient room to the outside of Haybah and to the inside of Miss Gidget resulting in heavy contact being made to Miss Gidget which had to be checked and made contact with the hindquarters of Lake Geneva turning that horse in. Glen Boss had his licence to ride in races suspended for a period to commence at midnight October 24th and to expire at midnight November 2nd, a total of ten race meetings (two metropolitan, eight provincial). In assessing penalty Stewards took into account Glen Bosss guilty plea and good record and that the carelessness was in the mid-range.
Hugh Bowman, rider of The United States - was fined $2000 for using his whip nine times prior to the 100m in a forehand manner which is four times more than permitted. In assessing penalty Stewards took into account Hugh Bowmans recent record, this was a Group 2 race and his mount won.
Hugh Bowman, rider of Pasadena Girl (NZ) (Race 7) - was fined $300 for using his whip six times forehand prior to the 100m which is one time more than permitted. In assessing penalty Stewards took into account the fillys racing manners.
Luke Dittman, rider of Worthy Cause (Race 8) - pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provisions of AR137(a), the carelessness being that near the 100m he permitted his mount to shift in whilst riding it along with the whip causing crowding to Sons Of John which was placed in restricted room and had to be checked. Luke Dittman had his licence to ride in races suspended for a period to commence at midnight November 5th and to expire at midnight November 11th, a total of seven race meetings (one metropolitan, six provincial) which is the expiration of suspension incurred in Queensland that commences at midnight tonight. In assessing penalty Stewards took into account Luke Dittmans guilty plea, the incident was in the low range and that this is a cumulative suspension.

Race-by-Race Summary

Race 1 - INGLIS BANNER - 1000 metres:

Kinetic Design - after being fractious in its barrier stall underwent a veterinary examination and was passed suitable to race and a warning will be placed on the fillys record. Hampered shortly after the start when unbalanced due to hindquarters being bumped by Emphatically. Crowded for room over the concluding stages by Bangs which had laid in.
Rata Tat Tat - began awkwardly. Raced five wide without cover.
Sweet Sherry - began awkwardly. Lost its off fore plate in running.
Twist Tops - began awkwardly. An irregular heart rhythm was detected on post race veterinary examination. The filly shall not start in any race until the Stewards have received a satisfactory veterinary report. The report must include the results of an ECG performed at rest and cardiac auscultation performed within 30 minutes of completing a satisfactory gallop of at least 1000m.
Quiet Order - severely tightened at the start by Valliano, which began awkwardly and shifted in abruptly. Approaching the 400m had to be steadied when shifting away from the heels of Emphatically and was then held up for clear running until approaching the 200m and near the 150m had to shift out across the heels of Credible Witness to obtain clear running to the outside.
Delta Dor - severely tightened for room at the start by Dalradian, which shifted out abruptly. Weakened badly in the straight after leading; rider Stephen Baster could offer no explanation and a post race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be sore in front and will require a veterinary clearance prior to racing again.
Le Meringue - severely checked when tightened for room shortly after the start between Emphatically which shifted out slightly and Bangs, which was taken in abruptly when bumped by Dalradian, which had shifted in abruptly after making contact with Delta Dor.
Bangs - hampered shortly after the start when heavily bumped by Dalradian, which shifted in abruptly.
Emphatically - severely hampered shortly after the start after being bumped heavily by Bangs which had been taken in abruptly.
Pearl Congenial - raced three wide without cover.
Preemptive - raced four wide without cover.

Race 2 - CITY JEEP HANDICAP - 955 metres:

Diamond Oasis - slow into stride and shifted in and brushed General Jackson resulting in Diamond Oasis floundering.
General Jackson - got unbalanced when crowded for room between Vatican and Diamond Oasis which had improved quickly to the inside of Tawteen, which was endeavouring to take up the lead position. Stewards were satisfied that both Hugh Bowman (Diamond Oasis) and Stephen Baster (Tawteen) displayed the necessary degree of care by straightening their mounts to relieve the pressure.
Vatican - near the 800m was bumped and got unbalanced by General Jackson.
Unanimously - upon straightening had to change course to the inside of Vatican to obtain clear running and then over the concluding stages was again held up when making ground.

