Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR BENDIGO

TUESDAY 12 JULY 2022

	Grant Adams Scott Gillespie Wayne Smith Peter Lamb (Starter) Dr Kath McIntosh (Vet)
	Track:    Good	Weather:	Fine

 

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

 

GENERAL

Stewards approved the following late driving changes as a result of Kate Gath being indisposed. Kate Gath was stood down pending a medical certificate.

Race 4 – Niki Nah Nah – Jackie Barker

Race 5 – Super Seb – Jordan Leedham

Race 6 – Gameofchance – Brad Chisholm

Race 7 - Rakero Blaze NZ – Brad Chisholm

Race 8 - Balenciago – Jordan Leedham

RACE 1 – ALDEBARAN PARK TROT (2150 MS)

Sonnyboy over-raced whilst leading throughout.

Nick Youngson, the driver of Clarkes Hill, was cautioned for allowing his gelding to shift in and contact marker pegs on the entry to the home straight on the final occasion.

RACE 2 – HARAS DES TROTTEURS 3YO TROT (2150 MS)

Constant was declared a late scratching at 10.48 am on veterinarian advice.

Montana Chevelle was declared a late scratching at 3.26 pm on veterinarian advice.

Courmayeur (barrier 2) broke gait shortly after the start inconveniencing Millee to its outside. Courmayeur lost ground, trailed the field throughout and will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

Whilst trailing the field and near the 1500m Courmayeur broke gait free of interference.

Millee was held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight.

Chris Alford, the driver of Love You Girl, was questioned as to his driving during the event and in particular his decision to maintain a sizeable gap from the main body of the field whilst leading. Mr Alford explained that at the filly’s previous runs Love You Girl had not been provided an opportunity to lead and following the favourable Courmayeur galloping shortly after the start he was able to obtain the lead relatively cheaply and gained an advantage over the main body of the field. Mr Alford stated that whilst in this position his filly travelled well in the run and on reflection he may have run the second quarter a little quicker than he would have liked.

RACE 3 – SIMONDS HOMES BENDIGO PACE (1650 MS)

Outback Shadow raced keenly during the middle stages.

Feel The Reign was held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight prior to utilising the sprint lane.

Changeover Girl, Carload and Terrorleen were all held up for clear running for the entire length of the home straight and were not fully tested.

Connor Clarke, the driver of Feel The Reign, was reminded of his obligations with regards to his whip use displayed in the home straight.

Rebecca Bartley, the driver of Changeover Girl, was questioned as to her driving and in particular her decision to maintain the position one out one back trailing Shezabluechip nearing the 600m and this being prior to being covered by the improving Tophut Johny. Ms Bartley explained when racing in this position she believed Shezabluechip was travelling well and stronger than the leader at the time namely Reign Maker and for this reason in addition to her mare which is suited when driven in a conservative manner, she maintained her position but was disappointed when unable to gain clear running in the home straight. Stewards considered the decision of Ms Bartley to be reasonable in all of the circumstances.

RACE 4 – POSTER BOY @ LLOWALONG FARMS PACE (2150 MS)

Racing past the 600m Fly Bye Eden hung out and despite the efforts from its driver Nathan Jack continued to shift up the track providing clear room for Roll With Eunice NZ to improve to its inside. It was further noted that near the 300m when attempting to release the mare’s deafeners the cord broke and therefore the deafeners had failed to release.

Prior to the entry to the home straight, Roll With Eunice NZ, which obtained a run to the inside of Fly Bye Eden, hung in and contacted marker pegs.

Open The Valve was held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight prior to utilising the sprint lane.

Inaugurate was held up for clear running over the final stages.

Madam Auckland failed to run on over the final stages to finish in 12th position beaten 59.5m for which a warning was issued.

Treacheroustimes shifted ground when placed under pressure over the concluding stages. At a subsequent inquiry Glenn Bull, the driver of Treacheroustimes, was cautioned for careless driving in that he failed to make sufficient effort to maintain his true line. Furthermore, Glenn Bull was fined $200 under Rule 156(2)(a) in that when applying his rein to the gelding over the concluding stages he did so in more than a wrist only flicking motion.

RACE 5 - ALABAR BLOODSTOCK PACE (1650 MS)

Kari Males, the trainer of Gilty By The Beach, requested the gelding continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

Ace Duigan gave ground rounding the final turn inconveniencing Myzarmi which was trailing and lost ground.

Super Seb ($4.60), which obtained cover during the early stages of the event, failed to run on over the concluding stages to finish in 8th position beaten 35.4m. Driver Jordan Leedham explained that after improving three wide down the back straight his gelding was travelling well however when entering the turn commenced to hang in and when attempting to activate gear near the 300m the gelding hung in badly and failed to run on thereafter. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. Given the performance stewards will follow up with trainer Andy Gath in the coming days.

