QUEENSLAND Racing stewards today suspended Sydney apprentice Daniel Ganderton for two months over his controversial ride on the strongly fancied Deer Valley at the Gold Coast last Saturday.

Ganderton, who plans to appeal, was charged with failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure Deer Valley, which blew like a gale in the betting, was given every chance in the race.

 

When the inquiry was instigated at the Gold Coast races last Saturday, QR Chief Steward Wade Birch told Ganderton that plenty of people would be thinking that he gave favorite Deer Valley a practice run in preparation for her main goal, the $1 million Magic Millions Trophy this weekend.

The inquiry was to be completed on Tuesday but Ganderton’s flight to Brisbane from Sydney was cancelled. Stewards took exception to Ganderton’s lack of vigor on Deer Valley at a vital stage in the race.

An impressive Doomben winner at her previous start when brought down the outside and finishing on strongly over a shorter distance, Deer Valley had little room in the straight this time after Ganderton showed questionable urgency.

Trainer Steele Ryan, who seemed more concerned to get the message across that Deer Valley could win the big one next Saturday, told the Brisbane Sunday Mail: “She was a mile off them at the turn, carried 59kg and was in the worst section of the track.

“I also think that hit-out over 1200m will improve her fitness a lot and she still is the horse to beat in the Magic Millions.”

Ganderton, who recently had his indentures transferred from the Gai Waterhouse to Paul Messara stable, has retained the ride on Deer Valley, which remains one of the top fancies for the MM Trophy. His suspension begins after Saturday.

 

THE OFFICIAL QUEENSLAND RACING STEWARDS' REPORT ON TODAY'S INQUIRY READS:

STEWARDS today concluded the inquiry into the running and handling of DEER VALLEY in the Coastal Tipper Hire QTIS 3YO Handicap 1200m which was run at the Gold Coast Turf Club on Saturday, January 2, 2010.

The inquiry had been adjourned until Tuesday, January 5, but was postponed because apprentice D. Ganderton was held up in Sydney when his flight was cancelled.

At today’s inquiry further evidence was taken from apprentice Ganderton who rode DEER VALLEY, Mr Steele Ryan trainer of the filly, and from Paul Messara licensed trainer and Master of apprentice Ganderton.

Written testimonials were received from part owners Mr Damico and Mr Amatruda.

Mr Amatruda expressed satisfaction with riding of apprentice Ganderton and said he had significantly supported his filly.

Mr Damico said he was present when instructions were given to apprentice Ganderton and he stated he heard the trainer tell apprentice Ganderton to try and give the horse a clear passage in the straight as Mr Ryan thought DEER VALLEY would overwhelm them in the straight.

Apprentice Ganderton was found guilty of breaching rule AR135(b) in that he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to win or obtain the best possible place in the field.

The charge against apprentice Ganderton was particularised as follows:-

• when racing some 12 lengths off the leader near the 700 metre mark, he failed to improve into a position on the back of SWEEPSTAKING when it was reasonable and permissible for him to have done so, and;
• between the 600 metre and 400 metre marks, when DEER VALLEY was a clear last, he failed to show sufficient vigour to improve his position and trail the eventual winner SWEEPSTAKING for the purpose of enabling him to come to the outside after straightening thereby ensuring that DEER VALLEY would have had a clear and uninterrupted run to the finish line. Instead he remained to the inside where clear running was not available and, as a consequence of his riding, DEER VALLEY did not obtain clear running and was not fully tested until about the 100 metre mark.

In considering the matter of penalty, the stewards assured apprentice Ganderton and Mr Messara that all the circumstances of this particular case had been taken into account. They acknowledged that Daniel Ganderton was still an apprentice, but realised he had ridden with success at the highest level. In cases such as this the stewards believe a penalty of some substance has to be imposed to act as a deterrent factor as in deed it is with any penalty. The stewards of Queensland Racing Limited consider general deterrence has a significant part in their determinations.

Apprentice Ganderton was advised that the stewards were aware of the severe repercussions and consequences that were likely to flow from any penalty imposed. However, he was told by the stewards that in their opinion he had breached a serious rule. He was also told that the stewards were aware he had only recently returned from a race fall and had not been riding for several months.

In all the special circumstances of this case the Stewards considered the appropriate penalty was for the riding licence of apprentice Ganderton to be suspended for a period of two months. His suspension will commence after racing on Saturday, January 9 and will expire at midnight on Tuesday, March 9, 2010.

Mr Steele Ryan trainer of DEER VALLEY was told that the stewards did not consider he had breached any rules in this matter and Mr Messara was told his attendance had been appreciated.

At the conclusion of the inquiry apprentice Ganderton was advised of his appeal rights.