Race 3 - ALLIANCE BROKING SERVICES FILLIES CLASSIC (Group 2) - 1600 metres:

Dagny (NZ) - the explanation of trainer Mr Sam Pritchard-Gordon for presenting the filly late on course was accepted.
Bengal Cat - connections advised would be ridden more forward; settled outside the leader.
Sempre Libera - raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Rider Damien Oliver reported his mount was not suited by the slow early tempo of the event. A post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Air Apparent - raced three wide without cover.

Race 4 - TELSTRA PHONEWORDS STAKES (Group 3) - 1200 metres:

January Rain - bounded at the start, was slow to begin and then shortly after the start blundered after being brushed by Demonstrate then clipped the heels of Holler.
Truculent - hung out from the 800m and as a result then raced wide without cover and weakened in the straight.
Mawahibb - raced wide without cover from the 800m. Rider Hugh Bowman was of the opinion the colt had come to the end of its preparation; a post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities and a swab sample was taken for analysis.
More Than Most - steadied at the 700m to avoid the heels of Mawahibb.

The track was upgraded from Good 4 to Good 3 at 2.30pm after the running of this race.

Race 5 - ANTLER LUGGAGE CROCKETT STAKES (Listed) - 1200 metres:

Harlem River - sprawled at the start and as a result was slow into stride. A post race veterinary examination revealed the filly had tied up.
Northern Model - hampered at the start by Harlem River which shifted in abruptly and made contact with Northern Model.
Gattos Girl - began awkwardly and was slow into stride.
Miss Gidget - began awkwardly and made contact with the right hand starting gate. Raced wide without cover. A post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Tiz My View - steadied at the 150m to avoid the heels of Valley Sweetheart (Glen Boss) which shifted out before then shifting in across that fillys heels; Glen Boss was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care when shifting ground.
Serene Majesty - taken out off its course rounding the turn by Tiz My View which shifted out to avoid Miss Gidget which had been checked.
Glen Boss (Valley Sweetheart) - pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provisions of AR137(a), the carelessness being that near the 250m he went where there was insufficient room to the outside of Haybah and to the inside of Miss Gidget resulting in heavy contact being made to Miss Gidget which had to be checked and made contact with the hindquarters of Lake Geneva turning that horse in. Glen Boss had his licence to ride in races suspended for a period to commence at midnight October 24th and to expire at midnight November 2nd, a total of ten race meetings (two metropolitan, eight provincial). In assessing penalty Stewards took into account Glen Bosss guilty plea and good record and that the carelessness was in the mid-range.

Race 6 - MELBOURNE SIGNAGE CONCEPTS MOONEE VALLEY GOLD CUP (Group 2) - 2500 metres:

Bohemian Lily (NZ) - raced wide without cover until pressing forward near the 1200m to sit outside the leading horse. Lost its near fore plate in running.
Prince Of Penzance (NZ) - rider Michelle Payne explained that it was not the pre-race plan from the stable to lead on the gelding today, but as the race panned out in the early stages, she was left with no other option but to take up the lead without exerting any real pressure on her mount.
The United States (IRE) - rider Hugh Bowman was fined $2000 for using his whip nine times prior to the 100m in a forehand manner which is four times more than permitted. In assessing penalty Stewards took into account Hugh Bowmans recent record, this was a Group 2 race and his mount won.
Big Memory (FR) - rider Nash Rawiller was dislodged after the winning post when his near side stirrup leather broke. Nash Rawiller was examined by the doctor and passed fit to fulfil his remaining engagements.
Bondeiger - a post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Precedence (NZ) - a post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.

Race 7 - DILMAH EXCEPTIONAL TEAS VASE (Group 2) - 2040 metres:

