ROYAL WESTERN INDIA TURF CLUB, LTD.

MUMBAI MEETING 2018/19, SEVENTEENTH DAY, THURSDAY, 24TH JANUARY, 2019.

 

(PENETROMETER: 3.9; GOING: GOOD)

 

RACE DAY REPORTS

 

RAILS WERE PLACED 2 METRES AWAY FROM ITS ORIGINAL POINT FROM 1400 METRES (MILE CHUTE) TO 1000 METRES, 4 METRES AWAY AT 800 METRES AND THEREAFTER 5 METRES AWAY UP TO THE WINNING POST.  FOR THE RACES RUN AT THE BACK STRETCH, RAILS WERE PLACED AT ITS ORIGINAL POINT FROM 1200 METRES LEADING TO 2 METRES AWAY AT 1000 METRES.

 

On a request from Trainer Rehanullah Khan, permission was granted to Trainer Altamaash A.Ahmed to saddle his charges QUEEN CREDIBLE (2nd race) and ETERNAL DANCER (4th race), at his own (Trainer Rehanullah Khan’s) risk and responsibility.

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On a request from Trainer M.K.Jadhav, permission was granted to Trainer A.M.Jadhav to saddle his charges WISE CHILD (2nd race), DEMOCRAT (4th race) and AQUARIUS (6th race), at his own (Trainer M.K.Jadhav’s ) risk and responsibility.

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CHANGE OF JOCKEY:

RACE

HORSE

JOCKEY

REPLACED BY

REASON

1(116)

ANGELS HARMONY

S.J.SUNIL

AKSHAY GAIKWAD

INDISPOSED

 

RACE NO.1(116) –THE RAO SAHEB D.K.PARKAR TROPHY: (About) 1400 Metres – Runners - 8 

 

After the race, Jockey Neeraj Rawal (JETFIRE) reported that his mount hung in throughout the race. Trainer A. M. Jadhav has been asked to take remedial measures before next accepting to race the colt.

 

On being questioned after the race, Jockey Leigh Roche (KANCHENJUNGA) stated that his mount was inclined outwards throughout the race. He further said that the filly had behaved in a similar manner in her first mock race run on 23rdDecember 2018, however, in her subsequent mock race run on 6th January 2019 she was well behaved. To a specific question, he said that in his opinion the filly behaves erratically only when she is settled / crowded. In view of the above, Trainer P.Shroff has been asked to take remedial measures and show the filly to the satisfaction of the Stipendiary Stewards in a Mock Race, before next accepting with her to race. 

 

After the race, BOOMERANG was observed to have broken a blood vessel and is not to race for the stipulated ban period of four weeks. The gelding has to be passed fit by the Club’s V.O. before next accepting to race.

 

After the race, SULLIVAN was observed to have a cut injury at the right hind hock. KANCHENJUNGA was found to be sound in the trot.

 

RACE NO.2(117) – THE ROYAL CALCUTTA TURF CLUB TROPHY: (About) 1200 Metres – Runners - 6

 

After the race, WISE CHILD was observed to have broken a blood vessel. Being a second time bleeder, the gelding is not to race for the stipulated ban period of eight weeks and has to be passed fit by the Club’s V.O. before next accepting to race.

 

After the race, WILD FIRE was observed to have an abrasion on the right shoulder.

 

RACE NO.3(118) – THE MARCHETTA PLATE: (About) 1600 Metres – Runners - 6 

 

After the race, ARABIA and ZENON (examined on 25/01/2019) were trotted and found to be sound.

 

RACE NO.4(119) – THE  SMASHING PLATE (DIV.II): (About) 1200 Metres –Runners- 14 

 

At the start, WE BREAK THE RULES (P. S. Chouhan, dr.1) jumped outwards and at the same time DEMOCRAT (C.S. Jodha, dr.4) jumped awkwardly inwards thereby tightening CRAY CRAY (App. Vishal N. Bunde, dr.3) and THEA O THEA (App. Aniket Karande, dr.2).

