Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR MARYBOROUGH

WEDNESDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2022

	Grant Adams Kylie Harrison Des Benger Jason Fino (Starter) Dr Greg Hargreaves (Vet)
	Track:    Good	Weather:	Overcast

 

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

 

RACE 1 – ALABAR VICBRED PLATINUM MAIDEN PACE (2190 MS)

Shortly after the start, Aboutagirl (barrier 2) was checked and galloped when crowded between Yering Rose which hung out and Rockin Charmer which shifted in slightly.

All Saints Beach raced keenly during the middle stages.

Chris Alford, the driver of Rockin Charmer ($9.0) which gave ground from the 600m to finish in 5th position, beaten 70.8m explained that his gelding hung and raced keenly during the event which contributed to the disappointing run. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. Given the beaten margin a warning was issued.

Aboutagirl cast its R/Fore plate during the event.

RACE 2 – MCPHERSONS PRINTING GROUP PACE (2190 MS)

River Patrol NZ was examined by the club’s veterinarian prior to and following the event as a result of the gelding racing in excess of 200 race starts. No abnormalities were detected on either examination.

Miss Moraine raced keenly during the middle stages prior to being held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight.

RACE 3 – BENSTUD BACK STRAIGHT TROT (2190 MS)

A false start was called at the first attempt when Could Dowitharain (barrier 1) broke gait inconveniencing Algorithm (barrier 8) which failed to regain its correct position. At the second attempt, Could Dowitharain began badly when galloping away inconveniencing Algorithm. Could Dowitharain was pulled up shortly after the start and retired from the event with a flat N/Side sulky tyre caused by the gelding contacting the wheel when in a gallop. The gelding will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

No action was taken against Jason Ainsworth, the driver of Algorithm for failing to move his gelding back into barrier 8 without a horse forward. In taking such action Stewards were mindful of the geldings previous starting manners and history and further, his position was not designed to gain any advantage rather allow no further delay to the start of the race. Notwithstanding this decision, Stewards ordered that Algorithm will continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw and Mr Ainsworth was further reminded of the importance to ensure he adheres to the direction of the starter.

Major Max (barrier 2) broke gait shortly after the start on the second attempt and trailed the field throughout. Given the false start no action was taken.

Dellsun hung in and contacted marker pegs near the 1100m.

Baarlinee raced keenly during the middle stages.

Near the 300m, Algorithm broke gait free of interference. On review it was established that the geldings breast plate had come adrift and given the proximity of this to the geldings fore legs, Stewards determined that this had likely contributed into the error and no action was taken.

RACE 4 –RED HOUSE BAKERY 3YO PACE (1690 MS)

Mary Austin NZ (barrier 4) raced ungenerously and hung out after the start prior to racing keenly throughout.

Exclusive Maria hung out at various stages during the event.

Gary Pekin, the driver of Hartnett was cautioned for allowing his left foot to lower from the sulky rest when activating approved gear near the 500m

RACE 5 -DEVILISH SMILE @ WOOLTECH STUD PACE (2190 MS)

Luke Dunne failed to appear in the official race book as the driver of Heaven Attracts.

Four Star Saint weakened over the final stages to finish in 6th position, beaten 54.1m for which a warning was issued.

Luke Dunne, the driver of Heaven Attracts was reminded of his obligations regarding his whip use displayed in the home straight.

RACE 6 – CRAMERI PTY LTD TROT (2190 MS)

Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, Majestic Achiever NZ broke gait free of interference for a short distance.

Majestic Achiever NZ and Vincent Kai both raced keenly during the middle stages.

Majestic Achiever NZ hung in when placed under pressure nearing the 200m and contacted a number of marker pegs.

Ellen Tormey, the driver of Vincent Kai explained that racing towards the final turn, her gelding had difficulty maintaining her position given the pace in the event had quickened and for this reason she elected to shift to the inside of runners, save ground and finished off the race relatively well although noting the slow final quarter (31.1 seconds).

RACE 7 – HARAS DES TROTTEURS TROT (2190 MS)

Charlie Walker (barrier 4) broke gait during the score up, was out of position at the start and will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

Tina Ridis, the driver of Mumstheword was cautioned for lack of control when failing to ensure her drive maintained a true line on the entry to the home straight when activating approved gear resulting in the trailing Ima Ziabee obtaining a run earlier than permitted.

Majestic Speed was held up for clear running in the home straight and was not fully tested.

RACE 8– DANCINGINTHEDARK M @ ALDEBARAN PARK TROTTERS HANDICAP (2190 SS)

Whos Countn (Fr1) began badly when galloping away and will now be excluded from the standing start barrier draw.

Ebonys Avenger (Fr3) broke gait shortly after the start, trailed the field throughout and will now be excluded from the standing start barrier draw.

Builder Bob (10m) broke gait shortly after the start, trailed the field throughout and will now be excluded from the standing start barrier draw.

Michael Bellman, the driver of Fling It Rainbow ($51) which was successful in the event was questioned as to the seemingly improved performance. Mr Bellman credits the performance to the good run-in transit and was further assisted by the solidly run race.

