Racing Shorts
The Age
Saturday October 24, 2009
Evans stood downBRENT Evans, 19, one of the state's most promising apprentice riders, has been stood down by stewards pending confirmatory results of a urine test.Evans, who came to prominence after a hot run in Queensland this year, moved to Cranbourne to ride for Mick Kent at the start of the season and has ridden 16 winners €” six of them in Melbourne €” in that time.He cannot accept rides until cleared by stewards.Taking short oddsIT IS doubtful the owners of Rock Kingdom are behind the support the four-year-old has enjoyed in the lead-up to today's Cox Plate. His connections have already taken the short odds for their horse when they paid $130,000 to include him as a late entry on Monday.If he was to win the $3 million race today, his owners would receive a cheque for $1,530,000 after percentages are paid to the trainer (10 per cent or $180,000) and jockey (five per cent or $90,000). That's about 11-1 to win.If he finishes second, after percentages they receive $384,000 or about 2-1. For third, they get $187,000 or less than 6-4. Before trainers and jockeys percentages are taken out, fourth prize is $130,000, fifth is $110,000 and sixth to eight receives $100,000. Ninth and beyond get a thanks for turning up.Drunks bewarePOLICE have warned they will crack down on drunken behaviour and unruly patrons at today's Cox Plate. They will also patrol the entertainment precinct outside the course on the lookout for anti-social behaviour.The clampdown follows complaints that last week's Caulfield Cup was ruined for many by drunken louts fighting and behaving badly. Police say they will remove anyone from the course who is unruly.Patrons will only be able to buy a maximum of two alcoholic drinks at a time.Inspector Nigel Howard from the Moonee Valley police says punters should leave their car keys at home, use a designated driver, catch public transport or take a taxi to the course.After the last race police will maintain a presence in the surrounding precinct and fine anyone caught wandering the streets drinking alcohol.Age no barrierTHE prospect of becoming the youngest person to train a Cox Plate winner doesn't concern 24-year-old Con Karakatsanis, who today saddles up proven group 1 horse Black Piranha."It doesn't matter if you're 24 or 80 years old, it's an honour to be here and have a horse in the race," Karakatsanis said of the $18 hope. "And it's even better to have a horse that's a genuine chance."
© 2009 The Age
