The start of this race was delayed owing to SUNESSE dislodging its rider, D. Wilson, on route to the start and taking some time to be recaptured.

EDVOKIA (C. Lindop) and CHAUDON (B. Claridge) were both slow to jump.

Near the 800 metres SOLIANKA (W. Kerford), which was inclined to lay in and away from DIGBURY (S. Price), shifted in tightening KIRKALA (B. Vale) onto OUR COMET (J. Lorensini), which was hampered.

Making the turn into the straight KIRKALA (B. Vale) became unbalanced for a short distance.

Inside the 200 metres GLENDI BELLE (S. Lovegrove), which was inclined to race greenly, shifted out and inconvenienced KIRKALA (B. Vale).

LOLA (D. Tootell) jumped away awkwardly and shifted out making heavy contact with RAINING MONEY (B. Vale), which shifted out and hampered QUIP (D. Carney).

In the vicinity of the 200 metres HUG A MUG (B. Claridge) shifted in under pressure and hampered MR. DONALDSON (C. Lever).

L. Smith replaced J. Marks as the rider of MOTTO owing to J. Marks being indisposed through injury.

HABEBAI (S. Lovegrove) jumped away awkwardly.

In the vicinity of the 900 metres CASH LOAN (C. Lindop) got its head up and raced ungenerously whilst being restrained away from the heels of STARBLAZER (D. Wilson) as the pace slowed.

A routine swab sample was taken from CASH LOAN, winner of the race.

Prior to the start JETHRO, which had been kicked behind the gates, was inspected by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon and ruled fit to start.

TIME TRAVEL (M. Hoppo) jumped away awkwardly and got its head up for a short distance.

JEALTS EXPRESS (D. Tootell) stood in the gates and missed the start several lengths.

A routine swab sample was taken from JEALTS EXPRESS, winner of the race.

RACE 5 – BAKER’S TOUCH HANDICAP

No report.

W. Kerford replaced J. Marks as the rider of MAGIC PROSPECT (NZ).

INDI STAR (D. Tootell), which had become restless in the gates, missed the start.

Shortly after the start PELIGRO (B. Vale) shifted in taking SCORN AGAIN (H. McKechnie) in onto SOUTH NEPTUNE (J. Lorensini), which was obliged to steady away from the heels of MADAM MERLOT (S. Lovegrove).

At the entrance to the straight, SOUTH NEPTUNE (J. Lorensini) shifted out resulting in PELIGRO (B. Vale) being inconvenienced and taken wide. J. Lorensini was reminded of his obligations when shifting ground.

Subsequent to this event Correct Weight was delayed to allow Stewards to question jockey, D. Tootell, the Starter, Mr. G. Wood, and to view the official patrol films to ascertain whether or not INDI STAR had been denied a fair start. After considering the evidence, Stewards deemed that INDI STAR had been denied a fair start and subsequently declared the gelding a non-runner.

Stewards ruled that all monies wagered on INDI STAR be refunded. Bets made prior to the withdrawal were to be paid on the face value of the ticket less:
Bets for a WIN - 20 cents in the dollar, and
Bets for a PLACE - 16 cents in the dollar.

C. Lever was announced as the rider of KAILEY FALCON.

PURAVALOUR (W. Kerford) reared as the gates opened and was slow to jump.

At the entrance to the straight and for a short distance afterwards, TOMMY GUN (NZ) (D. Wilson) was inclined to lay in and reluctant to come away from the heels of ASTRO TRAVELLER (M. Hoppo).

From inside the 200 metres TOMMY GUN (NZ) (D. Wilson) was unable to obtain clear ground when looking to take a run outside ASTRO TRAVELLER (M. Hoppo) and inside LUCKY RIPPER (H. McKechnie). When questioned as to why he had persisted with this option, D. Wilson explained that he had initially believed the leaders might shift ground as they commenced to weaken. He conceded that this had not eventuated, however, TOMMY GUN (NZ) had improved inside LUCKY RIPPER, which prevented him from attempting to get to that gelding’s outside. This explanation was noted.

The Stewards Room