Stewards Report

Stewards:                                R Mance (MT), C Brown (HE), W Wishart (MT/BS), C Southwick (Cadet)(S/R)

Assistants:                             K Reeves (Starter/Gear), K Bailey (Mobile/Brands)

Veterinary Surgeon:            Dr M McGregor

Weather:                                Fine                            

Track:                                      Good

Trainers with multiple runners in any one race were questioned in relation to their intended tactics.

Stewards approved the following driver changes as Driver C Voak is unable to attend tonight’s meeting due to being unwell.

Race 4 – MEGA MACH – T Wheeler, Race 6 – FRANCO WESTERN – G Hall Jnr, Race 7 – COHLIN – T Wheeler, Race 8 – JACKIE DANIELS – G Hall Jnr.

RACE 1 – CATALANO TRUCK & EQUIPMENT SALES (DIV.1) PACE (2130MS)

BENJI NZ (E Suvaljko) was scratched at 3:55pm after Trainer N Turvey informed Stewards that the gelding had lost its near fore plate while traveling to the course. Following a request to race without both fore plates, a veterinary examination was conducted after the off fore plate was removed, revealing that the gelding was sore in front. Consequently, the gelding will be stood down from racing for a period of 7 days and will require a veterinary clearance. 

ADMIRAL DARCY (K Harper) – When interviewed regarding his driving in the early stages, Driver K Harper explained that he elected to maintain his leading position from Barrier 1 when challenged by BLACKROCK (S Suvaljko) in the early stages. He believed the gelding performed best when leading, as demonstrated in its previous victory at Gloucester Park on October 22, 2024. He advised that ADMIRAL DARCY travelled comfortably during the race, when recording middle sections of 31.7 and 31.1, but expressed disappointment with its finishing performance, giving ground from the 400m. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.

RACE 2 – RETRAVISION, BUY NOW, PAY LATER 3YO FILLIES PACE (2130MS)

No racing incidents to report.

RACE 3 – WHO WINS THE WA DERBY? PACE (2130MS)

No racing incidents to report.

RACE 4 – THE SUNDAY TIMES PACE (2130MS)

No racing incidents to report.

RACE 5 – PICK YOUR RACE NAME AT GP PACE (2130MS)

LENI ROSE (P Tilbrook) – Broke gait shortly after the start. Will be placed outside the draw in future mobile barrier events.

RACE 6 – NATHAN, NAT & SHAUN FOR BREAKFAST (DIV.2) PACE (2130MS)

ROCKANDROLLARTIST (A De Campo) – Driver A De Campo was fined $100 under HR162(1)(www) for allowing the gelding to shift ground in the home straight advantaging another runner.

RACE 7 – CHRISTMAS PARTIES AT GLOUCESTER PARK (DIV.1) PACE (1730MS)

STELLA MAJOR (K Harper) – Driver K Harper was reprimanded under HR156(4)(a) for using his whip in a continuous manner.

SOHO CONFIDENTIAL (G Hall Jnr) – When interviewed for the reasons he elected not to take a trail behind STRIKE MASTER NZ (S Suvaljko) when challenged racing in the back straight on the first occasion and he has elected to remain in the position outside the leader COHLIN (J Young), Driver G Hall Jnr explained that he chose to maintain his position outside the leader, as he believed this was his best option over the 1730m distance, as the horse was best suited when driven in that manner and had been disappointed with the unplaced performance.

RACE 8 – ALLWOOD STUD FOR ALL YOUR BREEDING REQUIRMENTS (DIV.2) PACE (1730MS)

JACKIE DANIELS (G Hall Jnr) – A pre-race veterinary examination revealed that the mare was showing signs of being in season. This information was disseminated.

CORK CAN RUN (C Lewis) – Out of position at the candy pole. Driver C Lewis was cautioned and advised to make a greater effort to ensure he is in position at the candy pole in future.

JACKIE DANIELS (G Hall Jnr) – Out of position at the candy pole due to the mare hanging inwards in the score up and a warning was issued.

RACE 9 – ENTERTAINMENT WITH HORSEPOWER 2YO FILLIES PACE (2130MS)

LADIESHAVTIME NZ (D Roberts) – Hung inwards in the later stages of the score up and as the start was effected and lost ground as a result. Will be placed outside the draw in future mobile barrier events.

BULL SHARK BETTY (G Hall Jnr) – When over racing contacted the sulky of LYCA FANTASY (W Price) and raced roughly for a short distance in the back straight on the first occasion.

RACEDAY SUMMARY

Late Report

Gloucester Park 22/10/2024 – Race 7 – TABRADIO PACE (2536MS)

Stewards continued the adjourned inquiry into the driving tactics of L Harper (SONIC CHIP) and T Wheeler (FRANKIE J HOLDEN NZ) in relation to their tactics adopted through the early stages of the event. Mr Harper advised that he was instructed by connections to attempt to lead the event from the inside draw and after showing gate speed he elected to drive forward and hold his position after establishing the lead which he was able to hold comfortably, even though challenged. Mr Wheeler advised that he was instructed to attempt to lead and shortly after the start the gelding had shown gate speed, however, SONIC CHIP had held its position to his inside therefore he elected to drive forward in an attempt to work in advance of SONIC CHIP to establish the lead. He said despite his efforts he was mindful SONIC CHIP was holding its position therefore, he elected to take hold of the gelding racing to the turn out of the back straight on the first occasion where he held that position thereafter. Stewards after considering the explanation of Mr Wheeler and being of the opinion his tactics were not unreasonable in the circumstances, that FRANKIE J HOLDEN NZ had only tired over the concluding stages to be beaten 9.7 metres and that betting records of the race revealed no areas of concern, took no further action.

R Mance

Deputy Chief Steward – Thoroughbreds/Harness

This may not be the final report of the meeting as all races are reviewed.