RACING STEWARDS’ REPORT– SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2020…
Board of Racing Stewards: Mr. S. de Chalain (Chair), & Ms J. Keevy, Messrs P. Kalleechurn, H. Maigrot & A. Rousset.
Weather: Fine
Track: Good 2.8
Rail position: 3.50m
GENERAL
The following trainers and jockeys appeared before the Stewards to confirm their instructions and discuss their intentions in their respective races:
Race 1: A. Perdrau & S. Bussunt (Philosopher)
Race 3: V. Allet & B. Fayd’herbe (Well Connected)
A. Sewdyal & M. Martinez (Apollo Star)
Race 4: S. Gujadhur & D. David (Ninotto)
Race 10: A. Sewdyal & M. Martinez (Artax)
RACE 1 – THE WING PASSAGE – SOLIDARITE MARYE PIKE CUP– 1500M
Midnight Messenger – Jumped awkwardly, half reared and was slow to begin. Leaving the 1300 metres, eased when awkwardly placed close to the heels of Head Of The Pack. Leaving the 1200 metres, had to be eased when awkwardly placed close to the heels of Kimberley, which was restrained and shifted in marginally. Midnight Messenger then threw its head and raced ungenerously for some distance. Leaving the 450 metres, was switched to the outside of Kimberley to improve its position and raced wide from then onwards.
Gimme A Swinger – Threw its head and was slow to begin. Leaving the 250 metres, was switched to the inside of Head Of The Pack to secure clear running.
Head Of The Pack – Raced fiercely in the early and middle stages, and was switched out to avoid the heels of Kimberley passing the 1300 metres. Midnight Messenger, which was following, was momentarily eased when awkwardly placed close to its heels.
Misty Roller – Raced wide in the early stages. Leaving the 450 metres, was switched to the outside of Philosopher to improve its position and raced wide from then onwards.
Blunderbuss – Jumped awkwardly and brushed the right side of its gate.
Slightly Scottish – Slow into stride. Leaving the 200 metres, was switched to the inside of Head Of The Pack to secure clear running. Vet Report: Lame off-fore
Kimberley – Hung in in the home straight. When questioned, trainer Narang explained that as Kimberley had been drawn wide today and anticipating faster horses drawn on its inside, he had instructed jockey Hoolash not to insist overly at the start and attempt to settle this gelding behind the leaders as in its past races, when urged forward, this gelding has had a tendency to stay one paced over the concluding stages. He added that he hoped that by being ridden this way the gelding would finish its race better. Jockey Hoolash confirmed these instructions and after jumping well, realized that Sierra Redwood and Philosopher on his inside were insisting for the lead, as such, he elected to bring back his mount and settle it behind Philosopher. He added that apart from over-racing in the early stages, Kimberley finally dropped the bit, raced in a relaxed manner and, when asked for an effort leaving the 400 metres, quickened before tiring late and hanging in over the concluding stages. When questioned, he explained that leaving the 1200 metres, as his mount was pulling, he did not want to ask it for an effort in order to bridge the gap behind Philosopher, thereby allowing Misty Roller to secure the position. Trainer Narang concurred and added that in his opinion, jockey Hoolash had ridden the gelding agreeably. After consideration, the Stewards decided not to proceed further other than to tell jockey Hoolash that his ride had come under notice and that he is to show better judgment when riding in races.
Spun Out – Slow to begin.
Result: 1st: Blunderbuss, 2nd: Sierra Redwood, 3rd: Misty Roller, 4th: Philosopher
RACE 2 – THE BOLD STATEMENT CUP – 1400M
Lead Singer bolted on its way to the start with jockey Ségeon having difficulty in restraining his mount, with it galloping down to the perimeter wall at the 1650 metres. It then stopped abruptly with jockey Ségeon being dislodged and hitting the perimeter wall. In this incident, jockey Ségeon managed to keep hold of the reins with Lead Singer brushing the perimeter wall. The gelding was walked back to the start, examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon and passed fit to race. Jockey Ségeon suffered no significant injury.
