Stewards' Summary @ Royal Randwick

Published: 11 Jun 2016

A summary of Royal Randwick for Saturday 11th June is shown below, including Vet Notes, Penalties and Fines. For the full report, visit the racingnsw.com.au website.

Vet Notes

Hair Trigger (Race 1) – was fractious in the barriers, reared and struck its head and, as a result of the trauma, had blood present in its near-side nostril. The gelding was withdrawn at 11.31am on veterinary advice. A post-race veterinary examination revealed an abrasion to the nose and an abrasion to the off-fore cannon.
Pioneering (Race 2) – a post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities, other than the filly lost its off-hind plate in running.
Three Sheets (Race 3) – a post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be lame in the near foreleg. Trainer Mr J Sylvester was advised a veterinary clearance would be required prior to the gelding racing again.
Wide Acclaim (Race 5) - a post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding had been galloped on both hind legs.
Victorious (Race 6) – a post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be mildly lame in the near-hind leg and displaying a poor post-race recovery. Trainer Mr M Bell was advised a veterinary clearance would be required for Victorious prior to racing again.
Fine Mist (Race 8) – a post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to be mildly lame in the near foreleg. Trainer Mr P Murray advised, in his view, Fine Mist had failed to handle today's soft track conditions, however, the mare will now be spelled.

Penalties & Fines

K O'Hara, rider of Harlem Lady pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR137(a) in that near the 300m she shifted out around the heels of Distraught when not clear of Lofiel, contributing to Lofiel being checked and losing its running when crowded between Harlem Lady and Pioneering, which shifted in slightly. K O'Hara's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period to commence on Thursday, 16 June 2016 and to expire on Thursday, 23 June 2016, on which day she may ride.
App. J Innes, rider of Eklands – was fined the sum of $200 under AR137A(5)(a)(ii) for using the whip on six occasions prior to the 100m (one additional). When questioned regarding his riding in the early part of the straight, App. J Innes Jr stated he followed Elle Lou rounding the turn, but when that runner was forced wider his mount improved to the inside of Elle Lou. He added when Elle Lou shifted back in he was caught to the inside of the heels of that runner and it was not until the 300m that he was able to shift to the outside to obtain clear running.
J Kokotajlo, rider of Ovahead – was fined the sum of $500 under AR137A(5)(a)(ii) for using the whip on nine occasions prior to the 100m (four additional). He was also reprimanded under AR137A(4)(b) for using the whip in a manner which raised his arm above shoulder height.
Mr S Lucock and Ms S Gillespie, co-trainers of Sonorous were fined $100 for failing to declare App. B McDougall as the rider of colt by the prescribed time.
Mr A Duggan, trainer of Kopite was fined $100 for failing to declare App. J Pracey-Holmes as the rider of colt by the prescribed time.
App. R Hutchings, rider of Opinion was fined $300 under AR137(c) for making a celebratory gesture prior to the winning post. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration that the celebratory gesture was made near the 25m and, in celebrating, he had eased his mount down, which resulted in the margin between 2nd placegetter, Murphy's Delight, being diminished significantly.

Summary of Races

RACE 1: Fresh for Kids Plate 1000m

Hair Trigger – was fractious in the barriers, reared and struck its head and, as a result of the trauma, had blood present in its near-side nostril. The gelding was withdrawn at 11.31am on veterinary advice Stewards subsequently ordered that all monies wagered on Hair Trigger be refunded in full and with regard to betting with bookmakers all successful wagers made prior to 11.31am to be subject to the following deductions in the dollar on the face value of the ticket: 1 st) Conchita less 17ȼ win and 14ȼ place 2 nd) Star Crossed less 15ȼ place 3 rd) Infra Dig less 15ȼ place Trainer Mr J Cummings was advised he must provide a veterinary clearance for Hair Trigger and the gelding must trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards prior to racing again. A post-race veterinary examination revealed an abrasion to the nose and an abrasion to the off-fore cannon.
Exaggerate – jumped awkwardly and lost ground.
Gibraltar Girl – slow to begin. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.
Vienna Waltz – shortly after the start commenced to buck and, as a consequence, lost ground. Stable representative Mr N Paine was advised the filly must barrier trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards prior to racing again. Vienna Waltz then overraced badly in the middle stages and got its head up when being restrained from the heels of Star Crossed. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.
The Happy Lady – near the 600m was hampered when Exaggerate shifted out and made contact with The Happy Lady. Near the 150m, after being briefly held up, was hampered when it attempted to shift to the outside of Gibraltar Girl, which shifted out away from Rafha's Choice.
Blazing Steel – making the home turn became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarter by El Sid, which shifted out away from The Happy Lady. Rider J Ford stated that, whilst he was obliged to cover ground, the gelding was under pressure as far out as the 500m. He added, in his view, Blazing Steel seemed to handle the heavy track conditions and the only explanation he could offer is that the gelding may have come to the end of its preparation. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Trainer Mr K Lees expressed disappointment with the performance of Blazing Steel and indicated he would now assess the gelding in the coming days, before notifying the Stewards of its immediate racing future.
Rafha's Choice – near the 150m ran out abruptly.
Infra Dig – when questioned, B Avdulla stated, as notified by the Stewards, his instructions were, from its wide barrier, to ride the filly quietly. He added that when Blazing Steel, which was positioned to his inside, held its position and was caught wide, he elected to restrain and took up a position at the rear of the field. B Avdulla further added he then followed Exaggerate into the event, but when that runner did not improve he was then held up making the home turn. He said that when The Happy Lady shifted off on straightening, he then elected to come to the outside of Exaggerate, but was again held up when Exaggerate shifted off slightly. He further stated that, once he was able to secure clear running near the 300m, Infra Dig ran on strongly.

