Darwin (NT)

Saturday, 06 December 2003 00:00

WEATHER: FINE
TRACK: GOOD

STEWARDS: L.Lane (Chairman), J.Hamilton, R Merritt, B Merritt, D Merritt (Deputy Steward), M Richardson (Deputy Steward)

BOOKMAKERS: 3

VETERINARY SURGEON:J Farebrother

Number of Races:    4                         Stakes Paid: $ 23,000

Number of Runners: 23

 RACE FOUR        CLASS 4 HCP – 11OO M

On jumping away FOR RORY, which jumped awkwardly, shifted out and bumped TITO.

D Bates, rider of TITO which performed below expectations, stated that the gelding felt good in its action and appeared to pull up alright.  He further stated that when he expected the horse to accelerate it was unable to do so and raced like a one pacer.

1st             ZAMBO (NZ) 2nd             FOR RORY 3rd             CALMER KARMA

RACE SIX        CLASS 6 HCP – 12OO M

Near the 600 metres CARL THE BULL had to be eased when tightened for room between VIDAL and A NEW SHILLING, both of which shifted.

During the race the respective saddles on VIDAL and A NEW SHILLING shifted, placing their riders at a disadvantage.

1st             ACELA         2nd             CARL THE BULL             3rd             VIDAL

RACE EIGHT        CLASS 2 HCP – 1OOO M

When the gates opened MANDATE was slow into stride.

Shortly after the start LUSKIN DREAMS and SONGMAKER bumped on several occasions.

Rounding the turn MANDATE hung out.

1st             MANDATE    2nd             LUSKIN DREAMS             3rd             SONGMAKER

RACE NINE OPEN HCP – 13OO M

At acceptance time Mr B Merrall, owner of I DO THEE WED requested permission for dual license holder G Clarke to ride the gelding.  Mr Merrall stated that he was left without a rider at the last minute when W Orbell who he had engaged had also accepted the ride on ROCKHOUND which he was duty bound to fulfil.  Due to the lateness of him being notified he was unable to get another rider for I DO THEE WED.  Due to the exceptional circumstances, stewards granted permission for G Clarke to ride I DO THEE WED despite him being the trainer of GOTHAM RULER which was also engaged in the race.  W Orbell was reprimanded for accepting two rides in the same race and was notified that if he was to do so in future he may be penalised.

Stewards questioned T Perry, rider of MURPHY’S LAW which performed better today than its recent form suggested.  T Perry stated that the gelding races best when it leads and at its recent starts the pace had been too much in the early stages for the gelding to get to the front.   However at its last start she drew wide and although could have got closer to the lead elected not to race wide to do so.  She further stated that when the gelding campaigned in the west the opposition was not as strong and MURPHY’S LAW was able to lead easily.

Stewards questioned G Clarke, rider of I DO THEE WED which performed poorly.  G Clarke stated that the gelding felt comfortable in the early stages but he was forced to race wide rounding the turn and I DO THEE WED failed to improve at any stage.

Stewards questioned Mr B Merrall, stable foreman in charge of I DO THEE WED about that gelding’s disappointing performance.  Mr Merrall stated that he expected I DO THEE WED to win today and was very disappointed with its performance.  Mr Merrall stated that I DO THEE WED pulled up in a distressed state which may have been some excuse and also today the gelding was back in the field and may not have appreciated the sand being thrown up.  Other than this he could offer no explanation.

Swab samples were taken from the winner and second placegetter.

1st        EL CARTERO             2nd             MURPHY’S LAW             3rd             CATHALOOK

All winners were swabbed today