Full stewards report from the cup
ace 7 - Lexus Melbourne Cup (Group 1) - 3200m:
A Prince Of Arran (GB) - began awkwardly. Rider Michael Walker was fined the sum of $400 under the provisions of AR137A(5)(a)(i) for using his whip for three consecutive strides prior to the 100m, which is not permitted.
Best Solution (IRE) - stood flat footed and lost ground (six lengths) and a warning will be placed on the horses record.
Marmelo (GB) - began awkwardly and then attempted to savage Avilius (GB) and a warning will be placed on the horses record. A post race veterinary examination revealed the horse to be lame in the off hind leg and will require a veterinary clearance prior to racing again.
Avilius (GB) - slow to begin. Hampered to avoid the injured The Cliffsofmoher (IRE) passing the winning post on the first occasion. A post race veterinary examination revealed the gelding had sustained lacerations to its off fore fetlock.
The Cliffsofmoher (IRE) - passing the winning post on the first occasion, suffered a catastrophic racing injury and was eased out of the event; Avilius (GB) and Cross Counter (GB) which were following were hampered as a consequence. The horse was humanely euthanised and the incident will be referred to the Equine Welfare Department.
Cross Counter (GB) - hampered to avoid the injured The Cliffsofmoher (IRE) passing the winning post on the first occasion. Near the 500m was steadied away from the heels of Muntahaa (IRE) (Jim Crowley) which shifted out; Jim Crowley was notified to exercise care. Rider Kerrin McEvoy was fined the sum of $3000 under the provisions of AR137A(5)(a)(ii) for using his whip nine times prior to the 100m, which is four times more than permitted. In assessing penalty Stewards took into account that he won the race.
Sound Check (GER) - raced four wide without cover in the early and middle stages.
Rostropovich (IRE) - raced three wide without cover in the early and middle stages. Laid in under pressure in the straight.
Muntahaa (IRE) - disappointed for a run near the 500m between Youngstar and Yucatan.
Youngstar - rider Craig Williams reported that his mount laid inwards in the straight.
Nakeeta (GB) - rider Regan Bayliss was fined the sum of $1500 under the provisions of AR137A(5)(a)(ii) for using his whip ten times prior to the 100m, which is five times more than permitted.
Sir Charles Road - rider Dwayne Dunn was fined the sum of $800 under the provisions of AR137A(5)(a)(ii) for using his whip nine times prior to the 100m, which is four times more than permitted.
Zacada (NZ) - rider Damian Lane was fined the sum of $800 under the provisions of AR137A(5)(a)(ii) for using his whip nine times prior to the 100m, which is four times more than permitted.
Auvray (FR) - lost its off fore plate in running.
Yucatan (IRE) - a post race veterinary examination revealed the horse to be lame in the near foreleg and will require a veterinary clearance prior to racing again.
Magic Circle (IRE) - a post race endoscopic examination detected a degree in internal exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage and a veterinary clearance is required prior to racing again.
Hugh Bowman (Marmelo (GB)) - pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provisions of AR137(a), the carelessness being that near the 500m he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of Chestnut Coat (JPN) resulting in that horse being checked when tightened for room. Hugh Bowman had his licence to ride in races suspended for a period of twelve race meetings. In assessing penalty Stewards took into account his guilty plea and good record and that the carelessness was in the mid-range.
Hugh Bowman (Marmelo (GB)) - pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions of AR137A(5)(a)(ii) for using his whip twelve times prior to the 100m, which is seven times more than permitted. Hugh Bowman had his licence to ride in races for a period of eight race meetings. In assessing penalty Stewards took into account his gross breach of the rule in a Group 1 event.
Hugh Bowman (Marmelo (GB)) - pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions of AR145 for returning to scale more than a half kilogram over his declared riding weight. Hugh Bowman has his licence to ride in races suspended for a period of twenty-one race meetings.
Stewards deemed that all three suspensions be served cumulatively, however to avoid making his term of suspension manifestly excessive, Hugh Bowmans licence to ride in races was suspended for a period to commence at midnight November 8th and to expire at midnight December 8th, a total of thirty-five race meetings (one calendar month).