Darwin (NT)

Saturday, 20 August 2005 00:00

Track: Good
Weather: Fine
Rail: True Position

Stewards: L Lane (Chairman), J Beagley, K Cook, J Hamilton, R Merritt, B Merritt, M Richardson
Veterinary Surgeon: Howard Springs Veterinary Clinic
Number of Races: 5
Number of Runners: 32
Stakes Paid: $35,000

Race 1 – CLASS 1 HCP - 1100 metres:

Stewards questioned Mr B Merrall trainer of PIRATE OF PENZANCE which was scratched from this event. Mr B Merrall stated that the gelding had swelling in its knee when he inspected it on Thursday afternoon and a subsequent x-ray revealed that it had bone chips in its knee. Further that the gelding had been worked on Thursday morning and had shown no sign of lameness at that time, Stewards noted Mr Merralls explanation for the scratching of PIRATE OF PENZANCE.

On jumping away SPLIT DECISION jumped inward onto ADMIRAL HARRY.

The clubs veterinary surgeon inspected ACQUA ALTO subsequent to the event and reported that the gelding was lame in the off fore leg.

1^st        LATE PRINCE          2^nd       ADMIRAL HARRY   3^rd        SPLIT DECISION

Race 2 – OPEN HCP - 1200 metres:

Ms A White trainer of DORTMUNDER notified the stewards that she had instructed the rider to ride the gelding back in the field today.

On jumping away TOP SQUIRE shifted out and hampered ENTITLEMENT and EL SUROSO.

Near the 850 metres TOP SQUIRE clipped the heels of DESERT DANE (P Denton) which shifted in to the rail. P Denton was notified that he must ensure he is 2 lengths clear prior to shifting ground in future.

The club veterinary surgeon inspected EL SUROSO subsequent to the event and reported that the mare was lame in the off fore fetlock. Mr R Severino trainer of EL SUROSO was advised that prior to it racing again he must produce a satisfactory veterinary certificate for the mare.

The clubs veterinary surgeon inspected DESERT DANE subsequent to the event and reported that the gelding had a stone bruise to the near fore hoof.

1^st        DESERT DANE         2^nd       DORTMUNDER        3^rd        TOP SQUIRE

Race 3 – CLASS B HCP - 1500 metres:

When the gates opened JIMMY JAMES shifted and bumped GAY DECEPTION which then shifted abruptly and hampered WARINGA FLYER.

1^st        PERFORMANCE      2^nd       JIMMY JAMES         3^rd        NANNASHANDSOMEBOY

Race 4 – CLASS 5 HCP - 1000 metres:

When the gates opened IL DUCA was slow to begin.

On jumping away MANDATE shifted in onto CELTIC PEACE.

Near the 200 metres LOADED VICE (NZ) shifted in and made contact with CHILTON.

Stewards questioned D Bates rider of MANDATE which had an interrupted run from the 650 metres to the entrance to the straight. D Bates stated that he had to ease off heels on a number of occasions as he had difficulty obtaining a clear run due to the horses ahead of him rolling in and out which resulted in there being no clear run for him to take until straightening.

1^st        LOADED VICE(NZ)  2^nd       CHILTON      3^rd        CELTIC PEACE

Race 5 – CLASS 3 HCP - 1300 metres:

Mr G Clarke, trainer of BEL DE FERRO was fined $50 for presenting that gelding with incorrect gear (AR140(a))

After being placed in the barriers MOONLIGHT EXPRESS broke through the front gate and cantered a short distance.

When the gates opened GUNDOOEE STAR and DESERT REEF were slow to begin.

Approaching the first turn GUNDOOEE STAR had a tendency to lay out.

Running to the 900 metres KELVINSIDE LAD had to be eased off the heels of SPRUIK.

Approaching the winning post G Clarke, rider of BEL DE FERRO had to stop riding when tightened for room on the inside of SPRUIK which was taken in by MR BRITTAS.

1^st        MR BRITTAS            2^nd       I SCREAM     3^rd        KELVINSIDE LAD

All winners were swabbed