 

Approaching 1000 metres, ADAMS BEGINNING (App. D. R. Shubham) shifted in and went across STAR ANISE (G. Amit) on to  DEMOCRAT (C. S. Jodha) forcing it inwards, due to which WE BREAK THE RULES (P. S. Chouhan) was tightened along the rails. Thereafter, passing 900 metres, ADAMS BEGINNING once again shifted in thereby tightening CRAY CRAY (App. Vishal N. Bunde) forcing the latter to be checked and drop back. After the race, App.D.R.Shubham reported that his mount hung in despite his efforts. Trainer Adhirajsingh Jodha has been asked to take remedial measures before next accepting to race the mare.

 

Passing 500 metres WE BREAK THE RULES (P.S.Chouhan) shifted out and went across MAKE IT SHINE (App.Raghuveer Singh) forcing the latter to be checked. Jockey P.S.Chouhan has been fined Rs.2,000/-.

 

Passing 400 metres, SHE’S A TIGER (Amyn Merchant) shifted out and carried WE BREAK THE RULES (P.S.Chouhan) outwards. Jockey Amyn Merchant has been cautioned.

 

After the race, App.Raghuveer Singh (MAKE IT SHINE) reported that his reins had slipped passing the 300 metres which he regained in the next couple of strides. The Stipendiary Stewards are looking into this incident and a report will be submitted shortly.

 

In the final stages of the race, CHOO MANTAR (A. Sandesh) shifted in and went across ROYSTON ROCK (App.Malam Singh) causing the latter to be checked and change course and at the same time ETERNAL DANCER (Nirmal Jodha) shifted in thereby tightening CRAY CRAY (App. Vishal N. Bunde) who was racing between them.

 

After the race, NAME OF THE GAME was observed to have broken a blood vessel and is not to race for the stipulated ban period of four weeks. The mare has to be passed fit by the Club’s V.O. before next accepting to race.

 

RACE NO.5(120) – THE  ISN’T SHE SPECIAL PLATE: (About) 1800 Metres – Runners- 14 

 

HIS MASTER’S VICE (Nirmal Jodha) took a fly jump thus losing about 2 lengths at the start.

 

Passing 600 metres, PARADISE (App. N. B. Kuldeep) shifted in thereby tightening MASTER OF STUDIES (App.K.Nazil) along the rails. App. N. B. Kuldeep has been cautioned.

 

Passing 200 metres, SYLVESTER (A. Sandesh) shifted out and carried ROGUE ONE (Dashrath Singh) outwards, due to which FANFARE (C. S. Jodha) shied outwards and had to be steadied.

 

After the race, App. N. B. Kuldeep (PARADISE) reported the loss of whip passing the 400 metres. This being his first instance during the current Mumbai Meeting, no action has been initiated.

 

After the race, WHOOPSIDAISY was trotted and found to be sound.

 

RACE NO.6(121) – THE SMASHING PLATE (DIV.I): (About) 1200 Metres – Runners – 14

 

REGAL SHOT (Bhawani Singh) was reluctant to reach the starting point. Trainer Karthik Ganapathy has been asked to take remedial measures.

 

On arrival at the start, RIDGEWOOD STAR (Neeraj Rawal) was examined by the Club’s Sr.V.O. who certified him fit to race.

 

After being stalled, ADELE (Amyn Merchant) reared up and landed on her haunches, as such, the mare was taken out and examined by the Club’s Sr.V.O. who certified her fit to race.

 

DYNAMITE  (G.Amit) and SKYSURFER (App.Aniket Karande) jumped out slow losing about 5 lengths and 6 lengths respectively. Trainers Faisal A.Abbas and Narendra Lagad have been asked to give their respective charge more gate practice and show them to the satisfaction of the Starter at morning starting trials, before next accepting to race.

 

At the start, BOUNTY QUEEN (App.Malam Singh dr.3) jumped outwards on to INVICTUS MANEO (S.A.Amit, dr.4).

Passing 1000 metres, SMART CHOICE (App.Niranjan S Parmar) shifted in thereby tightening REGAL SHOT (Bhawani Singh) along the rails. Apprentice Niranjan S.Parmar has been cautioned.

 

Passing 1000 metres, XOXO (Akshay) shifted in and went across ADELE (Amyn Merchant) who had to be steadied. Jockey Akshay has been cautioned.

 

Passing 300 metres, BOUNTY QUEEN (App.Malam Singh) shifted in due to which INVICTUS MANEO (S.A.Amit) was held up for room and had to be steadied 

 

After the race, LOCARNO was observed to have a cut injury at the left hind cannon and bulb of heel and  BOUNTY QUEEN had lost its right fore shoe. RIDGEWOOD STAR, FLOWER DUST and ADELE were found to be sound in the trot.

