Australian National Stewards' Conference
September 23rd 2008 04:57
Australian stewards have nearly completed the National Stewards' Conference which is being held in Darwin. Stewards from all around Australia have been discussing measures and improvements that could be implemented on a national scale.
(photo: thejockeyshop.com)
There is already a comprehensive list of recommendations that will be presented to the controlling bodies of racing across Australia. A unanimous position was reached on the wish to implement a change in the racing rules for use of the whip. The use of padded whips was discussed in depth and there is agreement that perhaps now is the time to introduce these ‘kinder persuaders’ on a compulsory basis. Although there is still some way to go on introduction of a new whip policy as the feedback from jockeys when asked their opinion was mostly negative.
Other matters discussed include the use of numerical ratings for tracks on a national basis - and the extension of training partnerships from two to three people.
The stewards are always required to investigate many different matters on a raceday. Here is my overview of their day at Caulfield last week:
Stewards reports from Caulfield on September the 20th:
Race 1: David Hayes had problems with both of his mares in this race. The race was held up by Calico Blue who now requires another barrier certificate after being very hard to load. And his other highly fancied mare Hifalutin failed dismally, resulting in stewards asking Damien Oliver for any explanation. He offered that her action did not feel right. Hifalutin underwent veterinary examination that failed to reveal any abnormality.
Race 2:
Slow tempo of this race resulted in lots of minor interference. Once again David Hayes featured in reports with his horse Dual Hemisphere pulling up lame.
Race 4:
Stewards queried the change in tactics which saw previous backmarker Ortensia run to the front and lead all the way. D. Nikolic explained that it was not the intention to lead but he was forced to do so after lack of speed. Good filly Romneya was held up for some considerable time.
Race 5:
Stewards gave consideration to lodging an objection on behalf of 2nd placegetter Time Thief after he was inconvenienced in the final 50m by winner Fernandina. They judged the long neck margin sufficient not to proceed and declared correct weight. Lord Tavistock was caught 3 wide without cover. Gogocanny, Whobegotyou and Carnero were all held up for runs at various stages.
A post race examination of Saranda (who weakened visibly) showed nothing - although he was found to be coughing during the examination.
Race 6:
When questioned, C Newitt (Light Fantastic) could offer no explanations for the disappointing performance of Light Fantastic today and stated the gelding was a beaten horse inside the 800m. He further added that the horse worked extremely well on Tuesday morning and could offer no further explanation for today’s performance. A veterinary examination of Light Fantastic after the race failed to reveal any abnormalities. Trainer Mr M Price advised that the horse will undergo a full veterinary examination including that of an endoscopic, examination and added that the only thing he could put it down to would be that Light Fantastic cannot stay.
Race 7:
Mick Price was in the report again - this time after a post race examination revealed that his frontrunning gelding Gotta Have Heart was judged to have a respiratory disorder. A full endoscopic examination and veterinary clearance will be required before he can race again.
Race 8:
After finishing last Princess Gisella underwent a veterinary examination where no obvious abnormalities were observed. But it was the opinion of jockey N Hall that she had now come to the end of her preparation. Trainer Robert Smerdon confirmed that the talented mare would now be sent for a spell.
Joyeuse was reported to be in season and raced out of character.
Race 9:
Riding tactics of Steven King on Poised To Win were questioned. King explained that he was instructed to have his mount placed in the first six or seven however he was caught wide in the early stages and was left with no other option but to press forward and sit outside the leader.
