TROUBLE IN RUNNING

SKY DEEP (K041) when questioned rider stated that the instructions were to go forward and lead if possible, however, he was also given the option to take up a position with cover if his mount did not show sufficient pace to lead. He said his mount jumped only fairly and he rode the horse along in the early stages in an endeavour to hold the lead. He said when a number of runners to his outside were showing superior pace he was obliged to obtain a trailing position behind a runner. He said making the Home Turn when another runner commenced to give ground he was obliged to shift to that runner's outside to improve and as a result made contact with that runner near the 400M when improving between runners. He added that entering the Home Straight he observed the former runner shift out slightly and as a result he endeavoured to improve to that runner's inside, however, when that runner maintained its position close to the rail he was obliged to check his mount when disappointed for clear running near the 300M. He said as a result he was obliged to shift to the outside of that runner where his mount secured clear running near the 250M. After considering his explanation the Stewards found that rider had endeavoured to comply with his instructions in the early stages, however, he was advised that on entering the Home Straight he had made an error of judgement in endeavouring to improve to the inside of that runner where there was not sufficient room to do so. Rider was further advised that he would be expected in future to show better judgement than what he did on this occasion - Race 014.

STURDY RUBY (H207) rider reported that when placed under pressure in the Home Straight his mount did not respond to his riding and was disappointing in its finishing effort. Post-race vet inspection did not show any significant findings - Race 012.

TAKE ACTION (J098) after travelling a short distance was bumped - Race 861.

JUMBO STEPS (L269) trainer confirmed that the instructions were to go forward - Race 031.

BLAZING METEOR (L426) bumped heavily on jumping - Race 006.

MISSION GIANT (K577) after the race was examined by the vet who said an endoscopic exam showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Has since passed an official vet exam - Race 014.

PRECISION HOPE (L047) shortly after the start made contact with a runner and became unbalanced - Race 012.

PRESTIGE RICKY (K009) from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 600M was hampered when taken wider - Race 861.