TROUBLE IN RUNNING

COPARTNER FLEET (K342) kicked a rail whilst parading, was examined by the vet and passed suitable to race. Jumped only fairly and then was bumped shortly after the start. Approaching the 500M was steadied - Race 652.

VULCANUS (J150) when questioned regarding the tactics adopted rider stated that her instructions were to have the horse ridden in a forward position. She said on jumping her mount blundered and shifted out abruptly, resulting in her dropping her right rein. She said as a consequence her mount lost ground and she was obliged to settle at the rear of the field. When questioned regarding her riding at the 800M rider stated that she elected to remain racing away from the rail to provide herself with the option of shifting in or out approaching the Home Turn and for that reason she did not improve her position at this stage. She said approaching the 500M she elected to shift towards the inside of a runner with a view to obtaining a run between runners in the Home Straight, however, became badly held up for clear running between the 300M and the 100M. Having regard to the explanation her riding was referred to the Riding Skills Panel for remedial training. Post-race vet inspection did not show any significant findings - Race 667.

CHEAHA (K567) from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 150M was shifted in to continue into clear running - Race 646.

GEORGIAN SIGMA (L007) was withdrawn two days before raceday by order of the Stewards acting on vet advice (inappetence) . Has since passed an official vet exam - Race 628.

FREE PONY (K229) leaving the 1100M made contact with a runner - Race 589.

LIVE WIRE (L142) on jumping was crowded - Race 560.

BROWNNEEDSFURTHER (K325) as the pace steadied leaving the 800M raced keenly and was steadied - Race 678.

KING CANNON (K543) jumped only fairly and shortly after the start became unbalanced when bumped - Race 686.

STORMY KNIGHT (L062) bumped on jumping. When questioned rider stated that he was given no specific instructions where to settle but not to make use of the horse in the early stages as it has had a tendency to race keenly which had resulted in the sheepskin check pieces being removed from the horse for the race. He said that resulted in his mount settling back in the field in the early stages, particularly with the early sectionals being run inside of standard time. He added that throughout the middle stages he was obliged to place some pressure on his mount to hold the position to the inside of a runner and when the pace steadied after the 600M he was able to improve his position to be racing behind the winner. He added in the early stages of the Home Straight he was reluctant to place full pressure on his mount as he had observed a runner, which was racing in advance of him, having difficulty obtaining clear running and he was concerned if he placed his mount under pressure it would not have clear room to improve into. He said from the 300M when he was satisfied there was an opportunity to improve he then placed his mount under full pressure but it took some time to respond and from the 100M commenced to make good ground before being held up over the concluding stages. Trainer confirmed the instructions and stated that he issued those instructions as the horse does have a tendency to race keenly in its races - Race 500.

VIGOR ELLEEGANT (J375) jumped only fairly - Race 649.

CAPTAIN LINK (K515) bumped heavily at the start and became unbalanced. Prior to declaring weighed-in rider and trainer viewed the patrol films to ascertain if there were grounds for a protest/objection against the runner being declared the winner. When it was established that the horse and that runner bumped near the 50M due to both runners shifting ground they declined to lodge a protest/objection and weighed-in was declared on the numbers semaphored by the Judge. Rider confirmed that he was instructed to take up a forward position. Trainer confirmed the instructions and stated that those instructions were issued as the horse had been racing in a disappointing manner when being ridden back in the field - Race 628.

GENIUS BABY (K132) between the 350M and the 250M was held up for clear running. Near the 100M was eased and shifted out to continue into clear running - Race 657.