Capkuta – Jumped awkwardly. Leaving the 250 metres, was switched to the inside of River Of January to secure clear running. Vet Report: Lame near-fore
Carlton Heights – Raced wide in the early and middle stages.
Epic Sword – Slow to begin. Carried wide passing the 450 metres, and approaching the 400 metres, was switched back inwards towards the running rail. Hung out over the concluding stages and raced tight with Wylie’s Choice, which was hanging inwards.
Lead Singer – Raced wide in the early stages. Hung in in the home straight. Vet Report: Bled both nostrils. Acting on veterinary advice, this gelding has been suspended for 30 days. Wylie’s Choice – Jumped awkwardly and was slow to begin. From its wide draw, was taken across to race behind runners. Passing the 1300 metres, whilst being taken inwards, became awkwardly placed close to the heels of Seventh Express, which was being restrained to secure a position closer to the rail and had to be eased. Leaving the 1100 metres, commenced to race fiercely and, when being settled, got its head up and raced ungenerously for some distance. Hung in over the concluding stages and raced tight with Epic Sword, which had hung out.
Sentido – Passing the 1200 metres, commenced to over-race and, when being restrained, got its head up and raced ungenerously for some distance. Leaving the 900 metres, when still over-racing, was taken out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of Capkuta and leaving the 700 metres, was taken back inwards to race closer to the running rails. Approaching the 450 metres, was switched to the outside of Capkuta to improve its position and, in doing so, carried Epic Sword wider on the track. Epic Sword was then eased and taken back inwards to secure a position closer to the rail. Hung in in the home straight.
Street Byte – Slow to begin.
Seventh Express – Slow to begin. Approaching the 1200 metres, was eased and switched inwards to secure a position closer to the rails. Leaving the 450 metres, commenced to shift ground outwards and raced very wide, making the turn into the home straight very wide. Vet Report: Cut into near hind. Time Is Gold – Slow to begin. Vet Report: Not striding out.
Result: 1st: Carlton Heights, 2nd: Sentido, 3rd: Street Byte, 4th: Seventh Express
RACE 3 –THE PETRUSMOK SOUVENIR CUP – 1500M
The start was delayed when Ladder Man proved difficult to load.
Apollo Star – Jumped awkwardly and brushed the left side of its gate. Shortly thereafter, was bumped and shifted ground inwards, raced tight onto Ladder Man. Leaving the 1100 metres, shifted ground inwards, momentarily crowding Why Wouldn’t Yew. In the early stages of the home straight, shifted ground inwards, resulting in Var Express, which was improving on its inside, being carried in, having to be checked and subsequently taken out to avoid its heels.
Var Express – Leaving the 1100 metres, commenced to race fiercely and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of Camp David. Leaving the 400 metres, was switched to the outside of Camp David to improve its position and, in doing so, carried Apollo Star wider on the track. In the early stages of the home straight, was checked and subsequently taken out to avoid the heels of Apollo Star, which had shifted ground inwards.
Keiko – Fractious in its gate prior to the start being effected. Raced wide in the early stages. Well Connected – Fractious in its gate prior to the start being effected and was slow to begin. Ladder Man – Jumped awkwardly and was slow to begin. Shortly thereafter, was crowded for room. Raced fiercely in the early and middle stages. Shifted ground inwards over the final 150 metres. Jockey Ségeon was shown the video replays of the home straight, reprimanded, and advised to straighten his mounts earlier than he did on this occasion when they shift ground.
Why Wouldn’t Yew – Momentarily tightened leaving the 1100 metres. Commenced to race fiercely passing the 1000 metres. Approaching the 900 metres, had to be taken out to avoid the heels of Var Express. Passing the 200 metres, was switched to the inside of Ladder Man to secure clear running, at the same time Ladder Man commenced to shift ground inwards, resulting in Why Wouldn’t Yew having to be taken out to continue going forward.
