Stewards' Summary @ Royal Randwick 2nd March

Published: 03 Mar 2019

A summary of Royal Randwick for Saturday 2nd March is shown below, including Vet Notes, Penalties and Fines. For the full report, visit the racingnsw.com.au website.

Vet Notes

Penske (Race 2) – A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding sustained an abrasion to the nearside stifle. Co-trainer Mr A Bott was asked to report back on the post-race condition of Penske.
Cosmologist (Race 2) – A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be acutely lame in the off-foreleg due to a suspensory injury. Trainer Mr J Pride was advised that he must provide the veterinary and treatment records for the gelding.
King Viv (Race 2) – a post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be 1/5 lame in the offforeleg. Trainer Mrs K Waugh was advised that a veterinary clearance would be required prior to King Viv racing again.
Dark Eyes (Race 2) – a post-race veterinary examination of the gelding, which raced wide and without cover throughout the event, revealed it to be 1/5 lame in the near-foreleg. Trainer Mr M Dale was advised a veterinary clearance would be required prior to the gelding racing again.
Fiery Red (Race 3) – a post-race veterinary examination revealed the colt to be slow to recover and, furthermore, to have shifted its off-hind plate.
Alart (Race 9) – a post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare was galloped on to the near hind cannon.
Piracy (Race 9) – a post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding bled from one nostril. Trainer Mr J Cummings was advised that Piracy would be required to gallop 1000m or barrier trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards prior to its next start.

Penalties & Fines

A Adkins rider of Onemore Sapphire pleaded guilty to a charge under AR132(7)(a)(ii) in that he used the whip on 10 occasions prior to the 100m (5 more than permitted). A Adkins was fined $500.

Summary of Races

RACE 1: TAB Highway Plate 1600

My Blue Jeans – on arrival behind the barrier it was noted that the gelding which had bumper tape fitted to both hind legs had slipped below the fetlock, which required the tapes to be removed. This caused a slight delay to the start of this event. Began awkwardly. Rider B Prebble advised that his intention was to be more forward, but despite his efforts his mount was unable to take up a prominent position. He said that throughout the event he had concerns with the action of the gelding, particularly in the straight when it did not respond to his riding. He added the gelding became stirred up prior to the running of the race when its bumper tapes were being removed and this may also have contributed to its disappointing performance. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.
Onemore Sapphire - prior to the declaration of correct weight, the Stewards identified from the inquiry room that rider A Adkins had struck his mount on 10 occasions prior to the 100m. When Stewards could not be satisfied that Onemore Sapphire had gained an advantage that resulted in it finishing in 3rd placing in the race, in accordance with AR221(2) they therefore declined to exercise their powers under AR132(10) and did not proceed with a formal protest. At a subsequent inquiry A Adkins pleaded guilty to a charge under AR132(7)(a)(ii) in that he used the whip on 10 occasions prior to the 100m (5 more than permitted). A Adkins was fined $500.
Haames – began awkwardly and shortly after the start was bumped by Hard Core, which shifted out.
Don't Doubt Ma'am – began awkwardly. When questioned regarding the mare leading today, rider J Ford stated that, as notified by the Stewards, the intention was to be more forward on and to take a sit to the outside of the anticipated leader Hard Core. He said as Don't Doubt Ma'am has had an inclination to be slow to begin, he rode his mount along from the barrier to comply with his instructions to go forward. He added in the early stages, when he was not able to obtain a position to the outside of Hard Core, as he was required to clear Pierino, he elected to then stride forward and lead, particularly when he identified J McDonald, rider of Hard Core, restrain his mount. He added that, as he commenced to cross Hard Core, that runner commenced to race keenly to his inside and as a consequence he had to make additional use of his mount to cross that runner near the 900m.
Splash Of Lime – from a wide barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages, however, was then obliged to race wide and without cover throughout the event.
Belfast Bella – held up for clear running until near the 250m, where it obtained a narrow run between Don't Doubt Ma'am and Weston.
Weston – when questioned regarding the disappointing performance, rider J Parr stated that, after enjoying a good run in the event, his mount was briefly held up in the early part of the straight behind Hard Core and as a result became awkward in its action and was inclined to lay in. He said that when Hard Core then improved inside the 300m his mount did not respond to his riding and was most disappointing in the manner in which it weakened over the final 200m. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Stable representative Mrs K Dunn was advised that if the intention was to continue with the current preparation of Weston the gelding would be required to barrier trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards. Mrs Dunn undertook to report back on the post-race condition of the gelding.
Dream Builder – when questioned regarding his riding in the straight, A Hyeronimus stated that his mount was initially held up between Hard Core and Pierino and near the 300m he commenced to ride his mount along when a run developed between those two runners. He said that when Hard Core then shifted out he was obliged to steady his mount for a short distance and again recommenced riding near the 200m, however, when Pierino then shifted in he was again disappointed for this run and was obliged to steady his mount. He added that, whilst he was able to place some pressure on his mount over the final 150m, he was not able to fully test it when racing in restricted room to the inside of Pierino.
Hard Core – when questioned regarding the performance, rider J McDonald stated that, although he was pressured in the lead in the early stages, he felt this was not an excuse for today's disappointing performance s in his opinion Hard Core does not run out a strong 1600m and accordingly gave ground over the final 200m. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