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The urine samples of the winner of the 1st, 2nd and 4th race, viz. SULLIVAN, BATELEUR and CHOO MANTAR, and the special sample of WISE CHILD (2nd race) and ARABIA (3rd race), were collected for detection of prohibited substance.

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TOTAL NUMBER OF RACES    -              6       TOTAL NUMBER OF RUNNERS                                    -               62

TOTAL STAKES               -    Rs.19,62,500/-      AVE. NUMBER OF RUNNERS PER RACE                   -          10.33      

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SUMMARY:

SUSPENSION/ FINE (S)

 

R.4(119)

 

Joc.P.S.Chouhan – fined Rs.2,000/-

 

 

ACTION ON HORSE/S

R.1(116)

BOOMERANG (Blood Vessel) – stopped for four weeks and to be passed fit by the Club’s V.O.

JETFIRE (Hung out) – remedial measures

KANCHENJUNGA (inclined outwards) – to be shown to the satisfaction of the Stipendiary Stewards in a Mock Race

R.2(117)

WISE CHILD (Blood Vessel) – stopped for eight weeks and to be passed fit by the Club’s V.O.

R.4(119)

NAME OF THE GAME (Blood Vessel) – stopped for four weeks and to be passed fit by the Club’s V.O.

ADAMS BEGINNING  (Hung in) – remedial measures

R.6(121)

REGAL SHOT (reluctant to reach the start) – remedial measures

DYNAMITE and SKYSURFER – to be shown to the satisfaction of the Starter at morning starting trials

 

ADDITIONAL REPORTS :

 

RE : RACE NO.110 –THE R.R.BYRAMJI TROPHY RUN ON 20TH JANUARY, 2019: 

 

The Sr.V.O. reported that JOHN CABOT was declared to run with bandages on all four legs but ran with bandages on both hind legs. Trainer Bipin Salvi has been fined Rs.1,000/- for his lapse.

 

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RE: ENQUIRY INTO THE RUNNING AND RIDING OF “BAY OF LOVE” (G.AMIT) IN RACE NO.120 – THE STAR OF GIBRALTAR PLATE (DIV.II) RUN ON 28TH SEPTEMBER, 2018 :

 

The Stipendiary Stewards reported that they had questioned Trainer H.J.Antia and Jockey G.Amit in the above connection. Tr.H.J.Antia said that his instructions to Jockey G.Amit were to jump and get a good position and to do his best.

 

The video recording of Race No.120 was viewed and when asked for his observation of the Jockey’s riding, Trainer H.J.Antia stated that he does not take exception to the Jockey’s riding until he comes into the straight. However, in the straight, the Jockey dropped his reins whereby he could not ride the horse for about 4/5 strides which made a difference or else he could have easily finished second. He said that on being questioned after the race, Jockey G.Amit informed him that he had lost his reins in the straight. To a specific question regarding the positioning of the horse in the early part of the race, Tr.H.J.Antia agreed that his horse was not in a good position, however, he felt that the other horses were faster and his horse was gradually boxed for room. The video recording of the race was viewed again and it was pointed out to Trainer H.J.Antia that initially there was sufficient room for the Jockey to take a forward position, to which he agreed that in the initial 30/40 metres after the start there was sufficient room for Jockey G.Amit to go but thereafter the gap closed and he was outpaced. Trainer H.J.Antia said that it was good that he got blocked since he came the shortest way or else he would have had to come wide, however, he felt that there was no reason for the reins to have slipped from the Jockey’s hands in the straight.

 

Jockey G.Amit said that he rode this horse in its last run and felt that he comes well from the back. He said that in the previous race, the horse was keen after jump out and he settled him in the front bunch but the horse raced poorly. He said that in the race in question, the horse was not that keen, as such he sat on him and also two horses came in front of him so there was no room for him.

 

The video recording of the horse’s previous run i.e. Race No.82 was viewed. 

 

Thereafter the video recording of Race No.120 was viewed and when specially asked to explain how the reins had slipped out of his hands, Jockey G.Amit said that in the process of changing his grip on the reins, it had slipped out of his hands.