Camp David – Shifted ground outwards on jumping and shortly thereafter crowded Ladder Man onto Apollo Star.
Nao Faz Mal – Leaving the 1000 metres, was inconvenienced by Why Wouldn’t Yew, which was taken out to avoid the heels of Var Express. Approaching the 400 metres, was switched to the outside of Apollo Star to improve its position and raced wide from then onwards.
Supreme Orator – Slow to begin.
Royal Resolution – Jumped awkwardly, shifted ground inwards and bumped with Apollo Star. Leaving the 400 metres, was switched to the outside of Keiko to improve its position and raced wide into the home straight.
GENERAL
On inquiry, it was established that Apollo Star and Var Express had entered the home straight alongside one another and as Apollo Star improved ahead of Var Express, it shifted in marginally with jockey, resulting in Var Express, which has a tendency to hang out in the straight being eased and switched outwards off the heels of Apollo Star passing the 200 metres. Jockey Martinez explained that shortly after entering the home straight, his mount had commenced to shift ground inwards with him using his whip in
the right hand to correct the latter, he then heard calling on his inside, put his whip away and corrected the path of Apollo Star. He also said that at no time did he cross Var Express but merely had that latter tight for a short distance. He added that in his opinion, jockey Aucharuz had elected to switch out in anticipation that the gap to clear running would close. After consideration, the Stewards decided not to proceed any further other than to reprimand jockey Martinez and advise him that he should straighten his mounts sooner than he did on this occasion in future.
Result: 1st: Royal Resolution, 2nd: Apollo Star, 3rd: Nao Faz Mal, 4th: Ladder Man
RACE 4 – THE I SPA SOUVENIR CUP – 1365M
Harmonica – Jumped awkwardly and shifted ground inwards, making contact with Ninotto. Commenced to race fiercely shortly after the start and passing the 1200 metres, threw its head and raced ungenerously for some distance. Leaving the 1000 metres, was allowed to stride forward to secure a position on the outside of the leader.
King Of Tara – Shifted ground outwards on jumping. Approaching the 400 metres, was switched to the outside of Great Stohvanen to improve its position and made the turn into the home straight wide. Candy Apple – From its wide draw, was taken out to race behind runners shortly after the start. Leaving the 250 metres, was switched to the inside of Roman Dancer to secure clear running. Over the concluding stages, was slightly inconvenienced and was switched out to continue going forward. Great Stohvanen – Slow into stride. Raced wide in the early and middle stages. Ninotto – Brushed shortly after the start. Near the 75 metres, was switched to the inside of Raheeb to continue going forward.
Varside – Approaching the 150 metres, commenced to shift ground outwards, with jockey Rama switching his whip to his left hand.
Raheeb – Leaving the 100 metres, commenced to shift ground outwards, resulting in Candy Apple, which was improving on its outside, becoming slightly inconvenienced and having to be switched out to continue going forward.
Roman Dancer – Slow to begin. Shortly thereafter, was crowded for room between King Of Tara, which had shifted ground outwards, and Great Stohvanen. Approaching the 200 metres, was switched to the outside of Great Stohvanen to secure clear running.
Result: 1st: Roman Dancer, 2nd: Varside, 3rd: King Of Tara, 4th: Candy Apple
RACE 5 – THE BACKSTAGE CHALLENGE TROPHY – 1850M
Charleston Hero – Jumped inwards and was bumped by Protea Paradise, thereafter shifted ground outwards, crowding Roll Of Drums onto Inauguration. Over the concluding stages, shifted ground outwards, resulting in Protea Paradise becoming inconvenienced when racing close to its heels and having to be steadied and switched to its inside.
Moonrise Sensation – Jumped awkwardly, shied away from Lemon Drop Shot and shifted ground inwards, crowding All Aboard. Raced fiercely in the early stages and near the 1500 metres, when being steadied, threw its head and raced ungenerously for some distance. Raced wide from passing the 1000 metres.