RACE 2: Australian Fire Hose Handicap 2000m

Desert Path – Stewards permitted B Avdulla to ride the gelding 0.5 kilogram over its declared weight of 53.5 kilograms. When questioned regarding his riding making the home turn and in the early part of the straight, B Avdulla stated that he was issued with no specific instructions. He said that throughout the early and middle stages of the event Desert Path pulled hard, refused to settle and on a number of occasions he was obliged to check his mount to avoid the heels of King Viv during this time. He added that passing the 600m, when King Viv shifted out to improve, he elected to follow the favoured runner Looks Like Elvis into the event, rather than having to shift wider on the track as he felt, given the racing manners of the gelding in the early and middle stages, it would not be able to finish the race off strongly if he were to improve around the field. B Avdulla further stated that his decision to do so was also influenced by the fact that if he was to shift off he would have been required to follow Dark Eyes, an unfancied runner, which raced wide and without cover throughout the event and had commenced to weaken. He said when Looks Like Elvis was disappointed for a run near the 500m he was obliged to check his mount to avoid the heels of that runner for some distance, which resulted in Desert Path being badly held up on the heels of Looks Like Elvis for some distance, before shifting to that runner's outside at the 300m to secure clear running. He added that in the straight his mount commenced to respond to his riding well, before finishing the race off strongly. After considering B Avdulla's explanation, the Stewards found that his decision not to shift out on the home turn was not unreasonable, given that he would have been required to follow Dark Eyes, which had travelled wide and without cover and was giving ground at that point.
Looks Like Elvis - Stewards considered a protest lodged by K McEvoy, rider of 3 rd placegetter Looks Like Elvis against Goathland (B Shinn) being declared the winner, alleging interference on the home turn. After considering the evidence, Stewards found that near the 450m Looks Like Elvis endeavoured to take a narrow run between Sayed and Dark Eyes and shortly after Looks Like Elvis had to be steadied when disappointed for this run between Dark Eyes, which was commencing to weaken and shifted in slightly, and Goathland, which had been held up on the heels of Sayed, which shifted out slightly. As the Stewards could not be satisfied that the interference to Looks Like Elvis could be directly attributable to Goathland, the protest was dismissed.
Shalmaneser – from the outside was shifted behind runners in the early stages. Trainer Mr R Freedman was advised if it was intention to have the gelding in a more forward position at its next race start he would be required to notify the Stewards of that change in writing. Overraced in the middle stages.
Rodrico – near the 300m was steadied when disappointed for running between Penske and Sayed, which shifted in slightly. Rodrico was then shifted to the outside of Sayed near the 150m to continue into clear running.
Doukhan – when commencing to make ground approaching the 100m was shifted to the inside of Penske to continue into clear running.
Penske – rider J Parr stated that his mount commenced only fairly and he was obliged to make some use of it to take up a position outside the lead. He said in his view Penske did not run out a strong 2000m and this was the principal reason for its disappointing performance. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding sustained an abrasion to the nearside stifle. Co-trainer Mr A Bott was asked to report back on the post-race condition of Penske.
Cosmologist – rider App. S Weatherley reported that the gelding travelled strongly in the event and soon after entering the straight his mount shortened stride and then near the 300m. when he felt something was amiss, he then desisted from riding the gelding out from that point. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be acutely lame in the off-foreleg due to a suspensory injury. Trainer Mr J Pride was advised that he must provide the veterinary and treatment records for the gelding.
King Viv – a post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be 1/5 lame in the off foreleg. Trainer Mrs K Waugh was advised that a veterinary clearance would be required prior to King Viv racing again.
Dark Eyes – a post-race veterinary examination of the gelding, which raced wide and without cover throughout the event, revealed it to be 1/5 lame in the near-foreleg. Trainer Mr M Dale was advised a veterinary clearance would be required prior to the gelding racing again.