Kentucky Flyer - connections advised would be ridden back today; raced towards the rear and keenly.
Red Alto - connections advised would be ridden forward today; raced behind the leading horses.
Tally - connections advised would be ridden back today from the wide draw; raced towards the rear of the field.
Jameka - connections advised would be ridden more forward today; positioned forward behind the leading runner.
Sagaronne - connections advised would be ridden closer today if circumstances permit; raced off the speed in a mid-field position. Rider Craig Williams reported his mount had come to the end of its preparation and trainer Mr Toby Edmonds confirmed the filly would now be spelled.
Sovereign Nation - unbalanced at the 400m when brushed by Sagaronne which shifted out. A post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Tarzino (NZ) - rider Craig Newitt was questioned regarding his tactics in the early stages after settling at the rear of the field. He explained that it was his goal to try and make sure the colt would settle, as at its previous start, when ridden positively, his mount over-raced and fought against him for a major part of the race. He added that he commenced to put his mount into the race from the 800m and that its run had peaked in the concluding stages. Stewards accepted his explanation but reminded him to ensure his mounts are ridden in a manner that leaves no room for query.
Pasadena Girl (NZ) - rider Hugh Bowman was fined $300 for using his whip six times forehand prior to the 100m which is one time more than permitted. In assessing penalty Stewards took into account the fillys racing manners.

Race 8 - SCHWEPPES CRYSTAL MILE (Group 2) - 1600 metres:

Bow Creek (IRE) - slow to begin. Had to steady his mount at the 400m when held up behind Strawberry Boy and Sons Of John.
Sons Of John - slow into stride. Checked at the 100m when tightened for room by Worthy Cause which shifted in.
Hooked - raced three wide without cover from the 800m.
Richies Vibe - steadied near the 300m when held up for clear running between Bow Creek (IRE) and Malice.
Hooked - raced wide without cover from the 600m. A post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Strawberry Boy - raced keenly through the early and middle stages and weakened in the straight. Rider Jim Cassidy reported his mount had come to the end of its preparation and a post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Luke Dittman (Worthy Cause) - pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provisions of AR137(a), the carelessness being that near the 100m he permitted his mount to shift in whilst riding it along with the whip causing crowding to Sons Of John which was placed in restricted room and had to be checked. Luke Dittman had his licence to ride in races suspended for a period to commence at midnight November 5th and to expire at midnight November 11th, a total of seven race meetings (one metropolitan, six provincial) which is the expiration of suspension incurred in Queensland that commences at midnight tonight. In assessing penalty Stewards took into account Luke Dittmans guilty plea, the incident was in the low range and that this is a cumulative suspension.

Race 9 - WILLIAM HILL COX PLATE (Group 1) - 2040 metres:

Pornichet (FR) - connections advised would be ridden quieter from the wide gate; settled in a position worse than mid-field.
Criterion (NZ) - slow into stride. Checked off the heels of Winx near the 1600m. Checked severely near the 450m to avoid the heels of Winx which had improved to the inside of The Cleaner which after initially having shifted out was then straightened by its rider. In assessing the incident the Stewards could not be fully satisfied that Hugh Bowman (Winx) had a careless riding charge to answer, given the contributing factors in that The Cleaner, when being straightened, left insufficient room for two runners to the inside resulting in Criterion running out of room.
Preferment (NZ) - got its head up near the winning post the first time, when being steadied off the heels of Criterion (NZ).
Arod (IRE) - raced keenly turning out of the straight and through the middle stages. Hampered at the 500m when taken out off its course by The Cleaner which shifted out abruptly. Rider Craig Williams reported his mount pulled up poorly and a subsequent veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Gailo Chop (FR) - raced keenly turning out of the straight and in the middle stages.
Hartnell (GB) - steadied at the 500m to avoid the heels of Highland Reel (IRE) which was taken out by Arod (IRE) which in turn was taken out by The Cleaner, which shifted out abruptly when struck with the whip.
Highland Reel (IRE) - hampered at the 500m when bumped by Arod (IRE) which had been taken out.
Complacent - raced three wide without cover. Rider James Doyle reported when placed under pressure it failed to respond and was most disappointing; a post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Kermadec (NZ) - a post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities other than a slower than normal recovery.

Race 10 - G1X.COM.AU STAKES (Group 3) - 1600 metres:

Precious Gem - connections advised would be ridden more forward; slow to begin before then taking up a position mid-field. A post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Lucky Lago - connections advised would be ridden more forward today from the good gate; positioned outside the leader.
Azkadellia (NZ) - raced wide without cover from the 700m after being brushed by Manageress which shifted out.
Ballet Suite - held up rounding the home turn and until obtaining a clear run shortly after straightening.
Atlantis Dream (NZ) - steadied at the 250m when held up between Girl Guide and Lucky Lago.
Manageress - a post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.