Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR GEELONG         

FRIDAY 12 DECEMBER 2025

	Grant Adams Daniel Borg      John Packer David Young (Starter) Dr Virginia Brosnan (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. 

 

RACE 1 – BETFOCUS PACE (1609 MS)

AMPHIJET – Post-race swab sample obtained.

ROSBERG NZ – Near the 400m, tightened to the inside of SUNSTAR which hung in.

TOORAM CEE CEE – Raced keenly throughout the event.

CLARENDEN EXPRESS – Hung out during the score-up and was out of position at the start, for which a warning was issued. When questioned regarding the driving tactics in the early stages, particularly the lack of intent to drive the horse forward from the second line, Driver Jordan Leedham explained that the horse got up the track during the score up, paced roughly, and was unable to maintain its position. Mr Leedham further advised that the Trainer had instructed him not to drive the horse through early, as they wished to keep the horse relaxed and settled during the run and this in combination with the score up manners likely resulted in his drive being positioned slightly further back in the field. Stewards noted the comments but advised that when opportunities arise, a more positive approach should be taken to obtain a better position in the running where reasonably possible. Stewards also advised that they expect the horse to be driven in a consistent manner.

SUNSTAR – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Pulled hard during the score up. Raced three wide throughout the event when unable to obtain a position in the running line and racing towards the 400m, hung in and restricted the room of ROSBERG NZ.

RACE 2 – GEELONG ISUZU TRUCKS PACE (1ST HEAT) (1609 MS)

LOTAKEVI – Examined by the clubs veterinarian prior to and following the event due to the gelding being 13YO and has competed in excess of 200 race starts. No abnormalities were found on either examination.

MY JUSTICE – Broke gait during the score up resulting in a false start being declared. The gelding will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

RIDDLEMETHIS – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

HUXHAM CHUBB – Post-race swab sample obtained.

CARRY ON CORNISH – On the second attempt to start, hung out during the score up and after the start before breaking gait and trailed the field thereafter. No action was taken given the false start.

WEREGOINGTOGETCHA – Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight.  

I OF THE HURRIKANE – Driver Jordan Leedham pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 156(2)(a) for applying his whip in more than a wrist only flicking motion in the home straight. Mr Leedham was fined $200.

RACE 3 – BACCHUS MARSH TROTTERS CUP FINAL (2100 MS)

FLING IT RAINBOW – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Broke gait during the score up when taken in and away from BLACK AND GOLD which hung in. No action was taken. Weakened over the final 600m to finish in 11th position, beaten 51.7m. A post-race veterinarian examination revealed the gelding to be displaying a slow recovery. Driver Michael Belman was unable to offer any explanation as to the disappointing run. A warning was issued.

BLACK AND GOLD – Examined by the clubs veterinarian prior to and following the event due to the mare having competed in excess of 200 race starts. No abnormalities were found on either examination. Hung in during the score up hampering FLING IT RAINBOW.

LEANNE LEEANN – Post-race swab sample obtained.

KEAYANG GYPSY – Broke gait free of interference approaching the 200m for which a warning was issued.

SCAR – Broke gait free of interference on approach to the first turn, trailed the field thereafter, and a warning was issued.

DELS DESTINY NZ – Trotted roughly in the later stages of the score up, out of position at the start for which a warning was issued.

SPIRITED LASS – Broke gait during the score up, out of position at the start and will continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

RACE 4 – EVOLUTION LODGE TROT (1609 MS)

EL RESAMO – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Post-race swab sample obtained.

GOTFEELINGSYOUKNOW – Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight prior to utilising the sprint lane.

GEE CEE CALDER – Raced keenly during the middle stages prior to breaking gait free of interference at the 200m.

DICHOTOMY – Broke gait shortly after the start, trailed the field throughout and will continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

RACE 5 – BACCHUS MARSH PACING CUP FINAL (2100 MS)

WOW YOU CAN DANCE – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Driver Alex Ashwood was placed on notice as to the manner he applied his whip in the back straight and home straight on the final occasion.

WRITTEN IN SILK – Post-race swab sample obtained.

FOREGONE CONCLUSION NZ – When questioned regarding the tactics adopted, Driver Connor Clarke explained that, as per the pre-race notification, the intention was to be forward in the run. Although caught wide in the early stages and with an opportunity presenting in the running line to trail JILLIBY SELWOOD, he did not feel this was suitable given the horse’s market expectations. Mr Clarke stated that when improving his position, he was also mindful that the pace was easing and was confident he would be able to obtain the position outside the leader and drive the gelding positively from that position, which is a common tactic. He added that racing into the home straight with a lap remaining, he was challenged for his position outside the leader by IM WESLEY, which improved with pace, and as he did not consider it suitable to contest that position, he elected to obtain cover. Mr Clarke further added that when losing ground rounding the final turn, he was able to position the gelding closer to the marker pegs, and from that position, the gelding travelled much better, finished the race off well, and in his opinion performed satisfactorily. Stewards noted his comments.

JILLIBY SELWOOD – Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight.

AUCKLAND RED – Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight prior to utilising the sprint lane.

LUVERBOY – Presented in accordance with the conditions set by the elevated TCO2 policy. Pre-race blood sample obtained.

RACE 6 – ZAV AMUSEMENTS SERIOUS FUN PACE (1609 MS)

STRAPPING RED – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

SMOKEN ACE NZ – Post-race swab sample obtained. New track record.

SWEET IDEAL – Raced keenly during the early stages.

RACE 7 – HARAS DES TROTTEURS TROT (2100 MS)

KYVALLEYHONEYBUNNY – Post-race swab sample obtained.

LITTLE YANKEE – Raced keenly during the middle stages.

RACE 8 – LARA QUALITY MEATS PACE (1609 MS)

GIVE DAVE A WAVE – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Trainer Craig Hoban was fined $50 under Rule 210 for failing to declare Kerryn Manning as the driver of the gelding by the prescribed time. Had difficulty obtaining clear running in the home straight. Driver Kerryn Manning was fined $100 under Rule 156(3) for applying her whip in excess of the amount permitted over the final 200m.  

ALWAYS THE SHOWMAN – Post-race swab sample obtained.

EMILY VINCENT – Driver James Herbertson pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 156(2)(a) for applying his whip in more than a wrist only flicking motion in the home straight. Mr Herbertson was fined $200.

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 1 – Sunstar; Race 2 – Riddlemethis; Race 3 – Fling It Rainbow; Race 4 – El Resamo; Race 5 – Wow You Can Dance, Luverboy; Race 6 – Strapping Red; Race 8 – Give Dave A Wave.
		Post-Race: Race 1 – Amphijet; Race 2 – Huxham Chubb;Race 3 – Leanne Leeann; Race 4 – El Resamo; Race 5 – Written In Silk; Race 6 – Smoken Ace NZ; Race 7 – Kyvalleyhoneybunny; Race 8 – Always The Showman.
Suspensions
Nil
Fines
Race 2	Jordan Leedham		156(2)(a)	$200
Race 8	Craig Hoban		210	$50
Race 8	Kerryn Manning		156(3)	$100
Race 8	James Herbertson		156(2)(a)	$200
Cautions
Nil
Horse Actions
Race 2	My Justice		ODM
Race 3	Spirited Lass		CRODM
Race 4	Dichotomy		CODM
Late Scratchings
Nil

Follow Ups

Nil

Adjourned Inquiries

Nil

Sulky Fund Claims

Nil

Medical Stand Down

Nil