RACE 3: Schweppes Skyline Stakes (Group 2) 1200m

Rome – co-trainer Mr Paul Snowden advised that the colt had been scratched following an intermittent elevated temperature on Thursday, 28 February 2019 and a blood count which was not deemed satisfactory to the stable to start the colt today. Mr Snowden was advised a veterinary clearance would be required prior to Rome racing again.
Castlevecchio – began awkwardly and then shortly after the start was bumped by Accession, which shifted out. In this incident both Accession and Castlevecchio became unbalanced.
Sun Patch – slow to begin.
Cosmic Force – raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
Fiery Red – a post-race veterinary examination revealed the colt to be slow to recover and, furthermore, to have shifted its off-hind plate.
Accession – a post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities other than the colt lost its off-fore plate. Trainer Mr C Waller advised the Stewards that Accession will now be spelled.

RACE 4: Liberty International Underwriters Sweet Embrace Stakes (Group 2) 1200m

Icebath – after being slow to begin, was crowded shortly after the start by Giselle Anne, which shifted out. From a wide barrier was then shifted behind runners in the early stages. Leaving the 1000m, when inclined to over race, had to be checked when crowded for room between Giselle Anne (G Schofield), which shifted in slightly when being restrained to find cover, and Dance Too Hard, which was also inclined to over race and, after being briefly taken out by Super Oasis (B Shinn), then overacted to that shift, shifted out away from that runner and also was checked. In this incident Amercement, which was following was hampered in consequence. Stewards found that the racing manners of Super Oasis, Dance Too Hard and Icebath were the principal reasons for the interference. Whilst there were a number of circumstances in respect to this incident, nonetheless G Schofield and B Shinn were advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances.
Amercement – from a wide barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages.
Emeralds – slow to begin.
Still Single – slow to begin.
Let It Pour – over raced throughout the early and middle stages. When placed under pressure over the final 150m was inclined to lay out, resulting in its rider J Parr having to stop riding and straighten his mount near the 100m and then ride hands and heels to the finish of the race.
Super Oasis – began only fairly. Over raced throughout the early and middle stages. Steadied when disappointed for clear running between Let It Pour and Enood near the 300m. Super Oasis then continued to have difficulty obtaining clear running until near the 200m. When being shifted to the outside of Let It Pour, Super Oasis was then inclined to shift out and away from that runner, resulting in Enood being carried out across the running of Perfect Impression, which had to be steadied. B Shinn, rider of Super Oasis, was advised in similar circumstances he should make a greater effort to keep his mounts straight. B Shinn stated that he was obliged to settle a little further back than he had anticipated when Still Single held a position to his inside. He said in the straight Super Oasis was inclined to lay out under pressure and was disappointing in its failure to finish the race off. Trainer Mr M Newnham advised the filly would now be spelled.
Giselle Anne – close to the finish could not be fully tested when close to the heels of Let It Pour. When questioned regarding the filly racing further back today, rider G Schofield stated he was given the option of riding his mount with cover, as it was stepping up to 1200m. He said accordingly he did not ride the filly strongly from the barrier and as a result it jumped awkwardly and lost some ground, which resulted in Giselle Anne being caught wide in an off pace position. He added that as a result he elected to ride the filly conservatively and attempted to obtain cover behind Perfect Impression to avoid being caught wide, however, this resulted in Giselle Anne racing further back than he had intended. Trainer Mr L Curtis confirmed the instructions. Whilst the Stewards accepted that Giselle Anne had settled further back than intended today, Mr Curtis was reminded of his obligation to notify Stewards of any change in riding tactics.

