Stewards Report
Echuca 17/11/2022
HARNESS RACING VICTORIA
STEWARDS REPORT FOR ECHUCA
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 2022
Adrian Crowther (Chairman) Track: Good |
Trainers with multiple horses engaged in any given race were questioned as to the intended driving tactics to be adopted.
RACE 1 CALEDONIAN HOTEL SOCIAL CLUB PACE (2160 MS)
The start time of this event was amended to 6.02pm.
Leigh Sutton, driver of Tino Tere Maori was cautioned for not having the gelding in position at the candy pole during the score-up.
Dashndot tired to be beaten to be beaten 56.3m and a warning was issued.
Stylish in Black tired to be beaten 124m. Stylish in Black underwent a post-race veterinary examination which failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities. Driver Kevin Weidenbach reported that the mare had performed poorly at its most recent start, with connections attributing that performance to a flood interrupted preparation, however the mare had trialled since satisfactorily and worked well leading up to this race, with connections at a loss to explain the beaten margin tonight. . Given the mare’s recent record, Stylish in Black was stood down for ten (10) days and pending the completion of a satisfactory trial.
Paddy Mach was held up for clear running between the 400m and the 250m.
RACE 2 – SHEPPARTON 29 NOVEMBER INTER DOMINION HEATS 2YO PACE (1755 MS)
John Caldow was an approved late driver change on Roryville, replacing David Moran. .
Stewards inquired into the reasons for Guaranteed Sweetie being checked and Half Price Bride being checked and breaking gait near the 200m. After taking evidence from drivers Neville Pangrazio (Guaranteed Sweetie), Nathan Jack (Half Price Bride) and Tayla French (Sporty Philtra) and viewing the official race replays, Ms French pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to AHRR 163(1)(a)(iii) for causing or contributing to interference. The particulars of the charge being that Ms French permitted her drive to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear of Guaranteed Sweetie, resulting in Guaranteed Sweetie contacting her off-side sulky tyre (which went flat immediately as a consequence) and being taken outwards, onto Half Price Bride, who was severely checked and broke. In determining penalty Stewards considered the relevant factors as outline in the HRV Minimum Penalty Guidelines, Ms French’s guilty plea, level of carelessness and interference which were deemed to be in the mid-range and the racing manners of the runners involved. Ms French’s license to drive was suspended for a period of ten (10) days with a nine day deferment, to allow the suspension to commence at midnight on 26 November 2022. Ms French was advised of her rights of appeal.
RACE 3 – ECHUCA STEEL SHEDS TROT (2160 MS)
Watch and Act broke shortly after the start inconveniencing Bullpark Beno. Watch and Act was placed out of the mobile barrier draw.
After racing wide in the early stages, Aristotle commenced to tire in the back straight to be beaten 70.2m. Aristotle underwent a post-race veterinary examination which failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities and as such a warning was placed on the gelding’s record.
Bellmac Bambi was held up and inconvenienced behind the tiring Aristotle near the 400m.
Bullpark Beno broke gait free of interference upon entering the home straight on the final occasion and was placed on his last chance to race truly.
Zesta La Go broke under pressure nearing the finish.
Driver Monique Burnett (Mystic Chip) was cautioned for allowing her drive to contact marker pegs nearing the 250m.
RACE 4 – CHRISTMAS PARTY @ ECHUCA TROTS 21 DECEMBER PACE (1755 MS)
Hayjoshandco underwent pre-and post-race veterinary examinations in accordance with the HRV Animal Welfare policy, having attained 200 or more race starts with neither examination revealing any obvious abnormalities.
Occiano broke in the score up, was out of position at the start and will continue out of the mobile barrier draw. The gelding trailed the field thereafter.
Driver Ellen Tormey (Dallas Nikolay) was cautioned for easing the pace when restraining to take a trail in the back straight ln the first occasion, resulting in High Roller NZ being inconvenienced.
Our Art Christian tired to be beaten 79.4 metres and was placed on his last chance to race competitively.