RACE 2: Eric Kime Handicap 1400m

Harlem Lady – slow to begin (2L).
Elle Lou – making the home turn was steadied to avoid the heels of Seeking Asylum (J Taylor), which shifted out. In issuing a reprimand, the Stewards found that Seeking Asylum had been inclined to hang out making the home turn and the degree of interference to Elle Lou was exacerbated due to the racing manners of Seeking Asylum.
Lofiel – K O'Hara (Harlem Lady) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR137(a) in that near the 300m she shifted out around the heels of Distraught when not clear of Lofiel, contributing to Lofiel being checked and losing its running when crowded between Harlem Lady and Pioneering, which shifted in slightly. K O'Hara's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period to commence on Thursday, 16 June 2016 and to expire on Thursday, 23 June 2016, on which day she may ride. Rider T Huet stated his mount raced keenly early and became under pressure from the 800m and shortly after straightening received interference and at that point weakened noticeably. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Trainer Mr M Dale will report back to the Stewards on the future race plans for the mare. The inquiry was adjourned pending the advice from Mr Dale.
Eklands – held up for clear running in the early part of the straight when awkwardly placed close to the heels of Elle Lou. Rider App. J Innes Jr was fined the sum of $200 under AR137A(5)(a)(ii) for using the whip on six occasions prior to the 100m (one additional). When questioned regarding his riding in the early part of the straight, App. J Innes Jr stated he followed Elle Lou rounding the turn, but when that runner was forced wider his mount improved to the inside of Elle Lou. He added when Elle Lou shifted back in he was caught to the inside of the heels of that runner and it was not until the 300m that he was able to shift to the outside to obtain clear running.
Distraught – when questioned, J Penza could offer no explanation for the performance of the mare, which failed to run on. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.
Pioneering – a post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities, other than the filly lost its off-hind plate in running.
Ovahead – rider J Kokotajlo was fined the sum of $500 under AR137A(5)(a)(ii) for using the whip on nine occasions prior to the 100m (four additional). He was also reprimanded under AR137A(4)(b) for using the whip in a manner which raised his arm above shoulder height.

RACE 3: TAB Highway Handicap 1000m

Charge Of Light – stood flat-footed at the start and lost ground (3L).
Three Sheets – slow to begin. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be lame in the near foreleg. Trainer Mr J Sylvester was advised a veterinary clearance would be required prior to the gelding racing again.
Portatorio – rider B Avdulla stated his mount jumped awkwardly, got further back than he had intended and then was obliged to race three deep, although he was able to obtain cover. He added that Portatorio was inclined to race greenly throughout the event and, in his view, was not suited racing over 1000m on today's soft track. B Avdulla further stated that, in his opinion, Portatorio would be better suited over a longer distance. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.
Invienna – when questioned regarding his riding in the straight, G Ryan stated that soon after straightening he was disappointed for clear running between Classic Double and Three Sheets, which shifted out. He added he then had to direct his mount back to the inside of Three Sheets to obtain clear running, but the mare then was inclined to hang in under pressure. He further stated, as a result, near the 200m he pulled his whip through to his right hand, however, Invienna continued to hang in and proved difficult to ride out and, consequently, he could not full test the mare to the finish. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

