GIVE ME HOPE (7 br.a.m Marooned - Edge of Brightness) came from last at the home turn to finish a smack-up sixth to GOLDEN ACE.

The Stipendiary Stewards' report issued today is as follows:

The Stewards today concluded their inquiry into the riding tactics adopted by Marcus Au (GIVE ME HOPE). Further evidence was taken from trainer K Coetzee and Jockey Marcus Au, M Au was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 144(2) in that he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that GIVE ME HOPE was given a full opportunity to win or obtain the best possible place in the field. The particulars of the charge are as follows:

1. That after beginning awkwardly, he unnecessarily restrained his mount on at least four occasions in the early stages;

2. Near the 600m, he failed to attempt to position himself between WONDERFUL DRAGON and POWER OF CITY and behind FEI FOONG where there was an opportunity to do so;

3. Approaching and rounding the home turn, while in a rearward position he failed to make sufficient effort to make up ground;

4. On straightening, he failed to attempt to shift to the outside, in accordance with his instructions, into a run between WONDERFUL DRAGON and POWER OF CITY where it was reasonable and permissible for him to do so;

5. Inside the 300m, he allowed his mount to shift in away from an opportunity to improve to the outside of WONDERFUL DRAGON, this resulted in his mount being positioned to the inside of that runner and as a result losing momentum whilst shifting back out across the heels of WONDERFUL DRAGON to obtain clear running passing the 200m.