Roll Of Drums – Threw its head on jumping. Shortly after the start was crowded for room. Leaving the 250 metres was switched to the inside of Jet Stream to secure clear running.
The Byzantine – Approaching the 1650 metres, raced in restricted room on the inside of All Aboard for some distance and eventually had to be eased.
Protea Paradise – Approaching the 450 metres was switched to the outside of Jet Stream to improve its position and raced wide into the home straight. Over the concluding stages, was inconvenienced when racing close to the heels of Charleston Hero, and had to be steadied and switched to its inside. Inauguration – Jumped awkwardly, brushed the right side of its gate and shifted ground inwards, crowding Roll Of Drums onto Charleston Hero, which shifted out after having bumped with Protea Paradise on jumping. Leaving the 1100 metres, when the pace slackened, was taken out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of Charleston Hero and, in doing so, carried Moonrise Sensation wider on the track. All Aboard, which was following, was urged forward and improved on the inside of Moonrise Sensation.
Jet Stream – Slow to begin. Raced wide in the early stages.
All Aboard – Slow to begin. Raced wide in the early stages. Passing the 1400 metres, raced tight onto Moonrise Sensation. Passing the 300 metres, was switched to the outside of Protea Paradise to improve its position and raced very wide into the home straight. Hung in over the concluding stages.
GENERAL
a) On inquiry, jockey Juglall (All Aboard) was found guilty for a contravention of MTC Rule 160A(d) in that he failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to The Byzantine, in that from leaving the 1700 he urged his mount into a tight gap on the inside of Jet Stream, thereby resulting in The Byzantine, which was improving on his inside, becoming cramped for room and having to be eased near the 1650 metres. He was fined a sum of Rs 25,000.
b) On inquiry, jockey Fayd’herbe (Charleston Hero) pleaded guilty to a contravention of MTC Rule 160A(d) for failing to take the necessary steps to ensure that he did not cross another runner, in that passing the 75 metres he allowed his mount to shift ground outwards, thereby resulting in Protea Paradise, which was improving on his outside, having to be steadied and switched out to continue going forward. He was fined a sum of Rs 20,000.
Result: 1st: Charleston Hero, 2nd: Lemon Drop Shot, 3rd: All Aboard, 4th: Inauguration
RACE 6 – THE SUSHIME CHALLENGE TROPHY – 1450M
On arriving at the starting stalls, jockey Allyhosain expressed concerns with the action of Sacred Flame. The gelding was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon and found to be unfit to race, being lame off fore. Acting on veterinary advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Sacred Flame at the start. In view of this, all bets on Sacred Flame were ordered to be refunded and fixed odds winning bets were paid less 3 cents per rupee, the average price of Sacred Flame being 21-1.
Lickerio – Shifted ground inwards on jumping.
Prince Of Persia – Shortly after the start, shifted ground outwards. Passing the 200 metres, was switched to the inside of All About The Bass to secure clear running. Hung in in the home straight. Seattle Kid – Passing the 450 metres, was switched to the outside of Tripod to improve its position and raced wide from then onwards.
Afdeek – Threw its head on jumping. Shortly thereafter, was carried out and bumped on its hindquarters by Ovation Award and shifted out, carrying Ovation Award and John Hancock outwards. Passing the 300 metres, was switched to the outside of Prince Of Persia to continue going forward, and near the 250 metres, for some distance, was held up when unable to improve from behind Lickerio. Hung in in the early stages of the home straight and hung out over the concluding stages.
Ovation Award – Crowded for room shortly after the start. Bumped the hindquarters of Afdeek shortly afterwards. Leaving the 250 metres, was switched to the inside of Prince Of Persia to continue going forward.
All About The Bass – Shortly after the start, when being urged forward, shifted ground outwards, carrying Tripod outwards onto Afdeek, with Afdeek being carried out and being bumped on its hindquarters by Ovation Award. Afdeek then shifted out, carrying Ovation Award and John Hancock outwards. Jockey Rama was shown the video replays of the incident, severely reprimanded and advised to straighten his mounts as soon as they shift ground in future.