RACE 5: Optus Liverpool City Cup (Group 3) 1300m

Salsonic - Stewards permitted T Clark to ride the gelding 0.5 kilogram over its declared weight of 53 kilograms. When questioned regarding his riding in the straight, rider T Clark stated that when the tempo quickened from the 600m his mount became under pressure and he was required to ride it along to maintain his position. He said in the straight he initially attempted to obtain a run between Kaonic and Frolic near the 250m, however, when Salsonic did not quicken he was unable to secure this run when Kaonic shifted out and for this reason he was obliged to go back to the inside of that runner to obtain clear running. He added that near the 100m he was held up on the heels of You Make Me Smile before that runner shifted out and he was able to secure clear running, whereby Salsonic then did finish the race off strongly.
Kaonic – prior to the declaration of correct weight Stewards considered whether there were sufficient grounds to lodge a protest against Dreamforce being declared 4th placegetter due to an incident that occurred approaching the 100m. When Stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that Kaonic had established running to the outside of You Make Me Smile when that gelding commenced to shift out, they declined to lodge a protest when they could not be satisfied there were sufficient grounds to do so. Slow to begin. For some distance near the 100m was shifted to the outside of You Make Me Smile to continue into clear running.
Advance Yulong – from a wide barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages. Rider H Bowman advised that the horse was stirred up behind the barriers, sweated up and then in the early stages raced fiercely when being restrained to find cover from a wide barrier. He said that with the moderate tempo Advanced Yulong found it difficult to make up ground in the straight. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities, other than it lost its off-hind plate.
Ever Loyal – rider K McEvoy stated that his mount was obliged to race wide and without cover throughout the event, but more significantly over raced, which was the main reason for its failure to finish the race off. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.
You Make Me Smile – rider K O'Hara stated that from the inside barrier she made some use of the gelding to hold the lead, but then in the middle stages she rode her mount in a similar manner to when it was successful at Randwick on 16 February 2019. She said that, after having reviewed the sectional times of the event, it may have been in the interests of You Make Me Smile to set a more genuine tempo, however, Dreamforce did quickly head her mount soon after straightening. She added that, once Dreamforce headed her mount in the straight, You Make Me Smile had an inclination to lay out towards that runner and continued to do so for the remainder of the event. K O'Hara was reminded of her obligation to ride her mounts out fully to the finish of the race.

RACE 6: TAB Chipping Norton Stakes (Group 1) 1600m

Libran – after being loaded into the barriers, reared. Libran was examined by the Club's Veterinary Officer and was deemed suitable to race.
Egg Tart – began only fairly. Laid in when placed under pressure in the early part of the straight.
Brimham Rocks – from a wide barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages.

RACE 7: Surround Stakes (Group 1) 1400m

Symi – began only fairly.
Madam Rouge – bumped on jumping by Zalatte. Raced keenly in the middle stages.
Zalatte – began awkwardly.
Seabrook – shortly after the start was steadied when crowded between Mizzy and Greysful Glamour, which shifted out slightly.
Fiesta – bumped on jumping by Miss Fabulass, which shifted in and then from a wide barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages.
Melt – from a wide barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.
Miss Fabulass – from the outside barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages. Throughout the early and middle stages over raced and for some distance near the 1000m was checked off the heels of Pohutukawa. In the early part of the straight was inclined to lay in and reluctant to shift to the outside of runners as its rider endeavoured to obtain clear running to the outside of Fiesta.
Nakeeta Jane – raced keenly in the middle stages.
Greysful Glamour – raced wide and without cover throughout the event. On the home turn was hampered and taken wider when Madam Rouge shifted out to improve.
Pohutukawa – over the final 200m was held up for clear running and could not be fully tested.