RACE 4: Your Local Greengrocer Handicap 2000m

Sonorous – co-trainers Mr S Lucock and Ms S Gillespie were fined $100 for failing to declare App. B McDougall as the rider of colt by the prescribed time. App. B McDougall stated that, although the colt was obliged to travel wide throughout the event, his mount was under pressure from the 800m and weakened from that point. He added the only explanation he could offer for today's performance was that the colt did not handle the soft track conditions. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Co-trainer Mr S Lucock agreed with App. McDougall that the colt may not have handled the rain affected going. Mr Lucock advised it is now his intention to return the colt to New Zealand, where it will be spelled and possibly gelded.
Storm System – prior to the declaration of correct weight, the Stewards viewed the patrol video to ascertain if there were grounds for objection on behalf of the connections of Storm System. When Stewards were satisfied that Storm System shifted in away from El Novio and initiated contact with Not A Gypsy, the Stewards were of the view there were no grounds for objection and correct weight was declared. Overraced in the early stages. On straightening was hampered when crowded between El Novio and Colonel Custer (App. K Jennings), which shifted out when inclined to race greenly. App. Jennings was told to exercise more care.
Destination Tucson – checked at the start when crowded for room between Storm System and Not A Gypsy, which shifted out.
Cilla – when questioned, App. A Adkins advised that the filly travelled well, however, when asked for an effort from the 500m, did not respond and felt awkward in its action in the straight. Trainer Mr J Sargent was advised that a veterinary clearance prior to the filly racing again.
Colonel Custer – App. K Jennings stated that the colt overraced in the lead and, after shifting ground on the home turn, weakened noticeably in the straight. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Stable representative Mr J Bruce stated that the colt had pleased the stable since its last start at Randwick on 28 May 2016. Mr Bruce advised that, in light of today's performance, Colonel Custer would now be spelled. Mr Bruce was asked to report back on the condition of the colt subsequent to the race.

RACE 5: Sydney Markets Foundation Handicap 1100m

Kopite – trainer Mr A Duggan was $100 for failing to declare App. J Pracey-Holmes as the rider of colt by the prescribed time. Crowded on jumping between Untamed Diamond and Wide Acclaim, which shifted out.
Modha – held up in the early part of the straight behind the weakening Pitburg.
Badajoz – near the 200m ran out, resulting in its rider, B Avdulla, having to stop riding and straighten.
Bitburg – rider J Ford stated his mount was inclined to race keenly but, after being placed under pressure, he felt something was amiss with the gelding in the straight and, consequently, he did not ride it out fully to the finish. He added, in his view, Bitburg did not feel free in its action behind. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Trainer Mr M Dale undertook to report the results of a full veterinary examination. The inquiry was adjourned pending those results being reported to the Stewards.
Dark Eyes – when questioned, T Huet stated that, with the anticipated fast early tempo, he was of the view that his mount would settle in a position with cover. He added, after commencing well, when runners to his inside showed superior pace, he elected not to contest the lead and, as a consequence, he was then obliged to travel four wide throughout the event. Stable representative Mr N Paine confirmed that the intention was to have the gelding ridden just behind the leaders, as they felt, with the anticipated speed drawn inside, that Dark Eyes would not have been quick enough to cross and be prominent.
Wide Acclaim a post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding had been galloped on both hind legs.

RACE 6: Toyota Material Handling (Australia) Stayers Cup 3200m

Tremec – slow to begin after being fractious in the barriers.
He's Dreamin' – making the first turn was steadied to avoid the heels of Victorious (J Kokotajlo). J Kokotajlo was reprimanded and advised to ensure he is two lengths clear when shifting ground. Near the 2200m laid in and was steadied to avoid the heels of Tremec.
Murphy's Delight – near the 900m Reiby The Red (J Penza) shifted out to improve around the heels of Refectory, resulting in Cher Cher Shark, He's Dreamin', Victorious and Murphy's Delight being hampered and taken wider. J Penza was told to exercise more care when shifting ground.
Refectory – overraced in the early and middle stages.
Tremec – near the 600m was steadied away from the heels of the tiring Tradtri. Making the home turn had to be checked when disappointed for clear running between Refectory and Reiby The Red, which shifted in.
Tradtri – when questioned, K O'Hara advised that, in her view, the gelding was not comfortable on the soft going and also is suspect at the journey of 3200m. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Trainer Mr R Price advised that, in his view, Tradtri did not handle today's soft track conditions.
Cher Cher Shark – A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.
Victorious – A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be mildly lame in the near-hind leg and displaying a poor post-race recovery. Trainer Mr M Bell was advised a veterinary clearance would be required for Victorious prior to racing again.
Opinion – App. R Hutchings was fined $300 under AR137(c) for making a celebratory gesture prior to the winning post. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration that the celebratory gesture was made near the 25m and, in celebrating, he had eased his mount down, which resulted in the margin between 2nd placegetter, Murphy's Delight, being diminished significantly.

