Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR BALLARAT      

THURSDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2025

	Elliot Turner (Chairman) Daniel Borg Desmond Benger Jason Fino (Starter) Dr Rachel Bartels (Veterinarian)
	Track:    Good	Weather:	Overcast

 

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

 

RACE 1 – BALLARATTROTTINGCLUB.COM.AU PACE (1710 MS)

ELLI JOH – 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.

HELO PINTO – Declared a late withdrawal at 9:41am, acting on veterinary advice.

POSTERIZED – Shifted out whilst under pressure inside the final 200 metres.

CARUSO STAR – Checked and broke gait passing the 250 metres when MAXY BOMBER broke gait.

NOTHING SWEETER – Held up for clear running during the early stages of the run to the finish.

TELLMEBOUTIT – Tightened for racing room and contacted marker pegs shortly after entering the first turn when improving quickly to the inside of ELLI JOH which shifted in. Upon review of the available patrol footage, it was established that when ELLI JOH initially shifted down the track that runner was clear to do so however given the speed in which TELLMEBOUTIT was progressing at that point the gelding then had difficulty being restrained and continued to improve forward. In view of the circumstances, no action was taken.

MAXY BOMBER – Broke gait clear of interference passing the 250 metres causing CARUSO STAR to be checked and broke gait. MAXY BOMBER was placed on its last chance to race truly.

TUPELO BEACH – Over-raced throughout the early and middle stages.

HEY GIGI – Out of position at the start despite the efforts of its driver. HEY GIGI will continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

 

RACE 2 – BOOK NOW XMAS RACE MEETING 4/12 TROT (2200 MS)  

FLING IT RAINBOW – Held up for clear running during the early stages of the run to the finish prior to obtaining a run to the inside of ABBIE leaving the 100 metres when that runner hung out whilst under pressure. Post-race swab sample.

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

ABBIE – Hung out whilst under pressure inside the final 150 metres, which resulted in FLING IT RAINBOW obtaining a run to its inside. A warning was issued.

PARIS JAMALIA – Broke gait shortly after the start and trailed the field thereafter. PARIS JAMALIA will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

KENNYWOULD – Broke gait clear of interference on two separate occasions (1100 metres and 700 metres). In view of the gelding’s poor recent record, KENNYWOULD was stood down to one re-qualifying trial.

CONSTANT – Begun badly when galloping away at the start and trailed the field thereafter. CONSTANT will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

AT THE DISTANCE – Out of position at the start despite the efforts of its driver. A warning was issued.

CHAMPAGNE GEMMA – Out of position at the start despite the efforts of its driver. CHAMPANGNE GEMMA will continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.  

 

RACE 3 – DEL RE NATIONAL FOODS TROT (2200 MS)

Prior to the declaration of All clear, consideration was given to an objection lodged by trainer R Graham on behalf of the connections of OX KNOX (fourth past the post) against AMOUR MATERNAL (Third past the post) alleging that runner crossed the finish line in the incorrect gait. After considering all evidence provided by trainer R Graham and driver A Manton (OX KNOX) and driver A Conroy (AMOUR MATERNAL) and reviewing the available patrol footage, it was established that approaching the 50 metres AMOUR MATERNAL broke gait clear of interference at which point that runner lost ground whilst being restrained. It was further ascertained that AMOUR MATERNAL remained in the incorrect over the concluding stages and when crossing the finishing line at which point OX KNOX covered that runner when reaching the winning post. After considering all relevant factors, as Stewards were comfortably satisfied that AMOUR MATERNAL had crossed the finish line in the incorrect gait and was covered by OX KNOX bearing in mind the provisions of VLR 155A(1), AMOUR MATERNAL was relegated to fourth placing, where as a result the objection was upheld and the All clear was announced on the new numbers 5-2-10-4.

THE ITALIAN DREAM – Checked and broke gait shortly after the start when COUNTESS CHIRON broke gait. Passing the 250 metres sustained contact to its sulky when REGINALDS REIGN hung out.

AMOUR MATERNAL – Broke gait whilst under pressure approaching the 50 metres. A warning was issued. Relegated to fourth placing (see above).

SHAQ THE ANVIL – Broke gait clear of interference leaving the 600 metres causing SOLOTREK to be checked and broke gait whilst COUNTESS CHIRON was checked as a result.

MIELICKI – Out of position at the start, then ultimately broke gait shortly after the start was effected. MIELICKI will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

REGINALDS REIGN – Passing the 250 metres hung out when attempting to progress to the inside of THE ITALIAN DREAM resulting in the gelding making contact with the sulky of that runner and as a consequence became unbalanced and broke gait. A warning was issued.

SOLOTREK – 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. Checked and broke gait leaving the 600 metres when SHAQ THE ANVIL broke gait.

OK KNOX – Promoted to third placing (see above).