 

Having heard the submissions made and having viewed the video recording of Race No.120 as also the horse’s previous run i.e. Race No.82, the Stipendiary Stewards noted the explanation tendered by the Trainer and Jockey and closed the enquiry.

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RE: ENQUIRY INTO THE RUNNING AND RIDING OF “SMOKY HAZE” (DASHRATH SINGH) IN RACE NO.85 – THE FIDDLE FADDLE PLATE (DIV.II) - RUN ON 10TH JANUARY, 2019 :

 

The Stipendiary Stewards reported that they had questioned Trainer Adhirajsingh Jodha and Jockey Dashrath Singh in the above connection.  Tr.Adhirajsingh Jodha said that his instructions to Jockey Dashrath Singh were to take a level jump, not to go to the front as it was a 1400 metres race, hold the mare up a little bit and give her support and coming into the straight to pull her out and ride out as she gives the best dash from the outside. Jockey Dashrath Singh confirmed the instructions and added that he was asked to sit in the mid bunch.

 

The video recording of Race No.85 was viewed and it was pointed out to Jockey Dashrath Singh that in the straight he gave three cracks with the whip and then gave some time and the subsequent two cracks should have been a bit earlier than what he did, to which Jockey Dashrath Singh stated that the filly does not like the whip and if you watch her last run, he had used the whip freely but she was there and there.

 

Trainer Adhirajsingh Jodha agreed with the observation of the Stipes and added that after the race he had told Jockey Dashrath Singh the same thing that he should have used the whip to which the Jockey informed him that the mare does not like the whip (gets irritated with the whip).

 

The video recording of Race No.85 was viewed again and it was pointed out to Jockey Dashrath Singh that the mare did not put her ears back or show any other signs of displeasure to the whip to which Jockey Dashrath Singh reiterated that she did not like the whip, however, he did not point out on the video replay where the horse was showing displeasure.

 

Having heard the submissions made and viewing the video recording of the race in question, the Stipendiary Stewards were not satisfied with the riding of Jockey Dashrath Singh in the final stages of the race, as such, he was reported to the Stewards for failing to persevere with his mount.

 

The Stewards of the Club at their meeting held on 24th January, 2019 interviewed Trainer Adhirajsingh Jodha and Jockey Dashrath Singh who was accompanied by his Spokesman, Mr.S.Zervan, and having heard them and having viewed the video recording of the race in question as also the horse’s previous run i.e. Race No.62, the Stewards were not satisfied with the explanation tendered by Jockey Dashrath Singh and held him guilty of failing to persevere with his mount (injudicious riding) in the straight. In that, the Stewards felt that he could have certainly been more vigorous in his riding effort in the final stages of the race which he was very capable of and should have used the whip more judiciously in the straight. Jockey Dashrath Singh was unable to point out on the video recording and satisfy the Stewards that the filly did not like the whip and showed signs of displeasure. On the contrary it was pointed out to him that the filly responded well under whip. This being his second offence of a similar nature during the current Mumbai Meeting, the Stewards decided to suspend his Jockey’s license for 4 Race Days and fine him a sum of Rs.10,000/-.

 

The Stewards noted that Jockey Dashrath Singh’s  license already stands suspended w.e.f. 10th February, 2019 to 21st February, 2019 for injudicious riding on PABLO. Therefore, his Jockey’s license will stand further suspended for 4 Race Days i.e. with effect from 24th February, 2019 to 10th March, 2019 (both days inclusive) for failing to persevere with his mount SMOKY HAZE (injudicious riding) in Race No.85 (permitted to ride work/mock race).

 

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RE: ENQUIRY INTO THE RUNNING AND RIDING OF “ROBERTA” (LEIGH ROCHE) IN RACE NO.55 – THE CLINTON PLATE - RUN ON 21ST DECEMBER, 2018:

 

The Stipendiary Stewards reported that they had questioned Trainer P.Shroff and Jockey Leigh Roche immediately after the race in the above connection. The Jockey felt that he did not have a horse under him in the early stages. The Trainer mentioned that his other horse SMASHER who won the race was not a bad horse and that ROBERTA has her share of problems.

 

Trainer P.Shroff and Jockey Leigh Roche were again questioned on 28th December, 2018. Jockey Leigh Roche confirmed the statement he had made in front of the Stipes after the races.