Stewards queried driver and trainer representative Robert Walters regarding the apparent improved performance of Covered Kylie. Mr Walters explained that the mare had had two starts after joining the stable for a win at Albury and a placing, before then competing in Tasmania where the mare had then failed to perform satisfactorily on several occasions. Mr Walters further explained that the mare had returned to Victoria days after its previous race start on 16 October and had trialed satisfactorily at Melton on 8 November 2022, and then again at Kilmore on 10 November 2022 where the mare had won the trial when finishing off with a strong last quarter and was unextended in doing so, adding that the mare had drawn to suit in this race.
RACE 5 - THE STORM INSIDE 1:50.7 STANDING @ ALABAR 3YO MAIDEN PACE (1755 MS)
The start of this races was delayed by Hobart greyhounds Race 2 running behind schedule.
Ingermarla was slowly away at the start.
Nevs Dream was held up for clear racing room rounding the home turn and then again near the finish.
RACE 6 – RICH RIVER GOLF CLUB - THE PERFECT DESTINATION FOR YOUR NEXT GOLF TRIP PACE (2160 MS)
The start of this race was delayed due to Angle Park greyhounds Race 6 running behind schedule.
Driver Glenn Bull(Sweet Creation) was fined $200 for his whip action which was with more than a wrist only flicking motion.
RACE 7 – ULTIMATE SNIPER - THE INTER DOMINION CHAMP STANDING @ ALABAR FARM PACE (2160 MS)
Stewards inquired into the reasons for Semiramide( Tiana McMahon) being severely checked, faltering and stumbling near the 500 metres. Evidence was heard from Ms McMahon and from John Caldow(Seaside Sister) and after also viewing the official race replays Mr Caldow was charged pursuant to Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) for causing interference, the particulars being that he had permitted his drive to shift outwards and contact Semiramade, causing that runner to be severely checked. Mr Caldow reserved his plea to the charge, however after giving due consideration to all of the evidence Mr Caldow was found guilty as charged, with his licence being suspended for ten days, with a nine day deferment granted to allow the suspension to start at midnight on 26/11/2022. In determining penalty Stewards considered the HRV Minimum Penalty guidelines, the level of carelessness which was deemed mid level and Mr Caldow’s exemplary record under this rule, with his most recent offence occurring in June 2015, since which time he had driven in nearly 5000 races.
Semiramade underwent a post race veterinary examination which indicated signs of lameness in her off hindleg, and a veterinary certificate of fitness is required before the mare again races.
Digyourheelsin was tightened as Princess Chilla(R Walters) crossed from a three wide position to the one out line when challenging for the lead with two laps to travel. Mr Walters was cautioned for tightening the running of Digyourheelsin.
Shezabluechip(Glenn Bull) resisted an early challenge for the lead from Digyourheelsin into the first turn, before resisting challenges for the lead from Princess Chilla near the 1600 metres and again near the 1200 metres before finishing in fifth placing beaten 13 metres. Stewards inquired into Mr Bull’s driving tactics and after hearing initial evidence the Inquiry was adjourned .
Princess Chilla commenced a three wide move from the 1750 metres, crossing Digyourheelsinwith two laps to travel and unsuccessfully challenged Shezabluechip for the lead before that runner kicked up and held the lead. After being momentarily restrained near the 1450 metres Princess Chilla then raced on levels terms with Shezabluechip down the back straight and again challenged for the lead approaching the 1200 metres. Princess Chilla continued to race on level terms with Shezabluechip for some distance after her second challenge, and then tired from the back straight and hung out near the 600 metres before being corrected by her driver, then tired to finish in 8th placing beaten 60 metres. A post race veterinary examination of the mare revealed no apparent abnormalities. Stewards inquired into the driving tactics adopted by driver Robert Walters and after hearing initial evidence the inquiry was adjourned. Stewards will examine betting data from this race.
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT 11/7/23
Stewards concluded the Inquiry relating to the driving tactics adopted by Mr Walters, which included a review of wagering data which revealed no betting integrity concerns. Stewards were satisfied, that given the early work done to cross to the lead, then with stand a challenge from Digyourheelsin, that Mr Walters decision to worjk forward and challenge for the lead as the pace eased were not unreasonable under the circumstances, noting that his drive Princess Chilla began to pull hard which then contributed to her not finishing the race off.
