Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR BALLARAT       

THURSDAY 03 OCTOBER 2024

	Elliot Turner (Chairman) Scott Gillespie Daniel Borg David Young (Starter) Dr Rachel Bartells (Veterinarian)
	Track:    Good	Weather:	Fine

 

Trainers with multiple horses engaged in any given race were questioned as to the intended driving tactics to be adopted. 

 

RACE 1 – ISUZU UTE BALLARAT 4YO & OLDER MAIDEN PACE (1710 MS)

A delay to the start of this event was experienced when PICTURE US ROLLIN underwent a pre-race veterinary examination at the start.

ALAMO – Chris Alford replaced Christopher Shinn (Indisposed) as the driver. Christopher Shinn will require a medical clearance prior to driving in races and/or trials again. Held up for clear running over the concluding stages and was not fully tested.

ROLLIN MARY – Slow to begin.

PICTURE US ROLLIN – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination and was passed fit to start. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.

ORCH – Placed in restricted room momentarily near the 250 metres when JIMMY BREEZE NZ shifted in marginally at which point ALAMO drifted up the track slightly.

BEST BETTOR BET – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian in accordance with HRV’s animal welfare policy due to the gelding having not competed in the preceding 12 months. No abnormalities were detected on either examination. Disappointed for a run and had to be steadied passing the 150 metres when attempting to progress to the inside of ALAMO.

ALDEBARAN LEWIS – Weakened inside the final 400 metres to be beaten 60.2 metres. A warning was issued against ALDEBARAN LEWIS for its competitiveness.

THE SILENT ASSASSIN NZ – Hung out at various stages of the event.

SWEET FACE – Weakened inside the final 600 metres to be beaten 85.9 metres. In view of the gelding’s poor recent record, SWEET FACE was stood down to one re-qualifying trial.

 

RACE 2 – EASTWOOD VETS PACE (2200 MS)

EMJAYBEE – Held up for clear running during the early stages of the run to the finish.

QUIET STORM – Held up for clear running over the concluding stages and was not fully tested.

HE GOYOUGOODTHING NZ – Held up for clear running during the early stage of the run to the finish.

CITY ROCKSTAR – Pulled-hard throughout the score up.

 

RACE 3 – UP ELECTRICAL PACE (1710 MS)

MR TEDDY NZ – Broke gait during the early stages of the score up. MR TEDDY NZ was placed on its last chance in the mobile barrier draw. Held up for clear running during the early stages of the run to the finish.

VILLAGE VOICE – Held up for clear running during the early stages of the run to the finish.

MONTANA PRIDE – Held up for clear running over the concluding stages and was not fully tested.

 

RACE 4 – ALLAN BROTHERS JEWELLERS PACE (1710 MS)

TORQUE POWER – Driver K Manning was fined the sum of $200 under AHRR 156(3) for applying the whip on more occasions than permitted inside the final 200 metres.

INDI AIR TONIGHT – Gave ground inside the final 400 metres to be beaten 39 metres. ($6) When questioned regarding the performance, trainer/driver D Miles could offer no tangible explanation other than the filly was disappointing and failed to respond whilst under driving over the concluding stages. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.

BUDD SIDEWINDER – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian in accordance with HRV’s animal welfare policy due to the gelding having competed in excess of 200 starts. No abnormalities were detected on either examination.

LADY IN LINE – Driver T Ford was fined the sum of $200 under AHRR 156(2)(a) for applying the whip in a manner that exceeded a wrist only flicking motion on multiple occasions between the 300 metres and the 100 metres.

 

RACE 5 – LAKE EYEWEAR 0-2 LTW PACE (1710 MS)

ARTIST – Shifted out whilst under pressure inside the final 200 metres despite the continual efforts of its driver. A warning was issued.

MIDNIGHT MAGIC – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian in accordance with HRV’s animal welfare policy due to the mare having not competed in the preceding 12 months. No abnormalities were detected on either examination. Held up for clear running during the early stages of the run to the finish.

