TROUBLE IN RUNNING

CALIFORNIATOTALITY (H418) jumped awkwardly, shifted in and bumped a runner. When commencing to give ground near the 200M shifted out slightly and then was checked. Rider stated that his mount, which was having its second race start after a long spell following injury, would derive a fitness benefit from the run. Post-race vet inspection did not show any significant findings - Race 501.

BEAUTY ETERNAL (H008) shifted in on jumping and was bumped. Rider stated that the intention was to hold a midfield position. He said from the outside barrier he was obliged to settle back in the field to ensure he obtained a position with cover closer to the rail - Race 485.

AWESOME FLUKE (J050) on jumping was bumped. Raced wide and without cover in the early stages and was ridden forward where it obtained a position outside the lead near the 1000M. Post-race vet inspection did not show any significant findings - Race 468.

PACKING ANGEL (J454) jumped awkwardly and lost ground. Rider stated that his mount may be better suited by being dropped back in distance for its future race starts. Post-race vet inspection did not show any significant findings - Race 501.

SWORD POINT (G448) raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event - Race 501.

JOY OF SPRING (H383) rider could offer no explanation for his mount's failure to finish the race off in the Home Straight. Trainer stated that the horse had pleased him since its last start win on 3 December 2025 and had trialed in a satisfactory manner on 30 December 2025. He said he could offer no explanation for its performance and indicated that the horse would be given a let-up before racing again. Post-race vet inspection did not show any significant findings - Race 342.

SKY HEART (J092) when questioned rider stated that the instructions were to lead the event but if the pace was too strong he was given the option of taking a position with cover. He said after his mount commenced well and was positioned to the outside of the eventual winner he elected to take a position with cover and allow other two runners to cross his mount in the early stages. He added as a consequence his mount settled further back in the field than intended. He said from the 700M he placed his mount under pressure, however, the horse lay in from that point, particularly in the Home Straight, and proved difficult to ride out. He said he was further placed in some difficulty as he was riding the horse on a long rein which did not provide him with the necessary leverage to properly straighten the horse in the Home Straight. Trainer confirmed that the instructions were to lead and indicated that, in his view, rider had made the decision to ride the horse with cover too prematurely. After considering the evidence the matter was adjourned to a date to be fixed. The Stewards concluded an inquiry opened into rider's riding of the horse. Further evidence was taken from rider and trainer. The Stewards also considered a betting and analytical report provided by the Racing Integrity and Betting Analysis Department. That report did not identify any integrity concern in relation to the betting on the event. In addition, the Stewards considered a report from the Department of Veterinary Regulation, Welfare and Biosecurity Policy which confirmed the horse had been found to be lame in the right front leg the day after racing. To verify the lameness, a Sleip analysis report was provided to the Stewards. After considering the evidence the Stewards advised rider that, in their opinion, he had made two errors of judgement in the early stages. Firstly, not riding his mount with more intent in the early stages to attempt to cross the eventual winner as he had been instructed to do. Secondly, when positioned to the outside of the eventual winner in the early stages he elected to restrain his mount to race behind that runner which resulted in other runners being able to cross his mount and his mount then racing further back in the field.

Having found that rider had made those errors of judgement, the Stewards did not elect to issue a charge against rider under Rule 99 (2) on the basis that they could not be satisfied, having regard to the horse being found to be lame after the race, that his actions had resulted in it not winning or obtaining the best possible place in the field. However, rider was advised that his riding in the early stages lacked the necessary judgement of a jockey riding in this jurisdiction and he would be expected to make a greater effort in similar circumstance to comply with instructions he has been issued. The next day was reported to be lame in its right front leg. Has since passed an official vet exam - Race 468.

MAX QUE (J514) made contact with a runner on jumping - Race 534.