CHAMPAGNES – Begun badly when galloping away at the start and trailed the field thereafter. CHAMPAGNES will continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

COUNTESS CHIRON – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian in accordance with HRV’s animal welfare policy due to the mare having competed in excess of 200 starts. No abnormalities were detected on either examination. Driver R Backhouse was reprimanded under AHRR 160 for completing the preliminary in the incorrect direction. Broke gait shortly after the start causing THE ITALIAN DREAM to be checked and broke gait. COUNTESS CHIRON will continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw. Checked leaving the 600 metres when SHAQ THE ANVIL broke gait.

 

RACE 4 – COOKE & FOLEY PACE (2200 MS)

STYLISH GEM – Over-raced throughout the early and middle stages.  

MONTANA PRIDE – Pre-race blood sample.

FOXYONTHERUN – Over-raced throughout the middle stages.

 

RACE 5 – APG - A HORSE FOR EVERYONE VICBRED SUPER SERIES (4YO MARES) (1ST SEMI-FINAL) (2200 MS)

LOOK LIKE DIAMONDS – Hung in shortly after the start.

SWEET IDEAL – Raced fiercely for a majority of the event and hung out noticeably passing the 1200 metres. Driver D Lawlor reported post-race that the mare was inclined to make contact with its own sulky throughout resulting in his runner becoming agitated and consequently over-raced, however connections would endeavour to use a sulky extension going forward to avoid repetition with the racing manners displayed tonight. SWEET IDEAL was placed on its last chance to race truly.

EUREKA JO – Jostled momentarily with GOLLY GEE FELLAS when attempting to shift wider on the track leaving the 500 metres.

THE ANSWER – Pre-race blood sample.

GOLLY GEE FELLAS – Jostled momentarily with EUREKA JO leaving the 500 metres when that runner attempted to shift wider. When questioned regarding the performance, driver K Manning explained that after settling in a favourable position with cover in the running line through the early and middle stages, she elected to improve three wide entering the final turn at which point EUREKA JO engaged in a jostle with her runner to which halted the mare’s momentum momentarily. She added from that point, the mare failed to quicken as she was expecting and believed her runner may not have appreciated the pressure applied during that stage and ultimately proved disappointing over the concluding stages. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.

 

RACE 6 – APG - A HORSE FOR EVERYONE VICBRED SUPER SERIES (4YO MARES) (2ND SEMI-FINAL) (2200 MS)

KISS NZ – Shifted up the track approaching the first turn when not quite clear of THE NAKED ART which was hampered momentarily. Subsequently, driver R Sanderson was issued a formal caution for shifting ground. Further, R Sanderson was issued a formal caution for allowing his body to protrude outside the confines of the sulky during the final 150 metres. Post-race swab sample.

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

THE NAKED ART – Hampered shortly after the start when KISS NZ shifted out.

 

RACE 7 – APG - A HORSE FOR EVERYONE VICBRED SUPER SERIES (4YO ENTIRES & GELDINGS) (1ST SEMI-FINAL) (2200 MS)

Prior to the declaration of All clear, trainer K Cotchin on behalf of connections OUR LUCIANO (Ninth past the post) exercised his right to review the official film regarding the back straight on the final occasion. K Cotchin then lodged a protest on behalf of connections against MIKI TO SUCCESS (First past the post) alleging interference near the 500 metres. After considering all evidence provided by trainer K Cotchin and driver A Ashwood (OUR LUCIANO) and stable representative C Tonkin and driver J Barker (MIKI TO SUCCESS) and reviewing the available patrol footage. It was established that, when racing down the back straight on the final occasion MIKI TO SUCCESS broke stride clear of interference approaching the 500 metres to which resulted in OUR LUCIANO which was directly trailing that runner to make contact with the sulky of MIKI TO SUCCESS and ultimately had to be checked and broke gait. It was further ascertained that, OUR LUCIANO regained its correct gait entering the final turn to be beaten 47.1 metres at the finish. Stewards found that, whilst OUR LUCIANO had to be checked and consequently broke gait as a result of MIKI TO SUCCESS breaking stride near the 500 metres, Stewards concluded that given the proximity to the finish, the manner in which both runners were travelling prior to and following the incident and the margin of 47.1 metres, Stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that had the incident not occurred OUR LUCIANO would have finished ahead of MIKI TO SUCCESS and therefore the protest was dismissed and the All clear was announced on the Judge’s numbers 8-9-11-2.

MAXNJAX – Checked and broke gait approaching the 500 metres when contacting the sulky of OUR LUCIANO which was checked and broke gait as a result of MIKI TO SUCCESS breaking stride at that point, which in turn resulted in the trailing OUR ROCKER to be checked.

