MERTON AMATEUR TURF CLUB

Riding Changes / Jockey Information

Nil

Race 1 – TOSHIBA MAIDEN HANDICAP - 1150 metres:

Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Mr M Schrapel, rider of Just Plain Cougar which was placed fourth in the race, requested to view the video footage of the finish of the race, with respect to the horses placed third and fourth. After viewing the footage, Mr Schrapel was satisfied with the judge’s placings and correct weight was declared.

Allegro Ben was slow to begin. In the early stages of the race, Ella Quest got its head up on several occasions, when overracing. Mr H Bacon, rider of Valley Forge, reported to Stewards that near the 1000 metres, he became unbalanced briefly when the gelding made a weak attempt to buck.

Race 2 – YARCK HOTEL OPEN TROPHY RACE - 1150 metres: 

Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Mr P Kelly, rider of Prince Rhubarb, requested to view the video footage of the race, before lodging an objection against Bifraar being declared the winner of the race, alleging interference rounding the home turn. After taking evidence from all parties concerned, and further viewing the patrol film, it was established that running to the 250 metres, Bifraar, which had had a tendency to lay out, shifted out and brushed Prince Rhubarb, taking that gelding out slightly. As Stewards believed the interference suffered was insufficient to alter the placings in the race, the objection was dismissed and correct weight was declared.

At the start, Stratton Place, whose gate was marginally late opening, was slow to jump away.

Race 3 – MERTON STORE TROPHY RACE (2) - 1000 metres:

At the start, Olyball jumped away awkwardly.

Near the 800 metres, Victory Stripes, which was racing greenly, was hampered when Hatchette Harry (Mr R Anderson) shifted out slightly. Mr R Anderson was advised to exercise more care when allowing his mounts to shift ground in future.

Mr C Kirkpatrick, rider of Olyball, was reminded of his obligations in respect to use of the whip over the concluding stages of the race, when clearly winning.

Race 4 – bob catherwood memorial maiden handicap - 1600 metres: 

No report.

Race 5 – MYER merton  cup - 1900 metres:

In the early stages of the race, Diaddison had a tendency to overrace, and got its head up on a number of occasions.

After passing the winning post the first time, El Ganador  (Mr P Townsend) shifted in, which resulted in Wecanbeheroes having to be steadied and being taken in onto Kenbest, which when racing tightly to that gelding’s inside, had to be checked. Mr P Townsend was severely reprimanded, and advised that in future he must do far more to protect his fellow riders than he did on this occasion.

Approaching the 100 metres, Overindulge shifted out abruptly, which resulted in its rider Mr J Londregan, becoming unbalanced.

Race 6 –MERTON TRADERS OPEN TROPHY RACE- 1600 metres: 

Mr H Bacon, rider of Toomah Boy was reminded of his obligations in respect to whip use prior to the 100 metres.

Swab Samples

Post race samples from following horses:

Race  5 – Lay Back Lad, winner.

Raceday Summary