RACE 8 – ARCH ELECTRICAL GROUP PACE (2160 MS)
Good Feelings underwent pre-and post-race veterinary examinations in accordance with the HRV Horse Welfare policy, having attained 200 or more race starts with neither examination revealing any obvious abnormalities.
Our Christiano pulledhard whilst leading, the gave ground to finish in last placing beaten 39.9 metres. A post race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities. Driver Ellen Tormey reported that with Barack Enobrac racing up on close terms with her drive after Hair Razor had attempted to progress forward three wide, her drive would not settle and its pulling hard had contributed to it not then finishing the race off.
Stewards inquired into the driving tactics of Ross Graham (Hair Razor). Mr Graham explained that as the pace eased near the 1750 metres his drive had commenced to race keenly and he initially shifted wider to avoid the sulky wheel of Warraderry, then allowed his drive to progress forward with the aim of getting to the position outside the leader, however he realized near the 1500 metres that that position was not available as Barack Enobrac raced up on level terms with the leader. Mr Graham added that towards the 1300 metres he had attempted to restrain his drive, however it had then raced ungenerously and he was wary of applying further restraint due to the geldings previous history of intractability. Hair Razor gave ground from the 400 metres to be beaten 39.3 metres. A post race veterinary examination revealed the gelding was displaying abnormal respiratory symptoms. Given all of the circumstances Stewards could not be satisfied that Mr Grahm’s actions were so unreasonable as to warrant action being taken against his licence. Stewards will follow up with Mr Graham in the days following the race regarding the cause of Hair Razor’s respiratory abnormalities.
RACE 9 – TONGALA LIONS CLUB PACE (1755 MS)
Hayjoshandco underwent pre-and post-race veterinary examinations in accordance with the HRV Horse Welfare policy, having attained 200 or more race starts with neither examination revealing any obvious abnormalities.
Ferocious Son hung in during the score up, was out of position at the start and a warning was placed on his starting manners.
Cheeki Philtra broke free of interference near the 700 metres, inconveniencing Ferocious Son. Cheeki Philtra was placed on her last chance to race truly.
RACE 10 – SUPER CLEAN LINEN SERVICE PACE (2160 MS)
The start time of this event was amended to 10.28pm.
Argy Bargy broke in the score up, was out of position at the start wan was placed out of the mobile barrier draw. The gelding trailed the field throughout.
Playnice was out of position at the start and will continue out of the mobile barrier draw.
The all clear was held up in order to view the official race replays regarding Lils Nightmare contacting marker pegs immediately prior to the sprint lane. After viewing the films Stewards were satisfied that driver Doc Wilson had taken corrective action to straighten the gelding , which had hung in and raced roughly at that stage. As no advantage had been gained All Clear was given.
Adrian Crowther
Chairman
‘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.’
Swabs:
Pre-Race:
Race 1: Go George Go
Race 2: Half Price Bride
Race 4: Shawami Lass NZ
Race 6: Love Lou Longtime NZ
Race 9: Illawong Kellie
Post-Race:
Race 1: Amber Alert
Race 3: Prettylilangus
Race 4: Covered Kylie
Race 6: Mac Almighty NZ
Race 9; Ferocious Son
Horse Actions
Race 1 Stylish In Black SD10D, SD1T
Race 3 Watch And Act ODM
Race 4 Occiano CODM
Race 7 Semiramade SDVC
Race 10 Argy Bargy ODM
Race 10 Play Nice CODM
Cautions
Race 1 Leigh Sutton D/CCP
Race 3 Monique Burnett D/CCMP
Race 4 Ellen Tormey D/CEP
Race 7 Robert Walters D/CT
Fines
Race 6 Glenn Bull $200 Rule 156(2)(a)
Suspensions
Race 2 Tayla French 10 days Rule 163(1)(a)(iii)
Race 7 John Caldow 10 days Rule 163(1)(a)(iii)