OUR ROCKER – Trainer E Stewart was fined the sum of $50 under AHRR 238 for failing to declare the intended driving tactics with the stable runners in the event. Checked approaching the 500 metres when trailing MAXNJAX which was checked and broke gait as a result of contact with the sulky of OUR LUCIANO which had to be checked when MIKI TO SUCCESS broke stride at that stage, and in turn resulted in the trailing STORMRYDER to be checked and broke.

OUR LUCIANO – Checked and broke gait approaching the 500 metres when contacting the sulky of MIKI TO SUCCESS which broke stride at that point and in turn resulted in the trailing MAXNJAX to be checked and broke.

STORMRYDER – Checked and broke gait approaching the 500 meters when contacting the sulky of OUR ROCKER which was checked when trailing MAXNJAX which was checked and broke gait at that point when MIKI TO SUCCESS broke stride and in turn resulted in the trailing HANDLER being checked and broke gait.

MIKI TO SUCCESS – Pre-race blood sample. Broke stride clear of interference approaching the 500 metres causing the trailing OUR LUCIANO to make contact with the back of its sulky and had to be checked and broke gait, which in turn caused MAXNJAX, STORMRYDER and HANDLER all to be checked and broke gait whilst OUR ROCKER was checked as a result. In view of the entire’s recent record, MIKI TO SUCCESS was stood down to one re-qualifying trial. Withstood protest.

HANDLER – Checked and broke gait approaching the 500 metres when contacting the sulky of STORMRYDER which was checked behind OUR ROCKER as a result of MIKI TO SUCCESS breaking stride at that point.

SIR JIMMY – Trainer E Stewart was issued a formal caution for failing to declare Kate Gath as the driver by the prescribed time.

 

RACE 8 – APG - A HORSE FOR EVERYONE VICBRED SUPER SERIES (4YO ENTIRES & GELDINGS) (2ND SEMI-FINAL) (2200 MS)

DO IT – Pre-race blood sample. Had to be steadied when crowded for racing room between WAR DAN BUDDY and ALOT LIKE LOUIE momentarily at the entrance to the first turn.

CUZZY BRO – Trainer K Butler was issued a formal caution for failing to declare Mark Pitt as the driver by the prescribed time.

ATA RANGI – Held up for clear running during the latter stages of the run to the finish.

IM DUSTEE – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian in accordance with HRV’s animal welfare policy due to the gelding having competed at Bendigo on the 19/11/25. No abnormalities were detected on either examination.

 

RACE 9 – FERNDALE FOODS 2YO MAIDEN PACE (1710 MS)

MY MARIONETTE – Held up for clear running during the latter stages of the run to the finish.

DE BEAU ROCK – Driver D Murphy was fined the sum of $100 under AHRR 162(1)(h) for failing to have the colt in position at the start. In determining penalty, Stewards noted the poor recent record of Mr Murphy in relation to the rule.

 

RACE 10 – EASY WASTE 4YO & OLDER MAIDEN TROT (2200 MS)

ARIVADERCHI – Begun badly when galloping away after the start was effected causing NEDZA THRILLER to be hampered. ARIVADERCHI will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw. Trainer/Driver B Shipway was fined the sum of $200 under AHRR 156(2)(a) for applying the whip on multiple occasions in a manner that exceeded a wrist only flicking motion between the 250 metres and the 100 metres.

NEDZA THRILLER – Hampered shortly after the start when ARIVADERCHI galloped away at the start.

FARSTAR – Broke gait clear of interference passing the 1100 metres. FARSTAR was placed on its last chance to race truly. Held up for clear running during the early stages of the run to the finish.

 

 

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 4 – MONTANA PRIDE Race 5 – THE ANSWER Race 7 – MIKI TO SUCCESS Race 8 – DO IT POST-RACE: Race 2 – FLING IT RAINBOW   Race 6 – KISS NZ
Suspensions	Nil
Fines	Race 7 – E Stewart – Rule 238 - $50 Race 9 – D Murphy – Rule 162(1)(h) - $100 Race 10 – B Shipway – Rule 156(2)(a) - $200
Cautions/Reprimands	Race 3 – R Backhouse – Rule 160(1)   Race 6 – R Sanderson – D/CSG Race 6 – R Sanderson – D/CBOCS Race 7 – E Stewart – T/CLDC Race 8 – K Butler – T/CLDC
Horse actions	Race 2 – KENNYWOULD – 1 Trial Race 2 – PARIS JAMALIA – ODM Race 2 – CONSTANT – ODM Race 2 – CHAMPAGNE GEMMA – CODM Race 3 – MIELICKI – ODM Race 3 – CHAMPAGNES – CODM Race 3 – COUNTESS CHIRON – CODM   Race 7 – MIKI TO SUCCESS – 1 Trial Race 10 – ARIVADERCHI – ODM
Follow ups	Nil
Adjourned inquires	Nil
Sulky fund claims	Nil
Medical stand downs	Nil