Brad Angove, the driver of Stingofawasp was questioned as to his tactics and in particular his decision to maintain the lead following two challenges from Sertorius NZ and this follows use of his filly to obtain the lead. Mr Angove explained that given his filly has recently raced well when leading and additionally working well leading into the event, he considered his best chances today were to lead and maintain the advantage. Mr Angove stated that although making use of his filly to find the lead, he elected to maintain his position when challenged on two occasions and accepts that given the tempo in the race he may have been better suited in taking cover. Having considered his explanation, Stewards found that Mr Angove had erred in his judgment when failing to take any significant effort to restrain during the middle stages and gain respite which has contributed into the performance of the filly when beaten 34.6m. Mr Angove was subsequently cautioned for lack of judgement. In taking no further action Stewards were mindful of the class of horse, the recorded sectional times and in particular the 2nd quarter run in 31.1 seconds and the fact that whilst holding the lead, Mr Angove maintained his position and had not placed his filly under further pressure to maintain the lead.   

Brad Williamson, the driver of Sertorius NZ was questioned as to his tactics and in particular his decision to challenge for the lead near the 1600m and again passing the 1200m. Mr Williamson explained that pre-race he was advised that his gelding lacks high speed and after beginning well from the 10m handicap, he elected to improve forward. Mr Williamson stated that after Stingofawasp had improved to the lead, he was mindful that filly had worked to obtain its position and therefore he felt given the class of his runner, the lead would likely be available. Mr Williamson further explained that after the first challenge near the 1600m, he eased when entering the turn and when the pace eased during the 2nd quarter, he elected to again challenge as he felt Mr Angove, the driver of Stingofawasp had steadied his drive. Mr Williamson added that after gaining a sizeable advantage, his gelding was unable to muster the speed to cross. Having considered his explanation, Stewards found that Mr Williamson had erred in his judgement when making use of his gelding from passing the 1200m to again challenge for the lead. Mr Williamson was subsequently cautioned for lack of judgement. In taking no further action Stewards were mindful of the class of horse, the recorded sectional times and in particular the 2nd quarter and the actions of Mr Angove which in the opinion of the Stewards may have suggested the lead was available.   

RACE 9– DREAMCATCHER @ WOOLTECH STUD MAIDEN TROT (2190 MS)

A false start was called at the first attempt when Mynamesgraham (barrier 8) which galloped in the early stages, pulled hard and improved onto the front line when vacated by the galloping Miss Broomfield (barrier 2). The gelding will continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

On the second attempt, Miss Broomfield began badly when galloping away resulting in Mynamesgraham being checked. Miss Broomfield will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

Sosomaori (barrier 6) was out of position at the start and will continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

Altgo Ada which broke gait free of interference on two occasions during the event (1600m & 900m) was issued a warning.

Captain Graywood broke gait free of interference on three occasions during the event (700m, 350m & 200m). A post-race veterinarian examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. Given the performance Captain Graywood was stood down until it completes one requalifying trial.

Windey broke gait free of interference near the 1300m hampering the trailing Sosomaori which trotted roughly in addition to Mynamesgraham. A post-race veterinarian examination revealed a laceration to its L/Fore leg. Acting under veterinarian advise, Windey was stood down from racing for a period of 5 days.  

Imasocialbutterfly which weakened over the final 700m to finish in 5th position, beaten 108.7m was stood down until it completes one requalifying trial.

RACE 10– FAREWELL & THANKS PETER O'CONNOR PACE (1690 MS)

Ardent Bliss (barrier 9) was out of position at the start and will continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

Ardent Bliss which weakened over the final stages to finish in 8th position, beaten 64m was placed on its last chance to race competitively.

Corey Bell, the driver of Metro Man was fined $250 under Rule 170(4)(a) for allowing his right foot to lower from the foot rest to be placed in the vicinity of his gelding’s hind leg near the 100m.

Ryan Duffy, the driver of Safe Jewels ($3.5) was questioned as to the performance of the mare which gave ground in the later stages to finish in 6th position, beaten 23m. Mr Duffy explained that his mare raced keenly during the middle stages and in combination to his mare being on one rein rounding the final turn, failed to run on. A post-race veterinarian examination 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 2 – River Patrol NZ; Race 5 – Four Star Saint; Race 8 – Ebonys Avenger; Race 9 – Windey, Miss Broomfield; Race 10 – Are You With Me
		Post-Race: Race 1 – Quiet Storm; Race 3 – Baarlinee; Race 6 – Perseveranse; Race 8 – Fling It Rainbow; Race 10 – Metro Man
Suspensions
Nil
Fines
Race 10	C Bell		170(4)(b)	$250
Cautions
Race 4	G Pekin		D/CUA
Race 7	T Ridis		D/CLOC
Race 8	B Angove		D/CLJ
Race 8	B Williamson		D/CLJ
Horse Actions
Race 3	Could Dowitharain		ODM
Race 3	Algorithm		CRODM
Race 7	Charlie Walker		ODM
Race 8	Whos Countn		ODS
Race 8	Ebonys Avenger		ODS
Race 8	Builder Bob		CODS
Race 9	Miss Broomfield		ODM
Race 9	Sosomaori		CODM
Race 9	Mynamesgraham		CODM
Race 9	Captain Graywood		SD1T
Race 9	Imasocialbutterfly		SD1T
Race 9	Windy		SD5D
Race 10	Ardent Bliss		CODM
Late Scratchings
Nil

Follow Ups

Nil

Adjourned Inquiries

Nil

Sulky Fund Claims

Nil