DENNIS DRIER RACING (MR 66) HANDICAP

FESTIVAL STAR was very difficult and stubborn to load. IDEAL WINTER was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. CLASSY CHIC was hanging out on the first bend and thereafter compounded in the closing stages and was not persevered with. The Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this mare. SILENT OBSESSION was hanging in over the final 500 metres. IDEAL WINTER was hanging out in the final straight, shifted out near the 150 metre mark inconveniencing SILENT OBSESSION. Thereafter IDEAL WINTER shifted out near the 100 metre mark brushing SILENT OBSESSION. IDEAL WINTER and SILENT OBSESSION brushed shortly before the finish. A race review was called by Mr Howells, trainer of SILENT OBSESSION, which was followed by an Objection lodged by Jockey de Melo, rider of the second placed horse, SILENT OBSESSION, against the winner, IDEAL WINTER, on the grounds of interference in the latter stages. The Objection Board after hearing all the evidence including the distance of an increasing half a length between these two horses at the finish was of the opinion that despite the incident complained of, SILENT OBSESSION would not have beaten IDEAL WINTER and therefore over-ruled the Objection, refunded the deposit and allowed the Judge's result to stand. Jockey Kennedy signed an Admission of Guilt for a contravention in that, as the rider of IDEAL WINTER, he failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to SILENT OBSESSION in the closing stages. A Warning was imposed. In view of the Starter's Report concerning FESTIVAL STAR, the starting stall certificate for this gelding has been withdrawn until recertified tractable with a companion. Vet: CLASSY CHIC - nothing obvious detected. EMPEROR NIARCHOS - Epistaxis, 60 day suspension.