Stewards Report

Albion Park Harness

Date: Wednesday, 27 November 2024

Track: Good

Weather: Clear

Stewards Panel: N. Torpey (Chair) | R. McCrae | L. Bahr | E. Aurisch

Officials: Dr B. Morris (Veterinarian) │ A. Rayward (Judge) │ B. Wilson (Assistant Judge) │ J. Suli & M. Greentree (Starters) │ K. Williams (Sample Collection Official)

Race 1 - RACING & SPORTS.COM PACE (SKY 2)        2138M

DONT FEAR FOR ME – Held up for clear running in the latter stages of the straight.

TACKAS LAST DANCE – Was caught wide in the early stages before working forward initially to the position outside of the leader.

MAN OF ACTION NZ – Held up for clear running in the latter stages of the straight.

BATMAN BART – Was caught wide in the early stages before working forward to the position outside of the leader near the 1600m.

SPORTS BOUNTY – Held up for a clear run at a vital stage in the straight.

INDI AIR TONIGHT – Pulled hard during the score up and early stages of the event.

GOODTIME CRACKER – Driver questioned re tactics and performance.

General: Matt Crone, trainer and driver of Goodtime Cracker was questioned regarding the tactics adopted and overall performance of the gelding tonight compared to the tactics and performance at its last start at Albion Park on November 20 where on that occasion the horse after settling in a one-wide midfield trailing position was moved out near the 1100m and worked forward to challenge for the lead before giving ground over the final 300m to finish in 7th position compared to tonight where the horse was restrained until coming wide round the home turn running on to win the race. Mr Crone advised that the gelding can over race and was concerned in the race on the 20th that leaving the 1200m the pace was easing, and he was of the view there may be an opportunity to obtain the lead position. Whereas in tonight’s race the horse settled well and was able to be driven as required. Mr Crone further advised that it would be the intention to drive the horse is such a manner in future. Stewards noted the comments.

Race 2 – LADBROKES BLACKBOOK PACE    2138M

BRETTS RED – Stood on its off-side front shoe and blundered near the 800m.

MY ROCKY ROMANCE NZ – Was caught wide in the early stages before working forward to the position leading the one wide line.

BETTING ORIGIN – Raced wide in the early stages before working forward to the position in the lead approaching the 1400m.

Race 3 - THE LADBROKES ULTIMATE DRIVER CHAMPIONSHIP FEATURING BJORN GOOP PACE       1660M

JACCKA WALLY NZ – Query performance. Explanation noted.

MAJOR LINCOLN – Was restrained to the rear of the field after being caught wide in the early stages.

KASH TIN – Left a one wide trailing position at the 1300m and worked forward to the position outside of the leader near the 1000m.

NOT THE KINGSWOOD – Having not started in a race since December 2023 and in accordance with QRIC guidelines, the gelding was examined before and after the race by the veterinarian which revealed no apparent abnormalities.

General: Ben Battle, trainer of Jacka Wally NZ was questioned regarding the seemingly improved performance of the gelding tonight compared to its unplaced performance on November 15. Mr Battle explained that the gelding races best over tonight’s distance of 1600m and he had changed its gear which he felt assisted it tonight. He further stated that it would be the intention to restrict Jacka Wally NZ to competing the 1600 metre races. Stewards noted the comments.

Race 4 - PACE WITH MATES NR70-99 VETERANS PACE        2138M

KADAR – Driver fined unapproved whip use.

ALTA EQUUS – Hung in and contacted a marker post rounding the home turn.

General: Shane Graham (Kadar) was fined $200 for using the whip in an unapproved manner over the final 150 metres. (AHR 156(2)).

Race 5 – CATCH THE FIRE AT SOMERSET FARMS PACE      1660M

POINT LOOKOUT NZ – Shifted in and contacted a marker post when racing in restricted room leaving the 1400m.

THE HARRIS HAWK – Was caught wide in the early stages before working forward to the position outside of the leader.

SHEREACTS – Overraced and pulled hard during the event.

ANTETOKOUNMPO – Connections questioned regarding late driver change. Explanation noted.

Race 6 - PRYDE'S EASIFEED STAMINA TROTTERS RATING HANDICAP       2138M

General:A false start was declared on the first occasion after the 10 metre and 20 metres tapes failed to release. The stands were handheld for the next start attempt.

DORA LEE – Broke gait near the 1800m. A warning was issued.

SUPPLANTER – Broke gait after the start. Due to the false start no further action was taken.

MY RUMOUR HAS IT NZ – The crupper came adrift in the back straight on the first occasion resulting in the mare galloping before being retired from the event near the 900m.

WHIRLWIND WILBUR – Broke gait after the start. Due to the false start no further action was taken

HOLD MY HAT DOUG – Galloped at the start. Due to the false start no further action was taken

Race 7 - GARRARDS HORSE & HOUND TROTTERS RATING HANDICAP       2647M

GOLDEN SUNSET – Galloped at the start taking no competitive part in the race. A warning was issued.

GAZ MAN NZ – Stood flat footed at the start loosing valuable ground. Broke gait near the 800m. In view of the geldings record Gaz Man NZ was stood down pending a satisfactory trial

Race 8 – SELECTIVE MOTORS ALBION UP TO 2 3YO+ WINS PACE            1660M

PEPPA – Gave ground from the 400m after leading the one-wide line from the 1000m. An examination by the veterinarian subsequent to the race found no abnormalities at time of examination.

Trainer was of the opinion that racing leading the one-wide line and the strong tempo of the race contributed to the mare yielding ground.

STUDLEIGH ANNE – Raced wide in the early stages before working forward to the position in the lead near the 1000m.

WHOS WATCHING LILY - Shifted in and contacted a marker post near the 300m.

Race 9 – BURWOOD STUD 2YO TROTTERS HANDICAP         2138M

General:  The start of this race was delayed due to farrier work being required for Arizona Skye.

LAIN NZ – Broke gait on two (2) occasions during the event. The colt will be placed on its last chance to race truly.

Swabs samples taken for analysis

Pre-race

R1        Indi Air Tonight

R2        The Masked Crusader NZ

R3        Shes In Line NZ

R4        Tairlaw Toll NZ

R5        Highly Respected

R6        Benji Hall

Post-race

All winners

Race day Summary

Scratchings

R8        Sporting Tristar             - Veterinary reasons

R9        Its All Right Now            - Veterinary reasons

Licensee Actions

R4        Shane Graham             - $200 fine – AHR 156(2)

Animal Actions

R7        Gaz Man NZ                 - Sd 1 trial (broke in running)

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.