Stewards Report

NEWCASTLE 20/02/2026

 

 

Stewards	D Westwood (Chairman), C Paul, M Haddad (Cadet)
Starter	D Beevers
Veterinarian	Dr J Gallagher
Swab Official	H Waterlander
Track	Fast
Weather	Overcast

 

 

RACE 1 – SKY RACING ACTIVE PACE – 1609 metres

ROCKINDOWNUNDER – Broke stride in the middle stages of the score up and checked the running of SPIRIT KING resulting in a false start being declared. Connections were advised given its recent record it would now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

CONSTANTINA – Had a tendency to hang in during the score up. Post-race swab sample.

SPIRIT KING – Pre-race blood sample.

 

RACE 2 – BARASTOC PACE – 1609 metres

ETHANS REVENGE – Pre-race blood sample.

COLOSSAL HOPE – Post-race swab sample.

JILLIBY AMIGO – When questioned regarding the performance, Driver J Callaghan explained that after finding a position with cover the horse travelled fairly throughout the run however was racing off the bit leaving the back straight and was manoeuvred wider on the track and failed to run on over the concluding stages to be beaten some distance. A post-race veterinary examination could not reveal any abnormalities.

 

RACE 3 – HRNSW GUARANTEED LADYSHIP PACE – 2030 metres

THRIPENNY – Hampered as the field left the back straight on the final occasion when trailing weakening runners.

A LITTLE DILEMMA – Pre-race blood sample.

OSHLEY – Post-race swab sample.

COOINDALAI – Gave ground over the concluding stages to be beaten a considerable distance. When questioned regarding the performance, Trainer/Driver G Andrews explained the horse was travelling well racing 4 back on the marker pegs and elected to move to the position outside the leader, however from that point failed to travel and was disappointed in its efforts over the concluding stages given its recent work. A post-race veterinary examination could not reveal any abnormalities. Connections were advised it would be stood down until the completion of one requalifying trial. 

 

RACE 4 – BONVILLA ESTATE WINES PACE – 2030 metres

GO WITHOUT – Pre-race blood sample.

CAPTAIN GROOVE – Raced outside the leader throughout and weakened over the concluding stages to be beaten some distance.

RUDY GEE – Post-race swab sample.

YESNOMAYBESO – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian with no abnormalities reported.

 

RACE 5 – PSC INSURANCE PACE – 1609 metres

HAVEYOUCHECKEDIN – Hampered as the field straightened for the run to the finish. Post-race swab sample.

KANENA PROVLIMA – Had a tendency to hang out prior to entering the home straight for the run to the finish and hampered the running of HAVEYOUCHECKEDIN and KINGMAKER NZ. A warning was issued.

MASTER CATCH – Pre-race blood sample.

KINGMAKER NZ – Hampered prior to straightening for the run to the finish.

 

RACE 6 – TOMMY REAY MEMORIAL SAPLING HEAT 1 – 1609 metres

FEROCIOUS LOVER – Severely checked shortly after the start was effected.

LIFE AT MIDNIGHT – Hung in after the start was effected and galloped severely checking FEROCIOUS LOVER and VON BRAUN which broke stride. Connections were advised it would now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw. Coming to the 600 metres again had a tendency to hang in contacting the sulky of VON BRAUN resulting in a puncture where as a result that runner was also checked and broke stride again in addition to checking the running of CHANGES. A post-race veterinary examinations revealed superficial lacerations to the fore legs. Connections were advised it would be stood down until the completion of one requalifying trial.

UNJUST ENRICHMENT – Had a tendency to hang in rounding the home turn and contact marker pegs. Held up for clear running in the early stages of the run to the finish.

MICKS CRUZA – Post-race swab sample.

IFBUTSANDBILYCANS – Pre-race blood sample. Broke the lugging pole on the near side in the early stages of the event.

CHANGES – Raced rough in the early stages of the score up and was out of position as the start was effected. Connections were advised it would be placed on its last chance in the mobile barrier draw. Had a tendency to race roughly for a short distance after the start was effected. Checked passing the 600 metres.

HARMS LULLABY – Broke stride shortly after the start was effected. Connections were advised it would continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw. Broke the number 2 carrying strap on the near side as a result of galloping and was retired from the event.

VON BRAUN – Severely checked and broke stride after the start was effected. Passing the 600 metres was checked and broke stride as a result of contact to the near side wheel resulting in a puncture.

 

RACE 7 – TOMMY REAY MEMORIAL SAPLING HEAT 2 – 1609 metres

BETTORCHECKHEROUT – Post-race swab sample.

NO GOOD REASON – Pre-race blood sample.

ROCKVILLE – Raced roughly shortly after the start was effected.

SOHO CRUZA – Broke stride as the field approached the 1000 metres free of interference. Connections were advised given its limited experience it would be stood down until the completion of one requalifying trial.

 

 

RACE 8 – TOOHEYS PACE – 1609 metres

OLEG – Held up for clear running over the concluding stages and not fully tested.

SINBINNED – Pre-race blood sample.

ROCKNROLL CLARRY – Post-race swab sample.

WAT EVER YOU NEED – Held up for clear running over the concluding stages and not fully tested.

 

RACE 9 – SOMERSET MEATS PACE – 2030 metres

KEAYANG HARLOW – Had a tendency to hang in rounding the final turn and contacted marker pegs.

ULTIMATE RHAPSODY – Checked and raced roughly leaving the back straight on the final occasion.

TIGERLICIOUS – Pre-race blood sample. Post-race swab sample.

BE GOOD BENNY – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian with no abnormalities reported.

KATLAS DREAM – Had a tendency to over race in the early and middle stages of the event. Had a tendency to hang in leaving the back straight on the final occasion and checked the running of ULTIMATE RHAPSODY which raced roughly for a short distance. connections were advised it would be placed on its last chance to race truly.

 

 

SUMMARY
Reprimands
Fines	Race 6 – Rickie Alchin – Rule 210 - $50 – UNJUST ENRICHMENT
Suspensions
Barrier Information	Race 1 – ROCKINDOWNUNDER – OMD Race 6 – LIFE AT MIDNIGHT - OMD
Trials/Stand Down	Race 3 – COOINDALAI – 1 trial Race 7 – SOHO CRUZA – 1 trial
Late Scratchings	Race 8 – EYEKNOWS – 10.40am – veterinary advice - $300 and 28 days
Adjourned Inquiries
Medical Clearance
Follow up’s