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT - 21 JULY 2022

Andy Gath, trainer of Super Seb advised subsequent to the poor performance at Bendigo on July 12 2022, that the gelding had undergone surgery for a billowing palate.  Mr.Gath stated Super Seb would be given time to recover before a decision is made on the current preparation.

RACE 6 – WOODLANDS STUD 3YO PACE (1650 MS)

Rounding the final turn Gameofchance commenced to yield ground resulting in the trailing Beats True being inconvenienced.

Beats True was held up for clear running for the entire length of the home straight and was not fully tested.

Codename Marcus was held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight prior to utilising the sprint lane.

Near the 300m Dallas Miki paced roughly when improving wider on the track.

Brad Chisholm, the driver of Gameofchance (9th position beaten 17.8m), explained that his gelding, which was first up tonight, would derive benefit from the run however, was not suited by the fast final half. A post-race veterinarian examination of the gelding, which finished in 9th position beaten 17.8m, failed to reveal any abnormalities.

RACE 7 – TAB LONG MAY WE PLAY TROT (2150 MS)

Rakero Blaze NZ (barrier 2) was fractious prior to the start when placed on the mobile barrier, refused to score up, reared and then trailed the field throughout after being provided assistance from the Clerk of the Course. Given the intractability issues and the manners of the filly, Rakero Blaze NZ was excluded from the mobile barrier draw and was stood down until it completes one requalifying trial.

Super Service (barrier 4) was out of position at the start and broke gait shortly after to trail the field throughout and will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

The Chook broke gait free of interference inside the final 150m and given the mare’s recent record The Chook was stood down for a period of 14 days and until it completes two requalifying trials.

Josh Aiken, the driver of Sheza Pleasure ($2.50 fav – 4th position beaten 19.2m), explained that although his mare failed to run on over the concluding stages the run was not suited when racing outside the leader in a fast time and also in addition to his mare racing keenly during the middle stages. Mr Aiken added that in view of the circumstances the overall run had merit. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.

RACE 8 – BENDIGO LOCKSMITHS PACE (2150 MS)

The Rocknroll King NZ (barrier 7) paced roughly for a short distance after the start.

Sixty and Boxofchocolates both raced keenly during the middle stages.

Near the 300m Boxofchocolates was inconvenienced and taken back by Rockntommy Rulz NZ which gave ground.

Sixty was held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight when being disappointed for a run to the inside of Van Niekerk NZ.

Alex Ashwood, the driver of Rockntommy Rulz NZ ($5.5 – 7th position beaten 29.4), explained that Rockntommy Rulz NZ has not been racing consistently during this preparation and although working well, he is unable to provide any explanation as to the disappointing performance in tonight’s event.  A post-race veterinarian examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.

RACE 9 – SCHWEPPES TROT (1ST HEAT) (2150 MS)

A false start was declared at the first attempt when Baarlinee (barrier 4) broke gait during the score up hampering the trailing Major Max. Baarlinee will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw. At the second attempt to start, Baarlinee began badly when galloping away.

Major Max (barrier 11) was out of position at the start, began badly, trailed the field throughout and will continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

Blis Valley gave ground over the concluding stages to finish in 8th position beaten 40.9m.

Baarlinee tired over the concluding stages to finish in 10th position beaten 60.6m. Given the ground lost as a result of galloping at the start no direct action was taken.

RACE 10 – TAB LONG MAY WE PLAY TROT (2ND HEAT) (2150 MS)

Dazy Sundaze was declared a late scratching at 11.27 am on veterinarian advice.

Shortly after the start Dances (barrier 2) shifted out inconveniencing Tension Seeker which trotted roughly to its outside for a short distance.

Double Dot gave ground over the final 500m inconveniencing Supplanter which was taken back. Given the beaten margin being 62m, Double Dot was issued a warning.

Prior to the declaration of all clear stewards reviewed the final stages of the event with regards to the 3rd placed Vincent Kai coming together with the 4th placed Ima Ziabee inside the final 25m. After interviewing driver Josh Duggan (Ima Ziabee) it was established that when utilising the sprint lane Ima Ziabee had a tendency to shift up the track slightly in addition to Vincent Kai shifting in on approach to the winning post resulting in both runners coming together and brushing wheel stays. Given the contributing factors, stewards did not consider there was any grounds for an objection and therefore the all clear was subsequently announced.

Donna Castles, the driver of Dances ($1.60 fav - 5th position beaten 15.3m), explained that her mare pulled hard during the preliminary and failed to settle in the run which had proved detrimental over the concluding stages. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.

RACE 11 – GARRARDS HORSE & HOUND PACE (1650 MS)

Whata Optimist (barrier 5) failed to circle prior to the start for which a warning was issued.

Covered Kylie was held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight.