JUST CALLME TORQUE – Held up for clear running during the early stages of the run to the finish prior to obtaining an inside run leaving the 200 metres.

SWEET DIXIE – Hung in upon entering the first turn. When questioned regarding the driving tactics employed and the overall performance of the filly, trainer/driver C Svanosio explained that whilst the filly was second-up from a spell tonight, when the filly was last successful at Shepparton on the 15/03/24 his runner worked forward to race outside of the leader on that occasion and given the overall form of the field tonight he believed that adopting similar tactics tonight would be the best option. He said that, after improving to the outside of ARTIST near the 1300 metres the tempo in the event was slower than he anticipated and as such allowed his runner to race on terms with the leader throughout the middle stages. He added that, his runner travelled well when racing without cover however when placed under pressure near the 600 metres, the filly failed to respond and failed to accelerate with the field during the last quarter and was very disappointed with the overall performance. Mr Svanosio notified Stewards that it would be the immediate intention of the stable to have the filly examined by the stable veterinarian inclusive of blood samples being taken to ensure there is no underlying issue. Mr Svanosio further explained that the stable will monitor the filly’s recovery in the days subsequent, prior to connections making any decision on the filly’s immediate preparation. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. Stewards will follow up with the stable.

REALLY SMARTIE – Held up for clear running over the concluding stages and was not fully tested.

 

RACE 6 – VIC URBAN PLUMBING PACE (1710 MS)

A Delay to the start of this event was experienced when CALYPSO MISTRESS underwent a pre-race veterinary examination at the start.

THE DEMOCRAT – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian in accordance with HRV’s animal welfare policy due to the gelding having competed in excess of 200 starts. No abnormalities were detected on either examination.

CALYPSO MISTRESS – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination and was passed fit to start.

KIMCHI – Held up for clear running during the early stages of the run to the finish.

EYE SEE AMOUR – Taylor Ford replaced Jodi Quinlan (Indisposed) as the driver. Hampered approaching the 700 metres when trailing AMERICAN VICTORY which was checked and broke gait.

TREACHEROUSTIMES – Driver G Bull replaced Sean O’Sullivan (Injured) as the driver. Trainer/Driver G Bull pleaded guilty to a charge under AHRR 163(1)(a)(iii) for causing interference in that, when approaching the 700 metres he permitted his runner to shift wider on the track when insufficiently clear of AMERICAN VICTORY resulting in that runner sustaining contact, having to be checked and consequently broke gait which in turn caused MY BUCKS NIGHT to be checked and race roughly whilst EYE SEE AMOUR was hampered in the incident. When assessing penalty consideration was given to, Mr Bull’s guilty plea, driving record in relation to the rule and the degree of interference. Accordingly, G Bull had his license to drive in races suspended for a period of 10 days to commence midnight 10/10/24.

AMERICAN VICTORY – Approaching the 700 metres sustained contact, had to be checked and broke gait when TREACHEROUSTIMES shifted out.

MY BUCKS NIGHT – Raced ungenerously throughout the middle stages. Checked and raced roughly approaching the 700 metres when trailing AMERICAN VICTORY which was checked and broke gait.

 

RACE 7 – CHRIS PARKER & ASSOCIATES TROT (1710 MS)

PRIMZ LUCK NZ – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian in accordance with HRV’s animal welfare policy due to the gelding being 12 years of age. No abnormalities were detected on either examination. Michelle Wight replaced Neil McCallum as the driver, following Mr McCallum failing to arrive on-course. Stewards intend on interviewing Neil McCallum regarding the circumstances surrounding non-arrival.

FREIGHT SHAKER – Broke gait during the score up and consequently was out of position at the start. FREIGHT SHAKER will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw. Broke gait clear of interference on two separate occasions (1400 meters & 300 metres). In view of the gelding’s poor recent record, FREIGHT SHAKER was stood down to one re-qualifying trial.