 

Trainer P.Shroff said that it is quite open that early part of the race the filly just found it difficult to keep pace, it is not something that is unknown to anyone, it does happen, she is a big filly, a heavy filly, she does find it difficult to keep pace in the early part. Also, the horse who won the race, SMASHER, he is a good horse, he does not show anything in work so there is no way to say that yes he is going to run well. He said that SMASHER works with ROBERTA who is always ahead of him in work and SMASHER had run a very good race and has made ROBERTA look very poor.

 

Trainer P.Shroff and Jockey Leigh Roche were informed that they would view the race together keeping in mind their explanation and having watched the previous race of ROBERTA.  Further, both were told that the reason why they were called the second time for this enquiry was that all being said and done, yes, the other horse could have been better on that particular day, but ROBERTA was a 25 paisa favourite and her running 9¾  lengths behind was definitely way below expectation, hence there were lot of questions coming up. Jockey Leigh Roche was told that as per his statement he did not have a horse under him in the early stages, however, having seen the video recording of the race the Stipendiary Stewards felt that he should have alerted the filly at some stage earlier than he did and narrowed that gap because the initial break of nearly 15/20 lengths that SMASHER took (at one stage ROBERTA was out of the frame), there was no way that the filly could have covered up that gap.

 

Trainer P.Shroff was informed that the filly had returned sore after the race and on scrutinizing his Medication Log Book, it had been observed that this filly was subjected to an x-ray of the right fore shin in December 2018 and prior to that in October, 2018  for her suspensory  and he was requested to throw some light on the same. Trainer P.Shroff said that it was all part of the routine stuff, they do it with so many horses all the time. He said that the filly has a shin on the right leg, it is not some hidden fact, it is there today, it was there that day and before that in Pune also, it subsides and comes up again.  He added that it is very difficult to run two horses and sometimes three horses to frame a race and at some stage this is going to happen. To a query on the work pattern, Trainer P.Shroff said that the filly was in regular work and had a pace work on Sunday prior to the race.   When specifically asked as to how the filly had come back after the race,  Trainer P.Shroff said that he did not treat her for anything but he had her scoped and she was fine and she was back in work and cantered this morning (the work log book was scrutinized).

 

Trainer P.Shroff was informed that the Stipes are aware that he has all good horses and at some stage they will be competing with each other, however, it would be better to view the race together to see whether the Jockey could have alerted the filly at an earlier stage than what he did and narrowed that gap.

 

The video recording of Race No.55 was viewed and Jockey Leigh Roche was asked to take the stipes through the race and explain his point of view. Jockey Leigh Roche said that after the start SMASHER hit the front and he tried to keep pace with the other horses. He said that his filly was hanging to the left and he tried to keep her in and go forward and at the 7 furlong he picked her up to try and catch up with the front runners and approaching the 6 furlongs he was still behind and the pace at which they were going, he expected them to stop which did not happen. He said that he had to click his filly from the 6 furlongs and coming into the straight when he tried to chase the front horse there was nothing left in her in the last one and half furlongs. When specifically asked at what stage he felt that the front horse would die on him, Jockey Leigh Roche said that at the 1200 metres the front horse was off the bridle and he thought his filly would quicken up and go away but the front horse kept going.

 

The video recording of Race No.157, the filly’s second run during the Pune Meeting 2018 was viewed. Trainer P.Shroff pointed out that in this race the pace was slow and his other horse KHARTOUM went to the front and this filly was settled second. He said that in her first run during the Pune Meeting 2018 i.e. Race No.103 she was slowly out.

 

Thereafter the video recording of Race No.103 run during the Pune Meeting 2018 was viewed.

 

Trainer P.Shroff said that he would like to see the running photographs of this race as well as the filly’s previous races in Pune since he would like to compare the timings of the first 5 furlongs. He said that he does not doubt the filly’s ability to stay, however, he wanted to check whether she has the ability to keep pace in a fast run race.

 

Jockey Leigh Roche said that one can see how well the filly travelled in her Pune races, but when he rode her in Race No.55, he was flat out. He said that he had worked the filly in pace work on Sunday prior to the race and she had worked well and prior to that he rode her in a mock race on 25th November, 2018 where she ran second.

