STEWARDS REPORT
DEAGON OFFICES – FEBRUARY 5, 2010
Queensland Racing Limited Stewards today concluded an inquiry into the running and handling of Leica Zed during race three at the Rockhampton Jockey Club on December 3, 2009. Stewards concerned themselves with the tactics adopted by jockey Mark Usher during the middle stages of the event, particularly in regards to his failure to maintain a position to the outside of Dandy Kat near the 1200m and in respect to the reasons he failed to pursue an opportunity to trail Dandy Kat forward near the 600m when that horse was improving into the race.
Jockey Usher explained that his mount had a tendency to hang out in the early stages and he was concerned that he would have been forced to race extremely wide if he did not obtain cover during the middle stages. Jockey Usher further added that he was reluctant to make a run wide from the 600m due to the horses’ early tendency to hang out and felt it was best to keep his mount balanced until entering the straight and pursue clear running to the inside. Jockey Usher further stated that his mount made ground in the straight however did not finish the race off as well as he expected.
In consideration of the evidence before them stewards advised jockey Usher that in their opinion he had ridden an ill judged race on Leica Zed however were not satisfied on the whole of the evidence that his tactical failure had brought his conduct within the ambit of the relevant rule. Jockey Usher was further advised that a similar display of riding from a person of his seniority may result in stewards taking action against his licence.
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