Recap by phillip woo

Chefano had led until the 800m, reclaimed the lead from Eagle Way 500m out and kept up a strong gallop to add a group race to his resume. It was a race of tactics and he did get an easy run in front carrying a light weight. Savvy Nine got up 300m out for second without menacing the winner after making his run one from the back. He should shape into a decent runner at 1,800m and further next season. Helene Charisma came on a distant third after taking closer order from the rear of the field 1,050m. It was another honest effort. Helene Leadingstar had nothing left in the tank 150m out after getting posted three deep rolling forward to attack the speed 800m out travelling third almost like in single file. He had an excuse. Eagle Way was gone 200m out after rushing forward to poke his head in front 800m out following a pace-stalking run.

Racing Incident Report

Race Three: (623) - THE QUEEN MOTHER MEMORIAL CUP (HANDICAP) - Class G3 - 2400Meters

HELENE CHARISMA was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover.

Near the 900 Metres, EAGLE WAY and HELENE LEADINGSTAR raced tight.

Passing the 400 Metres, HELENE CHARISMA was awkwardly placed close to the heels of EAGLE WAY.

Prior to the declaration of weighed-in, the Stewards were informed that there was no record of either J Moreira (SAVVY NINE) and K Teetan (HELENE LEADINGSTAR) weighing in after the race.

As the Stewards were satisfied that there were no circumstances which suggested that less than the proper weight was carried by both horses throughout the race, weighed-in was given on the numbers semaphored by the Judge.

At a subsequent inquiry, it was established that both J Moreira and K Teetan did not weigh in at the main weighing area, rather they attempted to utilize the scale which is provided for unplaced runners.

This was partly due to the protocols in place when racing in hot weather where all horses with the exception of the winner return to the unsaddling area.

It was further established that the Official, who was tasked with weighing in the riders using the unplaced scales was under the impression that the four placed riders would use the main weighing area and after he weighed in Z Purton, the rider of EAGLE WAY, which finished last, he proceeded to the main weighing area prior to Jockeys Moreira and Teetan attempting to utilize the unplaced weighing scale.

As the Stewards could not be satisfied to the necessary degree that either or both riders had not attempted to weigh in when there was not an Official to record the weight, both riders were reprimanded and reminded of the importance to ensure that they utilize the correct scale so that the applicable Rules of Racing are complied with.

The Club immediately put measures in place to ensure that all riders weigh in at the appointed area and that their weight is properly recorded.

When questioned, K Teetan stated that it was expected that HELENE LEADINGSTAR would be able to follow the anticipated leader of the race CHEFANO.

He said in the early stages EAGLE WAY was able to maintain its position outside HELENE LEADINGSTAR without being ridden along to do so and when CHEFANO crossed to lead in the early stages, he did not want to be pocketed on HELENE LEADINGSTAR and therefore he elected to take a trail behind EAGLE WAY rather than remain racing inside that horse and behind CHEFANO.

He said the pace of the race was slow in the early stages and he was concerned that if HELENE LEADINGSTAR remained racing behind EAGLE WAY for too long, the horse would be left flat-footed when the pace of the race increased as HELENE LEADINGSTAR does not possess a turn of foot, rather it had been more one-paced when he had ridden it previously.

He said approaching the 800 Metres when the tempo of the race continued to be only moderate, he was concerned that SAVVY NINE, which was following HELENE LEADINGSTAR, may improve quickly around the field and therefore he commenced to shift to the outside of EAGLE WAY.

He said he had hoped to be able to improve quickly around EAGLE WAY and obtain a position outside CHEFANO, however, EAGLE WAY was able to improve its position with HELENE LEADINGSTAR after the 1000 Metres which resulted in HELENE LEADINGSTAR racing in a three wide position making the turn after the 900 Metres.

He said although HELENE LEADINGSTAR was racing in a three wide position, he anticipated it would sustain a strong run, however, he became concerned with the manner in which the horse was travelling as HELENE LEADINGSTAR came under heavy pressure passing the 600 Metres.

He added given the circumstances of the race he felt that HELENE LEADINGSTAR should have travelled stronger into the race for longer than it did and that the horse was disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding and finish off the race.

A veterinary inspection of HELENE LEADINGSTAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

A veterinary inspection of EAGLE WAY immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer??which had previously been reported.

HELENE LEADINGSTAR, CHEFANO and SAVVY NINE were sent for sampling.