Stewards Report

Albion Park Harness

Date: Tuesday, 15th October 2024

Track: Good

Weather:  Overcast

Stewards Panel: W. Barr (Chairman) │N. Torpey (400) │ M. Greentree (200) | L. Bahr (Birdcage)

Officials: Dr. M. McGarry (Veterinarian) │ B. Wilson (Judge) │ A. Dowsett (Assistant Judge) │ J. Cremin & G. Torpey (Starters) │ K. Williams (Swab Official)

Supplementary Report:

Due to Driver Adam Richardson being indisposed the following late driving changes were approved:

Race 3.             Jay Rowe NZ                Adam Sanderson

Race 4.            Tulhurst Cuddles           Adam Sanderson

Race 8.             Brookfields Beauty        Leonard Cain

Supplementary report – Albion Park – 11 October 2024

Stewards charged driver Nikki Chalk via correspondence with the contravention of AHR. 173 (1) which reads:

“A driver shall not bet in a race in which the driver participates”.

The specifics of the charge being that Ms Chalk placed a bet on the horse she was driving, namely MAKE IT RAIN in Race 8 at Albion Park on October 11.

Ms Chalk pleaded guilty to the charge and after considering her submission on penalty and noting her previous good record in regard to this rule Stewards imposed a fine of $1,000 of which $500 was fully suspended for a period of two (2) years on the condition that Ms Chalk does not breach any rule pertaining to betting.

In determining penalty Stewards were of the view that Ms Chalk’s conduct was not likely to undermine the integrity of racing, or the public confidence having invested a small bet on the horse she drove to win.

Race 1 - LEADING EDGE SECURITY TROTTERS RATING HANDICAP            2647M

CROOKWELL EYES galloped at the start losing considerable ground. The gelding will be excluded from the draw in future standing start events for a minimum of two (2) consecutive successful starts.

COCHY MALC NZ led up the one (1) wide line from the 1000 metres approximately.

BAXTER NZ trotted roughly throughout the event. Connection advised that the gelding requires shoeing adjustment due to striking itself. Stewards will require the gelding to trial satisfactorily before racing again.

MY ULTIMATE EDDIE led up the one (1) wide line from 1350 metres approximately before receiving cover from 1000 metres approximately.  Broke gait losing considerable ground at approximately 400 metres approximately. A warning was issued.

Race 2 – SELECTIVE MOTORS ALBION TROTTERS RATING HANDICAP       2138M

DOLLYS DUKE gave ground over the concluding 600 metres to be beaten in excess of 50 metres. A last chance to race competitively was placed on the gelding.

MILLY AN EYRE NZ galloped out losing considerable ground and will continue to be drawn wide in future standing start events. The mare broke gait in the back straight in the first lap and a warning was issued.

MY RUMOUR HAS IT NZ raced roughly after the start was affected.

TUMULT led up the one (1) wide line from 1400 metres approximately.

MAJESTIC SUNDAY re-included to ODS after completing two (2) RODS consecutive successful starts.

Race 3 - TESKI CLEANING SERVICES TROTTERS 0 TO 4 WIN HANDICAP       2138M

WHIRLWIND WILBUR shifted out and engaged sulky with Phoenix Red on the turn into the front straight for the run to the finish

COW GIRL TWOSTEP broke gait on the turn out of the front straight after the start, galloped in the back straight in the first lap and again approaching the turn into the front straight in the final lap. The mare will be required to trial to the satisfaction of the stewards before racing again. 

THE EMULATOR gave ground over the final 500 metres of the event to be beaten in excess of 53 metres. A last chance to race competitively was placed on the mare.

JAY ROWE NZ broke gait on multiple occasions during the event. The mare will be required to trial on two (2) consecutive successful trials before racing again.

PHOENIX RED hung in momentarily on the turn into the front straight and engaged sulkies with Whirlwind Wilbur which hung out resulting in the colt having its momentum thwarted. 

MORE SURPRISES hung in on the turn into the front straight in the run for the finish.

GRACIAS NZ broke gait approaching the turn into the front straight in the final lap. The gelding will be required to trial before racing again.

