RACE 8: Schweppes Sydney Cup 3200m
Making the turn out of the home straight on the first occasion near the 2100m Almoonqith broke down behind, resulting in rider James Doyle being dislodged.
Who Shot Thebarman, which was following, became badly unbalanced when its rider Blake Shinn took evasive action to avoid the fallen horse, resulting in Shinn also being dislodged.
When Almoonqith remained on the track approximately two horses off the fence and both Doyle and Shinn remained positioned on the track, the stewards acting under the provisions of AR139 elected to declare the running of the Sydney Cup void when the field was near the 1200m.
At this time a number of riders did not observe the signal by the clerks of the course and of the barrier staff, who were positioned near the 900m and again on the home turn when stewards also raised a signal for riders to ease their mounts down.
The following horses continued to be ridden in a competitive manner by their riders: Polarisation, Chance To Dance, Penglai Pavilion, Annus Mirabillis, Vengeur Masque and Assign.
The stewards ruled that all final field betting with bookmakers were to be refunded in full.
Who Shot Thebarman – a post-race veterinary examination revealed an abrasion to its near-fore tendon region. Stable representative Charles Duckworth was advised a veterinary clearance would be required prior to the gelding racing again.
Almoonqith – after breaking down near the 2100m, was examined by the Club's Veterinary Officer, who found the horse to have sustained a catastrophic fracture to its off-hind cannon. On humane grounds Almoonqith was euthanased.
After interviewing co-trainer David Hayes, rider James Doyle and taking evidence from stipendiary steward Ray Livingstone, who inspected the relevant areas of the track, the matter was adjourned pending a report from the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Camden, where the horse will be transported to for autopsy.
Hayes was asked to provide his veterinary and treatment records for the horse. Doyle was asked to provide a medical certificate prior to riding again.
The inquiry was adjourned to a date to be fixed.
Big Duke – stable representative advised the gelding lost its off-hind plate, however had pulled up well subsequent to the event.
