Thoroughbred Stewards Inquiry Jockey Craig Staples (PROBLEMATIC)
RWWA Stewards today completed the adjourned inquiry into the reason for PROBLEMATIC (C Staples) falling near the 1050m in the above race. Evidence was taken from Jockeys’ Mr Craig Staples and Mr Lee Newman (BABY BLUES), the trainer of PROBLEMATIC Mr Paul Jordan, the gelding’s managing owner Mr Harvey Crossman and RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr Judith Medd.
An interim report of the post-mortem examination of PROBLEMATIC conducted by the Murdoch University Pathology Department was also introduced into evidence.
In relation to the interim necropsy report from Murdoch University, Dr Medd advised that it ruled out an aneurysm (aortic rupture), neurological disease or trauma as the cause of death and that in the absence of any post mortem findings to explain the cause of death, fatal cardiac arrhythmia and subsequent cardiac failure was in all probability the most likely explanation for the death of PROBLEMATIC.
After taking into account all of the evidence presented, including viewing replays from a number of camera angles in slow motion and zoom facility through the Hawkeye vision system, Stewards were of the opinion that the vision showed PROBLEMATIC losing some momentum shortly after crossing to the lead, causing BABY BLUES which was following to be placed in close proximity to its hind legs with jockey Lee Newman having to check his mount to avoid its heels.
PROBLEMATIC then commenced to shift ground outwards abruptly when appearing to become uncoordinated in its galloping action before then falling near the 1050m.
In all of the circumstances, Stewards were fully satisfied that the reason for PROBLEMATIC falling and subsequently dying was due to it suffering from cardiac failure. Consequently, no blame for this incident was attributed to the actions of any rider.