 

The video recording of the Mock Race was viewed.

 

Having heard the submissions made and viewing the video recording of the race in question as also the filly’s previous runs and her Mock Race on 25th November, 2018, the Stipendiary Stewards whilst agreeing with Trainer P.Shroff that he is within his rights to run more than one horse in a race, however, his instruction should be in the interest of every runner in the race.  Further, the Stipendiary Stewards were not satisfied with the explanation tendered by Jockey Leigh Roche and were reporting him to the Stewards for riding an ill-judged race, in that, he allowed the front horse to take a long lead and he should have tried to narrow the gap earlier than he did.

 

The Stewards of the Club at their meeting held on 24th January, 2019 interviewed Trainer P.Shroff and Jockey Leigh Roche in the above connection and having heard them and having viewed the video recording of the race in question as also the previous races of ROBERTA, the Stewards were not entirely satisfied with the explanation tendered by Jockey Leigh Roche. However, since the horse was out of the frame at the back stretch and there was no way to confirm how much efforts he had made to improve his position, the Stewards decided to give him the benefit of the doubt in this case. However, he was cautioned to use better judgement in the future. Further, the Stewards noted with displeasure that Tr.P.Shroff spoke in an agitated and aggressive  manner during the course of the hearing. However, keeping in mind that he had tendered an apology, the Stewards decided to only caution him for the future.

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RE: ENQUIRY INTO THE IMPROVED PERFORMANCE OF “ANATEVKA” (AKSHAY) IN RACE NO.83 – THE PRADEEP VIJAYAKAR TROPHY (1200 METRES) RUN ON 6TH JANUARY, 2019 WHICH THE FILLY WON AS COMPARED TO HER PREVIOUS RUN IN RACE NO.74 – THE DAMODARDAS C.SHAH TROPHY (DIV.I) (1200 METRES) RIDDEN BY JOCKEY AKSHAY - RUN ON 30TH DECEMBER, 2018 WHERE SHE WAS UNPLACED :

 

The Stipendiary Stewards reported that they had questioned Trainer P.Shroff in the above connection.

 

On being questioned regarding the change of equipment i.e. discontinuing the Cross Nose Band, Trainer P.Shroff said that the filly has a habit of pulling very hard and in an effort to settle the filly, she opens her mouth and if one sees her previous races, it was difficult to control her, so the Jockey suggested to use a Cross Nose Band and as suggested they used a Cross Nose Band in her previous start on 30th December, 2018 but the filly did not jump out and lost ground. He added that the filly ran well but did not jump out well hence he removed the Cross Nose Band and showed her at gate practice on 3rd January, 2019 where she jumped out well and hence they raced her again on 6th January, 2019. To a specific question, Trainer P.Shroff said that the Cross Nose Band was used during the work prior to it being used on the filly in the race. He opined that the filly has not improved as compared to her last run where she ran well, only thing is that she did not jump out well. He said that ANATEVKA is a temperamental filly.

 

The video recording of the previous starts of ANATEVKA during the current Mumbai Meeting 2018/19 i.e. Race Nos.5, 37 and 74 were viewed.

 

The Stipendiary Stewards stated that having heard the submissions made and viewing the video recording of both the races, were not satisfied with the explanation tendered by Trainer P.Shroff and reported the matter to the Stewards for such action as they may deem fit.

 

The Stewards of the Club at their meeting held on 24th January, 2019 interviewed Trainer P.Shroff in the above connection and having heard him and having viewed the video recording of both the races, the Stewards were not satisfied with the explanation tendered by him and decided to fine him a sum of Rs.10,000/- for breach of the Calendar Notification “RE : Penalty for improved performance within a short span of time”.

 

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RE: ENQUIRY INTO THE RUNNING AND RIDING OF “SMASHER” (LEIGH ROCHE, DR.1) IN RACE NO.79 – THE LONDONDERRY PLATE (2000 METRES) RUN ON 6TH JANUARY, 2019 :

 

The Stipendiary Stewards reported that they had questioned Trainer P.Shroff and Jockey Leigh Roche in the above connection. 

