VIC - Stewards Supplementary Report

VIC - Stewards Supplementary Report

Mildura – 15 November 2022

RACE 9 – PARK DOUGLAS PRINTING 3YO PACE (1790 MS)

Scott Garraway, trainer of Jay Miller reported subsequent to the meeting, that the gelding had been diagnosed with a respiratory infection.  Mr.Garraway stated that Jay Miller has been treated accordingly and would continue with the current preparation.

Geelong – 16 November 2022

RACE 3 – SOUTHERN CROSS FEEDS PACE (1690 MS)

Brent Lilley, trainer of Hey Goyougoodthing NZ reported subsequent to the meeting, that the gelding had been treated for a hoof abscess.  Mr.Lilley stated that Hey Goyougoodthing NZ will continue with the current preparation.

Stawell – 17 November 2022

RACE 8 – FOSTER'S MENSLAND PACE (2180 MS)

Courtney Slater, trainer of Teddy Runkle reported subsequent to the meeting, that the gelding had recovered well.  Ms.Slater stated Teddy Runkle has had a light week of training and would continue with the current preparation.

Tabcorp Park Melton – 18 November 2022

RACE 7 – HYLANDS BREEDERS CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP (4YO TROTTING ENTIRES & GELDINGS) (GROUP 2) (2240 MS)

Tayla French, stable representative of Parisian Artiste advised subsequent to the run at Tabcorp Park Melton on 18 November 2022, that the gelding had recovered well and blood tests had shown no abnormalities.  Ms.French stated Parisian Artiste would continue with the current preparation.

Tabcorp Park Melton – 19 November 2022

RACE 2 – ALDEBARAN PARK BREEDERS CROWN SERIES 25 (2YO TROTTING FILLIES) FINAL (GROUP 1) (2240 MS)

On Wednesday, 23 November 2022, HRV Stewards finalised an inquiry concerning the driving tactics adopted by Brad Williamson on Aroha Kenny NZ, in Race 2 at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday, 19 November 2022, the Aldebaran Park Breeders Crown Series 25 (2YO Trotting Fillies) Final (Group 1).

After giving consideration to all of the evidence presented, Brad Williamson, driver of Aroha Kenny NZ was found guilty of a charge under Rule 149(2) which states: A person shall not drive in a manner which in the opinion of the Stewards is unacceptable. The particulars of the charge being that after improving to the outside of Rockinwithattitude (Jayden Barker) near the 1800m and initiating a challenge for the lead, Mr Williamson persisted with that challenge from that point until resisting with that challenge approaching the 1500m, when it was apparent Rockinwithattitude (Jayden Barker) was showing no inclination to relinquish the lead. Stewards considered that the driving tactics adopted by Brad Williamson (Aroha Kenny NZ) during the relevant section were unacceptable contributing to a quick lead time of 42.9 seconds and his failure to give the filly sufficient respite sooner was the main contributing factor in Aroha Kenny NZ giving ground to finish in 8th position beaten approximately 35m.

In accordance with the HRV Minimum Penalty Guidelines, Stewards took into account the relevant considerations:

• That the degree of culpability was assessed to be in the mid-range, in that the driving tactics occurred over a considerable distance when the speed of the race was quick, reflective in the fast lead time recorded (42.9 seconds) and the stewards ultimately determined that the tactics employed had a detrimental effect on the performance and chances of Aroha Kenny NZ in the event. 

• The driving frequency of Mr Williamson in that he has competed in more than 4000 races as a driver.

• The overall good record of Mr Williamson in relation to similar matters however, noting a similar offence at Invercargill in February 2022.

• The feature race status of this event being a Group 1 race of $100k in stakemoney and that as publicised, penalties in such races usually carry a higher penalty.

In all the circumstances, Mr Williamson’s licence to drive in races was suspended for five (5) weeks to commence midnight Saturday, 3 December 2022.

Stewards ordered that this penalty is to be served cumulatively with the two (2) week suspension incurred under the provisions of rule 165(1)(b) from the same race.

Mr Williamson was advised of his appeal rights.