General:          Stewards enquired into the driving tactics adopted by driver Darren McCall (More Surprises) in particular as to the reason that the mare lost the back of Phoenix Red approaching the 400 metres and the decision to persist for a inside run when Whirlwind Wilbur and Phoenix Red engaged sulkies approaching the home turn. Mr. McCall explained that in his opinion the racing surface was somewhat looser today and the mare wears pacifiers and appeared to resent the kickback and that on the home turn the mare hung in. As a consequence, More Surprises was held up early for a clear run momentarily before running on resolutely in the run to the finish. The explanation was noted.

Race 4 - THE LADBROKES ULTIMATE DRIVER CHAMPIONSHIP FEATURING DEXTER DUNN PACE      1660M

ZED EXPRESS gave ground over the final 500 metres to be beaten in excess of 46 metres.

JAY TEE TYRON NZ had a tendency to hang in in the front straight with a lap remaining.

General:          Driver John Stariha (Jay Tee Tyron) was reprimanded for failing to maintain his allotted position on the mobile (AHRR162(1)j).

Race 5 – RACING & SPORTS.COM PACE        1660M

WILLROBY held up late for a clear run and not fully tested.

WONDERWOMAN JUJON had at tenancy to hang in from the 400 metres to the 200 metres which placed the driver at some disadvantage.

Race 6 - PACE WITH MATES NR70-99 VETERANS PACE        2138M

TARGARYEN NZ gate speed to cross and lead before surrendering the lead in the back straight in the first lap.

TAIRLAW TOLL NZ caught wide early before working forward to lead at approximately 1600 metres.

OLD LUKE NZ left a midfield peg position to improve to lead the one (1) wide line on the turn into the front straight with one (1) lap remaining.

Race 7 – GARRARDS HORSE & HOUND PACE           1660M

POCKET BOOK NZ held up for a clear run in the early stages of the front straight for the run to the finish. 

ROCKNROLL MAX NZ had a tenancy to over-race whilst leading the one (1) wide line.

Race 8 - PRYDE'S EASIFEED BIOMARE PACE            2138M

BROOKFIELDS BEAUTY broke gait on the turn out of the front straight and again approaching the turn into the front straight in the first lap. The mare will be required to trial before racing again.

TRALEE MAXIE severely checked on the turn out of the front straight after the start when Brookfields Beauty broke gait.

ITS ONE LIFE NZinconvenienced when Brookfields Beauty broke gait on the turn out of the front straight after the start.

JESSEJAMES SHANNON severely checked on the turn out of the front straight when Brookfields Beauty broke gait. 

Race 9 - LADBROKES RACING CLUB UP TO NR75 PACE       1660M 

BETTERTHAN POPSY held up for a clear run in the early stages of the home straight.

RAGING SEA caught wide in the early stages before leading the one (1) wide line from approximately 1200 metres.  

CAPTAIN NEMO NZ no clear run in the home straight and not fully tested. 

Swabs samples taken for analysis.

Pre-race:

Race 1.            Crookwell Eyes

Race 3.            Jay Rowe

Race 4.            Jay Tee Tyron NZ

Race 5.            The Harris Hawk

Race 7.            Pocket Book NZ

Race 8.            Borella NZ

Post-race:

All race winners

Race day Summary:

Scratchings:

Race 7.            Powermove                   Veterinary Reasons

Race 8.            Kowhai Blaze NZ           Veterinary Reasons

Race 9.            Hay There Joe NZ         Veterinary Reasons

Licensee Actions:

Race 4.            John Stariha (Jay Tee Tyron) Reprimanded Failed to maintain position start (AHRR162(1)j)

18/10/24 (AP)   Nikki Chalk (Make It Rain) Fined $1000 ($500 suspended 2 years)                                       Bet in race that participates (AHRR 173(1))

Animal Actions:

Race 1.            Baxter                          SD 1 trial (PP)

Race 3.            Cow Girl Twostep          SD 1 trail (BX3)

Race 3.            Jay Rowe                      SD 2 trials (BX3)

Race 3.             Gracias NZ                   SD 1 trial (BIR)

Race 8.             Brookfields Beauty        SD 2 trials (BX2)

The matters contained within this Stewards report may be subject to external review.  The Racing Appeals Panel manages external reviews, and the Racing Appeals Panel publishes its decisions on its website.
 
This report and the Stewards Comments for this meeting may be amended at any time, at the sole discretion of the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) Stewards as races are reviewed.