RACE 8: Guy Walter Proven Thoroughbreds Stakes (Group 2) 1400m

Eckstein – slow to begin. On straightening was steadied when disappointed for clear running between Bella Martini and Manicure, which shifted out.
Nettoya – slow to begin.
Noire – after being slow to begin, was bumped on jumping by Bella Martini due to both runners shifting ground. Rider H Bowman stated in his opinion the mare was disadvantaged by the slow early pace and as a result he was obliged to place his mount under pressure to improve around the field sooner than he would have liked. He said he felt this was the main reason for the mare not finishing the race off. He added that notwithstanding this Noire was disappointing over the final 200m of the event. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Trainer Mr C Waller concurred with the views expressed by H Bowman and undertook to report back to the Stewards if anything was amiss with Noire subsequent to the race. Stewards have requested Racing NSW veterinary officers to inspect Noire on Monday, 4 March 2019 to ascertain if there is any veterinary condition apparent with the mare. Stewards will then give consideration to the performance of Noire.
Dyslexic – from a wide barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages. Rider B Avdulla stated his instructions were to ride the mare conservatively from a wide barrier, but had anticipated taking up a midfield position. He said when Nettoya and Noire held their position to his inside in the early stages he was obligated to come back to the rear of the field to ensure that he obtained cover. He added that he then elected to take a run to the inside making the home turn and in the straight Dyslexic finished the race off reasonably well.
Siren's Fury – a post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

RACE 9: Nelune Foundation Handicap 1200m

What Could Be - Stewards permitted T Clark to ride the gelding 0.5 kilogram over its declared weight of 53 kilograms.
Spanish Dream – after being fractious in the tie-up stalls, was a late scratching on veterinary advice at 5.14pm.
Miss Que - Stewards considered a protest lodged by K McEvoy, rider of 3 rd place deadheater Miss Que, the other deadheater being Spin, against Piracy being declared the 2nd placegetter, alleging interference inside the final 200m. After considering the evidence, Stewards found that, after being held up for clear running in the early part of the straight was steadied when disappointed for clear running to the inside of Piracy near the 200m, which resulted in Miss Que being shifted out in an endeavour to obtain clear running to the outside of Piracy, however, when Piracy then shifted out simultaneously, Miss Que was badly held up on the heels of that runner until the 100m. As Stewards found that Miss Que, had not established clear running at any stage inside the 200m, the protest was dismissed and correct weight was declared.
Signore Fox – on jumping was bumped by Serene Miss and became unbalanced. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.
Budawang – slow to begin.
Spin – on jumping was bumped by Alart, which shifted out. Leaving the 800m, when inclined to race fiercely, was steadied from the heels of Latin Boy. Held up for clear running until approaching the 200m. B Prebble pleaded guilty to a charge under AR211(1) in that he returned to scale in excess of ½ a kilogram over his declared weight. B Prebble's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period to commence on Monday, 11 March 2019 and to expire on Saturday, 23 March 2019, on which day he may ride. In assessing penalty, Stewards took into consideration the beaten margin of half a length to the winner Renewal, a short neck margin to the 2nd placegetter Piracy and his position of deadheating with 3rd placegetter Miss Que. Lost its near-hind plate in running.
Serene Miss – from a wide barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages. Inside the 300m was shifted to the outside of What Could Be to secure clear running.
Latin Boy – raced fiercely throughout the early and middle stages and, when being crossed by Epidemic near the 800m, became awkward on that runner's heels. H Bowman rider of Epidemic was advised to ensure he sufficiently clear when shifting ground.
Maximus – overraced in the middle stages. Held up for clear running in the straight and could not be tested until near the 100m. Rider T Berry will be interviewed regarding his riding out of 7th placegetter Maximus.
Epidemic – rider H Bowman stated it was not his intention to race forward on the mare, but after commencing well, he elected to take advantage of the good start and consequently raced more forward than had been intended. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.
Alart – a post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare was galloped on to the near hind cannon.
Piracy – a post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding bled from one nostril. Trainer Mr J Cummings was advised that Piracy would be required to gallop 1000m or barrier trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards prior to its next start.