LADY IN THE SKY NZ – Driver J Leedham pleaded guilty to a charge under AHRR 156(2)(a), in that he applied the whip in a manner that exceeded a wrist only flicking motion on multiple occasions inside the final 200 metres. In determining penalty Stewards noted that this was Mr Leedham’s third offence within the recent applicable time period as prescribed in the HRV minimum penalty guidelines. Accordingly, J Leedham had license to drive in races suspended for a period of 14 days to commence midnight 12/10/24.

SISTA EVRAISTA – Declared a late withdrawal at 3:19pm acting on veterinary advice.

 

RACE 8 – MARCUS & CO PACE (2200 MS)

FREAK OUT – Hung in and raced roughly passing the 1100 metres.

ISLAND CAESAR – Shifted out whilst under pressure inside the final 150 metres.

BETTES BLUE VIOLET – Held up for clear running during the latter stages of the run to the finish.

LADY SALINA – Trainer/Driver A Shaw was issued a formal caution for failing to declare himself as the driver by the prescribed time. Hung out noticeably throughout the event. A warning was issued.

YANKEE GAMBLER – Hampered passing the 1100 metres when trailing FREAK OUT which hung in and raced roughly

GROVE DALE – Over-raced significantly throughout the event and proved difficult to control. A warning was issued.

 

RACE 9 – SPRINGFEST 4YO & OLDER MAIDEN TROT (2200 MS)

Stewards withheld the declaration of All clear for an opportunity to review the circumstances surrounding MISS AVENGER and PROSPERUS breaking gait near the 800 metres. After taking evidence from the Clerk of the Course Ms C Douglas and drivers M Wight (ALDEBARAN SPARTACUS), G Conroy (CASTLES IN THE SKY), L White (MISS AVENGER) and J Ainsworth (PROSPEROUS) and also reviewing the available patrol footage. It was established that, when leaving the 800 metres the Clerk of the Course attempted to capture ALDEBARAN SPARTACUS which was galloping uncontrollably to the inside of marker pegs with the field. It was further ascertained that, during the Clerk’s efforts her horse nor ALDEBARAN SPARTACUS shifted out towards the field and remained inside the line of marker pegs. Further, as the field entered the back straight on the final occasion CASTLES IN THE SKY hung in and lost momentum causing the trailing PROSPEROUS to race onto the back of its sulky and consequently was checked and broke gait which in turn resulted in MISS AVENGER also being checked and broke. As Stewards were satisfied that no external factors had interfered with the field near the 800 metres both PROSPEROUS and MISS AVENGER were declared runners in the event and determined to take no further action in respect to those runners breaking gait at that point of the event. The All clear was given subsequent to another hearing arising out of Race 9 on the Judge’s numbers 11-6-2-8.

Further, prior to the declaration of All clear, Stewards inquired into the circumstances surrounding ALDEBARAN SPARTACUS galloping with the field to the inside of marker pegs for a majority of the event. After taking evidence from trainer/driver M Wight on behalf of connections, it was established that upon entry into the first turn ALDEBARAN SPARTACUS was checked and consequently broke gait when NEY DEAN broke gait at that point. It was further ascertained that, thereafter whilst in a gallop ALDEBARAN SPARTACUS could not be restrained despite the efforts of M Wight and continued to maintain a position with the field whilst in a gallop, then when action was attempted by the Clerk of the Course near the 800 metres ALDEBARAN SPARTACUS resented the efforts of the Clerk, could not be controlled and subsequently near the 200 metres improved forward of the field whilst in a gallop until after the completion of the event. After consideration, ALDEBARAN SPARTACUS was disqualified from Race 9 under AHRR 155(1) for maintaining ground whilst in the correct gait for a considerable distance of the event and subsequently Stewards declared All clear on the Judge’s numbers 11-6-2-8. ALDEBARAN SPARTACUS was stood down to one re-qualifying trial.

