Apprentice R Hanby brought to Stewards’ attention the fact that she did not believe she held a firm engagement for STRATHMORE LASS as she had not been advised through her Master and was unaware of her engagement for the mare in today’s event. She further stated that she had been tentatively booked for DONATIVA (NZ) who was the first emergency which subsequently gained a start. After speaking with Trainer Mr R M Worbey, Stewards deemed that Apprentice Hanby did not hold a confirmed engagement for STRATHMORE LASS and advised him that when engaging apprentice riders in the future, he must confirm engagements with the parties prior to declaring riders for his horses.

The announcement of correct weight was delayed as Stewards wished to view the start as to whether I’LL GET BY (L Goodrick) and DONNA MAJELLA (S Snell) were denied a fair start. After viewing the start, Stewards were satisfied that both horses were not denied a fair start and correct weight was declared.

I’LL GET BY (L Goodrick) and DONNA MAJELLA (S Snell) reared as the gates opened and as a result were slow away. I’LL GET BY lost two to three lengths and DONNA MAJELLA lost from one to two lengths as a consequence.

At the point of the turn DONNA MAJELLA (S Snell) rolled out and brushed with CAUSE FOR DIVORCE (J Nevin A).

ARR DEE BEE (B Stanley) was held up for a number of strides entering the straight between TRUST FUND (R Bradley A) and DONNA MAJELLA (S Snell) resulting in that mare having to switch to the inside to obtain clear running.

Jockey L Goodrick replaced Jockey C Kingston as the rider of OLOKAI. At a subsequent inquiry, Jockey Kingston was reprimanded under AR-120(b) for accepting a ride for which he was later found to be overweight.

The announcement of correct weight was delayed as Jockey D Parish, the rider of the second placegetter TURBULENT FORCE wished to view the official video patrol film. After viewing the film, Jockey Parish advised that she wished to lodge a protest against SILVER LASER (S Snell) being declared the winner on the grounds of alleged interference over final 200 metres. After considering evidence from all the parties concerned and viewing the official Stewards’ patrol films and acting on their own observations, the protest was dismissed. Stewards ordered the Judge’s placings to stand and correct weight was declared. It was established that at approximately the 100 metres, SILVER LASER (S Snell) rolled out under pressure resulting in TURBULENT FORCE (D Parish) being momentarily inconvenienced. However, Stewards were of the opinion that the interference suffered by TURBULENT FORCE did not exceed the margin between the two runners at the end of the race. Therefore, the Judge’s placings stood and correct weight was announced.

Approaching the 600 metres, OLOKAI (L Goodrick) shifted in marginally resulting in TURBULENT FORCE (D Parish) being crowded and taken in on to SILVER LASER (S Snell). Shortly after, SILVER LASER shifted out to improve around CAUSE TO GOSSIP (S Tsaikos), carrying TURBULENT FORCE out on to OLOKAI who was carried wider on the track. In all the circumstances, Stewards decided not to take action against any particular rider, however, Jockey L Goodrick was advised to ensure that she is clear at all times when shifting ground in the future.

A post-race veterinary inspection of THE FLEA (Trainer Royston Carr) revealed that this gelding had bled from both nostrils. Trainer Royston Carr was advised of the provisions of AR-53A (5) in that THE FLEA is now ineligible to start in any race in Australia.

A routine swab sample was taken from the second placegetter TURBULENT FORCE (Neil Richardson).

On jumping, BETTER THINK (J Borrett) jumped in, crowding ALL GO (K Bandy).

BETTER THINK (J Borrett) shifted ground up the track under pressure over the concluding stages.

A post-race veterinary inspection of US AND MAKA (Trainer Royston Carr) revealed the gelding to be lame in the near fore-leg. Trainer Carr will be advised that a veterinary certificate of soundness must be tendered before US AND MAKA’s next race start.

A swab sample was taken from the winner of the race OTAKIMAN (Trainer Jenny James).

Trainer Neil Richardson declared Jockey Troy Atkins as a late rider for BLUE BIALIA. A public announcement was made to this effect.

As the start was affected, BLUE BIALIA (T Atkin) jumped in. At the same time, SHEEDS (J Borrett) jumped out, resulting in both horses being hampered.

MESTINOS (E Chan A) missed the start slightly.

Approaching the 600 metre, MOOFASTA (J Nevin A) shifted ground inwards from an outside position when not a full length clear of TARKINE (S Tsaikos) resulting in that runner having to be momentarily steadied by its rider.

At approximately the 250 metres, MASTER SONAR (K Bandy) shifted out and brushed with PERSONAL PEAK (C Kingston) for a number of strides.

At approximately the 200 metres, Apprentice E Chan (MESTINOS) accidentally dropped his near-side rein and when attempting to re-gather, he allowed his mount to shift ground outwards. Apprentice Chan was shown the incident in the presence of his Master, Mr G White.

The announcement of correct weight was delayed when Jockey S Tsaikos (TARKINE) wished to view the video with a view to lodging a protest. After viewing the video, Jockey S Tsaikos decided against lodging a protest and correct weight was announced.

Apprentices K Cook and R Bradley were examined by the on-course ambulance officers who cleared them to ride at today’s racemeeting.

Stewards received a medical certificate declaring Apprentice E Chan fit to ride at today’s race meeting.

Trainer Mrs Mary Ryan advised Stewards that Trainer Mr Bill Ryan will be acting on behalf of and taking responsibility for her runner, TRUMPED STAR at today’s race meeting.

Just prior to the commencement of today’s racemeeting, an official announcement was made that Apprentice D Pires was incorrectly shown in the racebook as being a nil claiming apprentice when in fact Apprentice D Pires is still able to claim 1.5 kilograms in the provincial area.

After inquiring into a complaint lodged by Jockey D Parish into comments made by Trainer Mr G White, Stewards advised Mr White that in future he is to address his concerns to the Stewards and he is to ensure that any comments made in the mounting yard or public areas are done in a circumspect manner.

Stewards today concluded an inquiry (commenced on 9 March 2003) into the late scratching of ASDIC. Trainer John Luttrell pleaded guilty to a charge under AR-175(g) in that during the course of the inquiry into the reasons for the scratching of ASDIC on Sunday, 9 March 2003, he gave false evidence regarding the scratching of this horse by Dr Art Meeker and more specifically in relation to his evidence that Dr Meeker examined ASDIC on Sunday 9 March 2003 in the race-day stalls prior to the scratching of this horse when it was subsequently established that he did not do so. Trainer John Luttrell was fined the sum of $500. He has the right of appeal to this decision.