Horse actions ordered by the stewards:
R1 – Calico Blue, difficult to load, current barrier cert required prior to racing again
R2 – Paddy O’Reilly (NZ), laceration in off side nostril, endoscopic examination to be submitted to the RVL Veterinary Department prior to racing again
R2 – Dual Hemisphere, lame near fore leg, vet certificate of fitness prior to racing again
R2 – Our Delagio, irregular heart beat and lame near fore leg, ECG and vet clearance prior to racing again
R7 – Gotta Have Heart, respiratory disorder, endoscopic examination and a veterinary clearance prior to racing again
a collection of whips
(photo: thejockeyshop.com)
There is already a comprehensive list of recommendations that will be presented to the controlling bodies of racing across Australia. A unanimous position was reached on the wish to implement a change in the racing rules for use of the whip. The use of padded whips was discussed in depth and there is agreement that perhaps now is the time to introduce these ‘kinder persuaders’ on a compulsory basis. Although there is still some way to go on introduction of a new whip policy as the feedback from jockeys when asked their opinion was mostly negative.
Other matters discussed include the use of numerical ratings for tracks on a national basis - and the extension of training partnerships from two to three people.
The stewards are always required to investigate many different matters on a raceday. Here is my overview of their day at Caulfield last week:
Stewards reports from Caulfield on September the 20th:
Race 1: David Hayes had problems with both of his mares in this race. The race was held up by Calico Blue who now requires another barrier certificate after being very hard to load. And his other highly fancied mare Hifalutin failed dismally, resulting in stewards asking Damien Oliver for any explanation. He offered that her action did not feel right. Hifalutin underwent veterinary examination that failed to reveal any abnormality.
Race 2:
Slow tempo of this race resulted in lots of minor interference. Once again David Hayes featured in reports with his horse Dual Hemisphere pulling up lame.
Race 4:
Stewards queried the change in tactics which saw previous backmarker Ortensia run to the front and lead all the way. D. Nikolic explained that it was not the intention to lead but he was forced to do so after lack of speed. Good filly Romneya was held up for some considerable time.
Race 5:
Stewards gave consideration to lodging an objection on behalf of 2nd placegetter Time Thief after he was inconvenienced in the final 50m by winner Fernandina. They judged the long neck margin sufficient not to proceed and declared correct weight. Lord Tavistock was caught 3 wide without cover. Gogocanny, Whobegotyou and Carnero were all held up for runs at various stages.
A post race examination of Saranda (who weakened visibly) showed nothing - although he was found to be coughing during the examination.
Race 6:
When questioned, C Newitt (Light Fantastic) could offer no explanations for the disappointing performance of Light Fantastic today and stated the gelding was a beaten horse inside the 800m. He further added that the horse worked extremely well on Tuesday morning and could offer no further explanation for today’s performance. A veterinary examination of Light Fantastic after the race failed to reveal any abnormalities. Trainer Mr M Price advised that the horse will undergo a full veterinary examination including that of an endoscopic, examination and added that the only thing he could put it down to would be that Light Fantastic cannot stay.
Race 7:
Mick Price was in the report again - this time after a post race examination revealed that his frontrunning gelding Gotta Have Heart was judged to have a respiratory disorder. A full endoscopic examination and veterinary clearance will be required before he can race again.
Race 8:
After finishing last Princess Gisella underwent a veterinary examination where no obvious abnormalities were observed. But it was the opinion of jockey N Hall that she had now come to the end of her preparation. Trainer Robert Smerdon confirmed that the talented mare would now be sent for a spell.
Joyeuse was reported to be in season and raced out of character.
Race 9:
Riding tactics of Steven King on Poised To Win were questioned. King explained that he was instructed to have his mount placed in the first six or seven however he was caught wide in the early stages and was left with no other option but to press forward and sit outside the leader.
Horse actions ordered by the stewards:
R1 – Calico Blue, difficult to load, current barrier cert required prior to racing again
R2 – Paddy O’Reilly (NZ), laceration in off side nostril, endoscopic examination to be submitted to the RVL Veterinary Department prior to racing again
R2 – Dual Hemisphere, lame near fore leg, vet certificate of fitness prior to racing again
R2 – Our Delagio, irregular heart beat and lame near fore leg, ECG and vet clearance prior to racing again
R7 – Gotta Have Heart, respiratory disorder, endoscopic examination and a veterinary clearance prior to racing again
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