Stewards Report

Stewards:                                    R Mance, B Lewis, (MT), M Kemp (HE), W Wishart (Form/Betting Analyst)

Starters:                                       K Reeves (Starter/Gear), W Best (Mobile/Brands)

Veterinary Surgeon:                 Drs M McGregor, E Vidler

Weather:                                    Fine                                 

Track:                                          Good

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

RACE 1 – NORTH COAST FIBREGLASS NEERABUP 3YO FILLIES PACE (2130MS)

SOHO VESPER LIND (G Hall Jnr) – Was out of position at the start, a warning was issued.

General: Driver T Wheeler (RELATIVELY ARMA) was reprimanded under HR168(1)(a) for careless driving for contacting the sulky of NASE VIRA (D Egerton-Green) resulting in the filly racing roughly for a short distance racing towards the front straight on the final occasion.

Driver D Egerton-Green (NASE VIRA) was fined $100 under HR168(1)(a) for careless driving for contacting the sulky wheel of SOHO HONEY RIDER (M Miller) and breaking gait losing ground racing into the front straight on the final occasion.

RACE 2 – FIBREGLASS SHOWER SPECIALISTS (DIV.2) PACE (2130MS)

ROCK ME OVER (C Voak) – A post-race veterinary examination on the unplaced gelding, which raced outside the leader for the majority of the event, revealed it slow to recover.

RACE 3 – VALE PETER GANNON (DIV.1) PACE (2130MS)

No racing incidents to report.

RACE 4 – BATHROOM CENTRAL WA MEMBERS SPRINT FFA PACE (1730MS)

No racing incidents to report.

RACE 5 – NORTH COAST FIBREGLASS 4YO CLASSIC (G2) PACE (2130MS)

CHIVALRY NZ (L Harper) – Stewards interviewed Driver L Harper regarding his decision to lead in tonight’s event, in contrast to the gelding's previous start on 15 November 2024, where it was driven with a sit despite starting from Barrier 1, Mr Harper explained that he had been disappointed with the gelding’s performance at its previous start but advised it had worked exceptionally well during the week. Mr Harper stated that, given the favourable draw from Barrier 1, his intention for this race was to adopt a positive approach at the start, he further added that he was able to maintain the lead without facing significant pressure and was satisfied with the gelding's performance.

SORRIDERE (A De Campo) – A post-race veterinary examination of the unplaced gelding revealed no abnormalities. Trainer/Driver A De Campo advised that the gelding was not suited racing outside the leader throughout which had been detrimental to its finishing performance.

General: On inquiry into the reason for LOUIE DIOR (R Bell) breaking gait leaving the back straight on the first occasion, it was established that SKYLORD (J Young) had shifted outward slightly, causing SKYLOU NZ (M Brown) to shift away from that runner. At the same time, LOUIE DIOR, which was over-racing, could not be shifted wider by its driver and subsequently contacted the sulky wheel of SKYLOU NZ, resulting in it breaking gait and checking SOHO FIRESTONE (M Miller). After considering all contributing factors, Stewards found no driver at fault for the incident, and no further action was taken.

On inquiry into the reason for SOHO FIRESTONE (M Miller) breaking gait approaching the front straight on the final occasion, it was established that as the horse was obtaining a position to the inside of ROCK ARTIST (C Voak) who had begun to shift into the one outline and  simultaneously MISTER SMARTEE NZ (G Hall Jnr) had been racing tight to its outside and shortly after both runners shifted inwards marginally resulting in further tightening to SOHO FIRESTONE which made contact with the sulky of ROCK ARTIST and broke gait. After considering all contributing factors, no blame was attributed to any driver and no further action was taken.

RACE 6 – TINNIE LYNNEY PACE (2503SS)

STRAUNY (A De Campo) – Returned with a laceration to the off-hind cannon.

General: Approaching the front straight on the final occasion, DUTY BOUND NZ (S Suvaljko) when giving ground locked wheels with STRAUNY (A De Campo) with both runners being disadvantaged therafter. 

RACE 7 – BE LIKE CHARLIE 4YO CLASSIC CONSOLATION PACE (2130MS)

SPICEY MAJOR (M Brown) – Raced fiercely throughout running resulting in the gelding unable to be restrained to obtain cover and it continued to over-race when racing wide resulting in it tiring over the final 500 metres. Driver M Brown advised, when restraining for a position closer to the pegs in the early stages, the gelding begun to strike its sulky and over-race placing her at a disadvantage and as a result raced wide throughout. Trainer G Hall Jnr advised he would make sulky adjustments and remove the block blinkers from the gelding in attempt to have it race more tractably in future.

RACE 8 – LORI KI PACE (2130MS)

General: Driver A De Campo (SECRET REACTION) was reprimanded under rule 162(1)(i) for being out of position at the candy pole.

RACE 9 – ASCOT GROUP WA CONDITIONED PACE (2130MS)

GALACTIC STAR NZ (D Egerton-Green) – Following the race, a post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding had tied up and was treated for the ailment.

THE MIKI TAKER (A De Campo) – A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities with the unplaced gelding. Trainer/Driver A De Campo expressed disappointment with its performance and advised the gelding never travelled comfortably when forced wide racing in the back straight on the final occasion and it was now his intention to send the gelding for a spell.

General: Trainer D Lewis was questioned regarding the withdrawal of ROBBIE EASTON NZ from this event. Ms Lewis explained that the gelding was entered when nominations were extended and it was her assessment that the field was not particularly strong and the gelding would be well suited, however the gelding was forced to race wide during the final lap at Gloucester Park on Tuesday 26 November 2024 which resulted in it working hard and since that start it had not recovered well as it was lethargic in its subsequent work and inappetent and for these reasons she ultimately decided to take precautionary measures and withdraw the gelding.

RACEDAY SUMMARY

R Mance

Deputy Chief Steward – Thoroughbreds/Harness

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