 

As Trainer P.Shroff was delayed, Jockey Leigh Roche was questioned independently. He said that he settled his mount in 2nd/3rd position on the inside and after the race he informed the Trainer that the horse did not like it as he was not comfortable being tightened up so he kept backing off, so he felt that the horse needs more room to gallop. On being asked for his instructions, Jockey Leigh Roche said that he was asked to be positive, sit forward and so he sat in 2nd/3rd position along the rails. He reiterated that the horse did not like being crowded for room as he needs more galloping room and in the next outing he made the running so he enjoyed it. On being asked if he had worked the horse, he said that on one occasion he had worked him.

 

The video recording of Race No.79 was viewed and to a specific question, Jockey Leigh Roche said that the Trainer had told him to sit in a forward position and he found a horse going to the front so he sat 2nd. To a specific question, he said that he was not asked to go to the front but was asked to be positive.

 

Trainer P.Shroff said that if you see his earlier runs, the horse has run good races coming from behind, he has run a 2400 metres race on the Derby Day last year coming from behind. He said that in his first run during the current Mumbai Meeting i.e. Race No.13 he was ridden by Jockey Akshay when SACRED ROMAN won. In his second run in Race No.55 when he was ridden by Akshay i.e. the race when he beat ROBERTA, in that race he went to the front after 2/3 furlongs and then in the race in question i.e. Race No.79 he was ridden by Jockey Leigh Roche where he asked the Jockey to sit well up with him and the horse ran 2nd to BUSHTOPS. In that race the horse carried 59.5 kg whereas BUSHTOPS carried 51.5 kg. Trainer P.Shroff said that definitely the horse enjoys being out in the front with a lot of room around him but that is something that they have learnt as he has raced. He added that this horse does not work well on sand and does the grass gallop and when he gets a strong race he comes on a lot  and to keep him fit is a real task as he does not enjoy the sand, so after his previous run with Jockey Leigh Roche he had raced him again in 4/5 days with Jockey N.S.Parmar and he has come on so well as he had that gallop on the grass.

 

The video recording of all previous races of SMASHER run during the Mumbai Meeting 2017/18 were viewed. Trainer P.Shroff pointed out that in all the races he has always asked the Jockeys to sit well up with him because he is a lumbering sort of a horse.

 

Thereafter the video recording of all the previous races of SMASHER run during the current Mumbai Meeting were viewed. Trainer P.Shroff said that in Race No.55 he was making pace for ROBERTA and in Race No.86 he has shown even better performance. It was pointed out to Trainer P.Shroff that considering the manner and the pace he showed in Race No.55 it clearly establishes his liking and more so because the other horse CAVAROZZI (H.Zeeshan), being his own horse, he should have made a strong pace. Trainer P.Shroff said that his instructions to App.H.Zeeshan were to make a strong pace and after the race he had questioned him for not making a strong pace. He said that if the Jockey had not followed his instructions what could he do. Trainer P.Shroff was informed that in such a case, he should immediately inform/complain to the Stipes. Trainer P.Shroff said that in Race No.13 run over 1600 metres, BUSHTOPS has beaten SMASHER and then in the race in question he was giving BUSHTOPS 8 kg.

 

Having heard the submissions made and having viewed the video recording of the race in question as also all the previous races of SMASHER, the Stipendiary Stewards were not satisfied with the explanation tendered by the Trainer and Jockey and reported the matter to the Stewards for inconsistent running of the horse.

 

The Stewards of the Club at their meeting held on 24th January, 2019 interviewed Trainer P.Shroff and Jockey Leigh Roche and having heard them and having viewed the video recording of the race in question as also the previous and subsequent race of SMASHER, the explanation tendered by them was noted.

 

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RE : REQUEST FROM APPRENTICE H.ZEESHAN TO POSTPONE THE PUNISHMENT IMPOSED ON HIM BY THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS I.E. SUSPENSION OF HIS APPRENTICE JOCKEY’S LICENSE W.E.F. 02/02/2019 TO 15/02/2019 FOR NOT FOLLOWING THE TRAINER’S INSTRUCTIONS ON “RIQUEWIHR” IN R.NO.82 SINCE HE WISHED TO RIDE ON THE DERBY WEEKEND:

 

The Stewards of the Club at their meeting held on Thursday, 24th January, 2019 considered letter dated 22nd January, 2019 from App.H.Zeeshan on the captioned subject matter and having deliberated the matter, regretted their inability to accede to his request.

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Mumbai : 25th January, 2019.