Darwin (NT)

Saturday, 12 March 2005 00:00

Track: Good
Weather: Fine
Rail: True Position

Stewards: L Lane (Chairman), J Hamilton, R Merritt, B Merritt, M Richardson, D Merritt (Deputy Steward)
Veterinary Surgeon: Howard Springs Veterinary Clinic
Number of Races: 6
Number of Runners: 48
Stakes Paid: $70,000

Riding Changes: Nil

Race 1 – Maiden Set Weights - 1200 metres:

When the gates opened BOX OFFICE STAR was slow into stride.

Shortly after the start RESTLESS LEGS was tightened for room between BELLO DIVISTA and DRAPER both of which shifted.

1^st        GOODONYA ZIGGY             2^nd       BELLO DIVISTA      3^rd        LEGS ELEVEN

Race 2 – class 1 hcp - 1000 metres:

When the gates opened PECKJATA jumped away awkwardly and lost ground.

Approaching the first turn THE GUVV (NZ) attempted to run off the turn and then hung out for the remainder of the turn.

1^st        XHAFERS ROLL       2^nd       RED BOSS     3^rd        JARNEE

Race 3 – open wfa - 1300 metres:

During the event GILDED STAR lost it’s near hind plate.

1^st        SACRED SHIELD     2^nd       RANKS           3^rd        GILDED STAR

Race 4 – class 2 hcp - 1300 metres:

Prior to the event STUN GUN sprung it’s near hind plate which necessitated it being removed prior to racing.

Mr B Merrall was fined $30 as MURPHY’S PRIZE trained by him was presented by his staff with incorrect gear (AR140b).  Mr R Merrall, representing Mr B Merrall was notified that the gelding would not be permitted to start again until the transfer of ownership was effected.

1^st        SPRUIK          2^nd       WASN’T IT GOOD    3^rd        GOLD HAWK

Race 5 – class 3 hcp - 1100 metres:

M Morita (A), rider of SHODIYM notified the stewards that he believed his mount had been denied a fair start as his barrier was slow to open.  Stewards viewed the video of the start and were of the opinion that his gate was marginally slow to open.  Taking into account AR134A, stewards did not deem SHODIYM to be a non-runner as in their opinion the occurrence did not materially prejudice its chances of finishing 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd.

B Davis (a), rider of PETER JAMES was found guilty of a charge of careless riding AR137 (a).  The careless riding being that after passing the 200 metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not sufficiently clear of HIGHER SCORE resulting in HIGHER SCORE having to be checked.  B Davis (a) was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire at midnight on Saturday 26 March, 2005.

1^st        ANTIOPE       2^nd       PETER JAMES          3^rd        LOADED VICE (NZ)

Race 6 – class 5 hcp - 1600 metres:

When the gates opened KOSSI PRINCE knuckled.

Shortly after the start SPAKATAK shifted out onto SPIN DUSTY taking that gelding out onto KOSSI PRINCE.

During the event DORTMUNDER lost both front plates and suffered a laceration to it’s off fore heel.

As CHIGWIDDEN was not able to be placed in the barriers, stewards ordered the withdrawal of CHIGWIDDEN at 5.10pm.  Subsequent to the event stewards ordered all monies wagered on CHIGWIDDEN to be refunded and the following betting deductions.  All monies wagered prior to the withdrawal of CHIGWIDDEN to be paid as follows:- for the win, face value of the ticket less 7 cents in the dollar. For the place, face value of the ticket less 8 cents in the dollar.

1^st        RADIANT SOCIETY             2^nd       DORTMUNDER        3^rd        SPAKATAK

SWAB SAMPLES:

Pre-race samples for post-race analysis:  Dortmunder, Susurrro, Prince Paree

Post-race samples:   All winners were swabbed