RACE 7: Colin Gray Handicap 2000m

Defrost My Heart – on jumping First Bloom and Defrost My Heart were badly crowded between Tucanchoo and Egyptian Ruler, which began awkwardly and shifted in. In the incident Tucanchoo and Egyptian Rule both became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.
First Bloom – checked at the start. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.
Dream Folk – pulled hard in the middle stages.
Tucanchoo - when questioned regarding the gelding leading today, App. K Jennings stated that he was under no specific instructions, other than to ride the gelding where comfortable. He added on jumping his mount came into contact with Defrost My Heart, which resulted in it then taking the bit and racing more forward than he had anticipated. Co-trainer Mr M Hawkes confirmed there were no specific instructions.

RACE 8: Sydney Markets Limited June Stakes (Listed) 1100m

Le Cordon Bleu – whilst being loaded the gelding made significant contact with the back gate barriers whilst being loaded. Le Cordon Bleu was examined by the Club's Veterinary Officer and passed fit to start. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.
Wouldn’t It Be Nice – prior to the declaration of correct weight, the connections viewed the video to see if there were grounds for objection against 2 nd placegetter, Mount Nebo. When connections were satisfied there were not sufficient grounds and the Stewards were similarly of the same view, correct weight was declared. Near the 200m, after being held up, was directed to the inside of Mount Nebo to obtain clear running.
Palazza Pubblico – jumped awkwardly.
Danish Twist – shortly after the start was crowded by Oxford Poet, which shifted in slightly.
Oxford Poet – blundered shortly after the start.
Kuro – when questioned regarding the disappointing performance, K O'Hara stated the gelding travelled well in the early stages and, after being briefly crowded making the home turn, commenced to give ground. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Trainer's representative Ms H Devlin advised Kuro had pleased the stable since its last start at Scone on 14 May 2016 and, in particular, had barrier trialled well at Warwick Farm on 30 May 2016 and could offer no tangible excuse for the disappointing performance. Ms Devlin was asked to report back to the Stewards on the condition of Kuro subsequent to the race.
Fine Mist – a post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to be mildly lame in the near foreleg. Trainer Mr P Murray advised, in his view, Fine Mist had failed to handle today's soft track conditions, however, the mare will now be spelled.

RACE 9: Glenn Wheeler Handicap 1200m

Super Tycoon – began awkwardly. Near the 600m was steadied to avoid the heels of Celestial Sky.
Celestial Sky – slow to begin.
Star Shaft – had difficulty obtaining clear running for some distance near the 200m.
Grunderzeit – Overraced in the early stages. Held up for clear running until approaching the 200m.
All Summer Long – held up for clear running until approaching the 150m.
Cosmopol – when questioned regarding the performance of the gelding, G Schofield stated, from his wide draw, he had been instructed to obtain cover. He added that, when Shadow Lord, which was drawn to his inside, jumped better than he, he elected to follow that runner and anticipated Shadow Lord, which was racing with blinkers on today, to take up a more forward position. He further stated, when Shadow Lord did not go forward as anticipated, he was shuffled back in the field and then approaching the 700m, when Avonaco, which was positioned to his outside, was able to cross his mount, this resulted in Cosmopol being forced to the rear of the field. G Schofield said that, having regard to the fact that his mount was shuffled back, he was still of the view that its finishing effort was somewhat disappointing in the circumstances. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Cotrainer Mr M Hawkes was asked to report back on the condition of Cosmopol subsequent to the race.
Invitations – A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.
Burning Passion - when questioned regarding being more forward today, rider J Penza advised Stewards he had been instructed to be positive from the barrier. Trainer Mr J Cummings confirmed the instructions issued and advised Stewards he had issued similar instructions to G Schofield at Canterbury on 11 May 2016, where the gelding settled further back than he had intended and was hampered making the first turn when carried wider by another runner. Mr Cummings was advised that, irrespective of the instructions issued at its last start, he would be expected to notify the Stewards of any change in tactics.