Tripod – Slow into stride.
John Hancock – Crowded for room shortly after the start.
Clouded Hill – Slow to begin. Vet Report: Not striding out.
Result: 1st: Prince Of Persia, 2nd: All About The Bass, 3rd: Seattle Kid, 4th: Ovation Award
RACE 7 – THE INDIGO SOUVENIR TROPHY – 1600M
Acting on an analyst’s report that the pre-race blood sample taken from Triple Fate Line revealed upon analysis the presence of testosterone, which is an illicit substance, at a concentration of 1993 pg/ml, the Stewards ordered its withdrawal at 3 p.m. today. In view of the GRA directions No. 7 of 2018 which states: “ No single horse race shall have less than six (6) runners, except that a “Protected Race” shall be run and may not be cancelled by a horse-racing organiser when there is a minimum of three (3) horses from 2 different stables.”,
the five remaining runners were scratched and fixed odds bets on this race were ordered to be refunded.
With regard to the Tote, the Win, Place, Swinger, Exacta, Trifecta, Quartet and Double bets were ordered to be refunded. In relation to the Pick 8, Place Accumulator, Pick 6 and Pick 4, all runners were considered as winners, consequently bettors were to select at least one runner in this race.
RACE 8 – The Hennessy Park Hotel – LA COUPE DES PRESIDENTS – GROUP 2 – 2100M
Opera Royal – Leaving the 700 metres, was switched to the outside of Patrol Officer and urged forward to improve its position. Carried wide from leaving the 600 metres.
Patrol Officer – Leaving the 600 metres, was switched to the outside of Puget Sound to improve its position and, in doing so, carried Opera Royal wider on the track.
Puget Sound – Raced fiercely in the early stages and, when being restrained, threw its head, racing ungenerously
Result: 1st: Patrol Officer, 2nd: Opera Royal, 3rd: Puget Sound
RACE 9 – THE RIVER RUN CUP – 990M
En route to the start, Nimitz ducked out sharply and made contact with Greenflashsunset, dislodging jockey Orffer and bolting a short distance. Thereafter, Greenflashsunset was quickly taken in hand. Both geldings were examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon and passed fit to race. Nimitz – Jumped awkwardly and shifted ground inwards, making contact with Spy Fiction. The Right Stuff – Near the 600 metres, raced in restricted room for some distance. Captain Garett – In the early stages of the home straight, was switched to the inside of Marula to secure clear running.
Doublethink – Bumped near the 600 metres.
Wendylle – Jumped awkwardly and was slow into stride. Approaching the 600 metres, shifted ground inwards and raced tight onto The Right Stuff, with The Right Stuff bumping Doublethink. Raced wide from the 600 metres.
Marula – In the early stages of the home straight, when being ridden with the whip in the right hand, commenced to shift ground outwards, resulting in Captain Garett, which was following, having to be switched to its inside to secure clear running. Vet Report: Lame near fore.
Spy Fiction – Slow to begin. When questioned, apprentice Deenath explained that after being slow out, he urged his mount forward, however feeling that Spy Fiction was not striding out at all, he was apprehensive to let it stride forward as in his opinion the gelding could have fallen. Upon consideration, the Stewards, being of the opinion that the performance of this gelding was not satisfactory and considering its history, decided to ban it indefinitely.
Result: 1st: Greenflashsunset, 2nd: 4 Captain Garett, 3rd: Marula, 4th: Vision Of Trust
RACE 10 – THE GASTON DESJARDINS PLATE – 1500M
Anza-Borrego – Slow to begin. Upon entering the home straight, shifted ground outwards and bumped Silver Song.
Artax – Raced wide throughout.
Come On Sonny – Slow to begin. Approaching the 1100 metres, raced momentarily tight on the inside of Silver Song.