Ashley Manton, the driver of Tuakana NZ was questioned as to his tactics during the event and in particular his decision to improve three wide near the 1200m following a fast early pace and his driving when positioned in close proximity to the leader Heidi Go Seek during the middle stages. After interviewing Mr Manton and Trainer Mr Brad Stevens, stewards adjourned the inquiry to consider the evidence, analyse wagering and make further inquiries. A date and time for the resumption of the inquiry has not yet been set.  

Supplementary report – Bendigo 25 October 2022

Stewards finalised their inquiry regarding the tactics displayed by Ashley Manton, the driver of Tuakana NZ at the above-mentioned race and in particular his decision to leave the position one out one back in the early stages of the race and furthermore to race in close proximity to the leader Hide And Go Seek during the middle stages. At the primary inquiry, Mr Manton explained that pre-race he was instructed to drive the horse forward to lead as connections believe the horse is best suited in such a style give its successful performance at Bendigo 24th June 2022 when able to lead and maintain a solid pace. Mr Manton stated that although making use of his horse in the early stages, he was not the direct cause of the fast first quarter being run in 27.8 seconds and when runners found their position, the pace in the event slackened and he elected to then improve. Mr Manton further explained that when improving, he felt Hide And Go Seek, which had established the lead, may take cover given that in his own assessment, Tuakana NZ had stronger form and that runner was used in the early stages. Mr Manton added that although unsuccessful in this challenge, he maintained his position to its outside and maintained a solid pace as this tactic has previously proved successful. Mr Manton further added that from the 400m, his horse failed to respond to his driving and failed to race genuine which in his opinion was supported by the low heart rate post event. Brad Stephens the trainer of Tuakana NZ confirmed the instructions and outlined that in his opinion, Tuakana NZ is best suited when driven forward and doesn’t not appear to try when behind. Wagering on this event was examined by Stewards and found no irregularities that warranted any further investigation. Upon review Stewards were critical on the decisions of Mr Manton but given all of the circumstances and noting the tactics displayed at Bendigo on 24 June 2022 when successful, Stewards did not find that the tactics were that unreasonable and blameworthy. Notwithstanding the Stewards findings, Mr Manton was advised that he must ensure he drives within the capabilities of his runners and doesn’t leave himself open to questioning.

A post-race veterinarian examination of Tuakana NZ failed to reveal any abnormalities.

RACE 12 – SMARTLINE PERSONAL MORTGAGE ADVISERS PACE (1650 MS)

Chooz Reactor raced wide throughout.

Near the 600m, Blue Ocean was inconvenienced when taken back by Border Cross which gave ground.

Manbar Princess was held up for clear running rounding the final turn and lost ground.

Taylor Youl, the driver of Ringer Russ explained that after obtaining the lead, she was pressured by Border Cross rounding the first turn and for some distance thereafter, and overall was pleased with the run given the circumstances. Ms Youl added that in her opinion Ringer Russ has been racing well without luck and although the tempo was faster than she would have liked, she didn’t consider taking a trail from Border Cross would provide her with any benefit.

Robert Walters, the driver of Border Cross ($5.0 – 8th position beaten 42m), explained that as per standard tactics, he drove the gelding forward due to the short trip and when improving towards the outside of Ringer Russ rounding the first turn, he was disappointed when that runner held its position noting that 2 runs prior the gelding was driven with cover from the inside barrier. Mr Walters stated that racing into the home straight, he again improved forward as he felt Ms Youl, the driver of Ringer Russ was going to relinquish her position and when again not available, he maintained the position outside the leader and rated his drive. Mr Walters further explained that given the distance remaining and the positioning of Chooz Reactor which was still some distance away, taking cover at that stage of the event was not considered appropriate. Mr Walters added that he was disappointed in the run and considering the geldings past few runs and in particular Shepparton (28 June 2022) when again performing below expectation, he may consider driving the horse with cover in the attempt to regain some form. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.

A post-race veterinarian examination of El Banco failed to reveal any abnormalities.

 

Grant Adams

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 6 – Beats True; Race 7 – Yankee Lover; Race 8 - Boxofchocolates; Race 10 – Dances; Race 12 – Ringer Russ
		Post-Race: Race 2 – Bitta Irish Luck; Race 3 – Reign Maker; Race 8 – Giveitatry; Race 10 – Countess Chiron; Race 11 – Shawami Lass NZ; Race 12 – Chooz Reactor
Suspensions
Nil
Fines
Race 4	G Bull		R156(2)(a)	$200
Cautions
Race 1	N Youngson		D/CCMP
Race 4	G Bull		D/CCD
Horse Actions
Race 2	Courmayeur		ODM
Race 5	Gilty By The Beach		TRCODM
Race 7	The Chook		SD14D/SD2T
Race 7	Super Service		ODM
Race 7	Rakero Blaze NZ		ODM/SD1T
Race 9	Major Max		CODM
Race 9	Baarlinee		ODM
Late Scratchings
Race 2	Constant		10.48 am	Vets
Race 2	Montana Chevelle		3.26 pm	Vets
Race 10	Dazy Sundaze		11.27 am	Vets