KEAYANG SADIE – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian in accordance with HRV’s animal welfare policy due to the mare having not competed in the preceding 12 months. No abnormalities were detected on either examination. Trainer M Lee was issued a formal caution for failing to declare L Cook as the driver by the prescribed time. Became unbalanced and broke gait approaching the first turn and trailed the field thereafter.

CASTLES IN THE SKY – Hung in slightly leaving the 800 metres causing PROSPEROUS and MISS AVENGER to be checked and broke gait.

REINE DE LA LUNE – Declared a late withdrawal at 12:50pm acting on veterinary advice.

ALDEBARAN SPARTACUS – Checked and broke gait upon entering the first turn when NEY DEAN broke gait. Galloped uncontrollably for the entirety of the race thereafter and consequently was disqualified from Race 9. ALDEBARAN SPARTACUS was stood down to one re-qualifying trial prior to returning to race.

NEY DEAN – Broke gait clear of interference upon entering the first turn causing ALDEBARAN SPARTACUS to be checked and broke.

LOOKAT SPUNKY TROT – Broke gait clear of interference leaving the 1000 metres. LOOKAT SPUNKY TROT was placed on its last chance to race truly.

TARA TUFF – Hampered leaving the 1800 metres whilst ALDEBARAN SPARTACUS was in a gallop.

MISS AVENGER – Checked and broke gait leaving the 800 metres when CASTLES IN THE SKY hung in.

PROSPEROUS – Checked and broke gait leaving the 800 metres when CASTLES IN THE SKY hung in.

WILLS MAVERICK – Broke gait during the middle stages of the score up and consequently was out of position at the start. WILLS MAVERICK will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

ALDEBARAN BRUTUS – Raced roughly during the middle stages of the score up and consequently was out of position at the start. ALDEBARAN SPARTACUS will continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw. Broke gait clear of interference shortly after entering the first turn. In view of the gelding’s poor recent record, ALDEBARAN BRUTUS was stood down for a period of 10 days in addition to the completion of one re-qualifying trial prior to returning to race.

 

RACE 10 – FLYING HORSE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE PACE (1710 MS)

MICTON MOUSE – Hung in and contacted marker pegs rounding the final turn.

ICANMOTOR – Shifted in whilst under pressure inside the final 50 metres.

FAKE CULLECTION – Hung in when rounding the first turn.

IRISHMURPHY – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian in accordance with HRV animal welfare policy due to the gelding being 14 years of age. No abnormalities were detected on either examination.

HOME AND DRY NZ – Obtained a inside run near the 200 metres and contacted a marker peg when progressing to the inside of DANCIN WITH ELVIS.

 

 

Elliot Turner

Chair

 

‘This report and the Stewards Comments for this meeting may be amended at the sole discretion of the Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards as races are reviewed as per the ‘HRV Stewards Internal Review Process’.

 

 

Raceday Summary

Swabs	PRE-RACE: Race 2 – NOSWEETFORYOU Race 4 –INDI AIR TONIGHT Race 5 – ARTIST Race 8 – GROVE DALE POST-RACE: Race 3 – REMI LOU Race 6 – GERRALE
Suspensions	Race 7 – G Bull – Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) – 10 Days Race 8 – J Leedham – Rule 156(2)(a) - 14 Days
Fines	Race 4 – K Manning – Rule 156(3) – $200 Race 4 – T Ford – Rule 156(2)(a) – $200
Cautions	Race 8 – A Shaw – T/CLCD Race 9 – M Lee – T/CLDC
Horse actions	Race 1 – SWEET FACE – 1 Trial Race 7 – FREIGHT SHAKER – ODM + 1 Trial Race 9 – ALDEBARAN SPARTACUS – 1 Trial Race 9 – WILLIS MAVERICK – ODM Race 9 – ALDEBARAN BRUTUS – CODM, 10 Days + 1 Trial
Follow ups	Race 5 – SWEET DIXIE (C. Svanosio)
Adjourned inquires	Nil
Sulky fund claims	Nil
Medical stand downs	Christopher Shinn – Unable to fulfil enagments