Manetheren – Came off the crossing at the 1300 metres awkwardly. Raced wide in the early and middle stages. Leaving the 1300 metres, improved on the inside of Artax and passing the 1200 metres, when Artax was taken in to race closer to the running rail, Manetheren was carried inwards and, in doing so, carried Lady’s Knight, which was racing on its inside, with the latter momentarily crowding Newsman. Leaving the 400 metres, was switched to the outside of Artax to improve its position and made the turn into the home straight wide.
Newsman – Crowded for room passing the 1200 metres.
The Riddler – Slow to begin. Passing the 450 metres, for some distance, was held up when unable to improve from behind Rochester.
Silver Song – Bumped in the early stages of the home straight
Lady’s Knight – Leaving the 1200 metres, shifted ground inwards, resulting in Newsman, which was racing on its inside, becoming momentarily tight for room. Approaching the 200 metres, was switched to the inside of Anza-Borrego to secure clear running. Rochester, which was following, had to be switched to its outside to continue going forward. Approaching the 150 metres, commenced to shift ground inwards. Newsman, which was improving on its inside, was carried inwards over some distance. Jockey Orffer was shown the video replays of this incident and was advised to exercise more care when his mounts shift ground in future.
Opague – Slow to begin and from its wide draw, was taken across to race behind runners. Passing the 1300 metres shifted out abruptly. Leaving the 1000 metres, hesitated when racing tight on the inside of Rochester and took an awkward stride. Approaching the 800 metres, shifted out abruptly when awkwardly placed close to the heels of Rochester. Following this incident, raced fiercely and from leaving the 450 metres, was switched to the outside of Manetheren to improve its position and made the turn into the
home straight very wide. Raced green throughout.
Rochester – Slow to begin. Approaching the 450 metres, for some distance, was held up and had to be eased when unable to improve from behind Newsman. Passing the 400 metres, was switched to the outside of Newsman to improve its position.
GENERAL
On inquiry, it was established that leaving the 1000 metres, Manetheren (D.Bheekary), which was racing in a three-wide position about three-quarters of a length behind Lady’s Knight (P.C.Orffer), shifted in momentarily, resulting in Rochester (J.Allyhosain), which was racing close to its heels, shying away and shifting ground inwards, resulting in Opague (G.D.Aucharuz), which was racing on the inside of Rochester, becoming momentarily cramped for room and hesitating. After consideration, the Stewards being of the opinion that no blame could be apportioned to any particular rider, decided not to proceed further.
Result: 1st: Silver Song, 2nd: Anza-Borrego, 3rd: Lady’s Knight, 4th: Newsman
GENERAL
a) Pre-race blood specimens were taken from all runners.
b) Routine post-race urine and blood specimens were taken for analysis from all winners and from Sentido (Race 2), Candy Apple (Race 4), All Aboard (Race 5) and Marula (Race 9).
c) Jockeys J. Allyhosain, R. Boutanive, R. K. Chumun and M. Sonaram passed a breathalyzer test and urine specimens were taken for analysis.
SUMMARY (28-20) | ||
Fines | 5 5 | N. Juglall (All Aboard): Rs.25,000 for causing interference (1700m) B. Fayd’herbe (Charleston Hero): Rs.20,000 for crossing (75m) |
Reprimands | 3 3 | C. Ségeon (Ladder Man): reprimanded and advised to straighten his mounts earlier than he did on this occasion (150m) M. Martinez (Apollo Star): reprimanded and advised to straighten his mounts sooner than he did on this occasion (200m) |
6 | S. Rama (All About The Bass): severely reprimanded and advised to straighten his mounts as soon as they shift ground (shortly after start) | |
Horse Suspensions | 2 9 | Lead Singer – Bled (30 days) Spy Fiction – Performance not satisfactory (indefinitely) |
OVE | 1 2 2 6 6 9 | Slightly Scottish – Lame Capkuta – Lame Time Is Gold – Not striding out Sacred Flame: Lame Clouded Hill – Not striding out Marula – Lame |
Stéphane de Chalain
Chief Stipendiary Steward