Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR MILDURA

FRIDAY 3 JUNE 2022

	Kylie Harrison Daniel Borg Wayne Smith Nathan Moy (Starter) Dr Megan Ginifer (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 – EUSTON CLUB 3YO PACE (1790 MS)

Drivers Boris Devic (Shallow Pockets) and Wayne Hill (Major Jolt) were questioned regarding an incident rounding the final turn in which Major Jolt contacted the sulky of Shallow Pockets as that gelding commenced to improve wider on the track. After taking evidence from both drivers and viewing the replays it was established that Shallow Pockets, which was held up for a clear run, attempted to shift out while wheel to wheel with Major Jolt. It was also evident that Major Jolt hung in under pressure as Shallow Pockets progressed forward which contributed to contact being made to the hind legs of Major Jolt. Considering the contribution of Major Jolt through its own racing manners driver Boris Devcic was issued with a caution for shifting ground on this occasion.

Driver Ryan Hryhorec (Flirting) was queried regarding the poor performance of this filly which raced three wide for the final 900m and commenced to give ground from approximately the 600m before tiring to be beaten in excess of 80m. Mr Hryhorec was at a loss to explain the performance stating that the performance was well below expectations. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities. Stewards intend to follow up with connections in the following days regarding the filly’s recovery post-race. Flirting was placed on its last chance to race competitively.

Driver Jordan Leedham (Regal Star) was fined $100 under Rule 156(3) for his unapproved whip use in that he applied the whip on more occasions than permissible over the final 200m.

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT - 8 JUNE 2022

Jeremy Seal, trainer of Flirting advised subsequent to the poor performance at Mildura on June 3 2022, that the filly had showed signs of tying up.  Mr.Seal stated that Flirting is being treated accordingly and the filly will be given a light couple of weeks before a decision is made on the current preparation. 

RACE 2 – THE GATEWAY MILDURA PACE (1790 MS)

This Is Bill pulled hard while leading during the early and middle stages.

RACE 3 – PARK DOUGLAS PRINTING PACE (1790 MS)

Good Onya was examined by the club veterinarian pre and post-race under the HRV horse welfare policy due to this gelding racing on more than 200 previous occasions. Neither examination revealed any obvious abnormalities.

Shesa Pearla pulled hard during the score up.

Driver Rita Burnett (Gigis Grinner) was issued with a caution for momentarily tightening the racing room of Shesa Pearla when crossing to lead shortly after the start.

Driver Rita Burnett (Gigis Grinner) was found guilty of a charge under Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) for causing interference. Entering the back straight on the final occasion as the field raced wider on the track than a pegline position Ms Burnett directed her driver inwards as trailing runner Shesa Pearla commenced to established a run to her inside resulting in Shesa Pearla being tightened for racing room, contact marker pegs and contact was made to the sulky wheel of Gigis Grinner by Shesa Pearla. Consequently, Shesa Peala lost its rightful racing position. Dougs Cino which was trailing was also inconvenienced. Ms Burnetts licence to drive in races was suspended for a period of 2 weeks to commence midnight 03 June 2022. In assessing penalty stewards took into consideration the HRV minimum penalty guidelines, Ms Burnetts not guilty plea, good driving record in relation to this rule and the interference which was considered mid to high range interference.

Driver Wayne Hill (Sir Jujon) was questioned regarding the performance of this gelding. Sir Jujon improved to the position outside the leader during the middle stages then gave ground over the latter stages to finish in 9th place beaten 33m. Mr Hill stated that he improved his position in the back straight when traveling in a straight line as he assessed that the pace would ease however worked harder than anticipated when the leader Major Comment continued with a higher than expected tempo. Once outside the leader Sir Jujon over raced slightly which may have contributed to the performance. A post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities.

A post race veterinary examination of Shesa Pearla revealed the mare had sustained a superficial abrasion to the off fore leg however no stand down period was required.

RACE 4 – TANKARD DENTAL PACE (1790 MS)

Driver Ryan Hryhorec (Shazzam) was fined $100 under Rule 162(1)(y) for failing to adhere to the sectional time requirements for the first half of the last mile while leading which was run in 64.5 seconds.

Deakin Avenue hung in under pressure in the home straight and contacted marker pegs.

Robert Crocka was held up and unable to obtain a clear run at any stage in the home straight.                                                                

RACE 5 - MCDONALD'S MILDURA & IRYMPLE PACE (1790 MS)

It was noted that Ayejayem pulled hard while racing behind the leader throughout.

Driver Jordan Leedham (United) was fined $100 under Rule 162(1)(y) for failing to adhere to the sectional time requirements while leading after racing through the first half of the last mile in 65 seconds.

Trainer Scott Garraway (Glam Rock) was queried regarding the performance of this gelding after racing outside the leader and giving ground from the 400m to be beaten 31m in 9th placing. A post-race veterinary examination of the gelding failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities.  Mr Garraway explained that the gelding didn’t show its usual gate speed when challenging to lead and was caught racing outside the leader United. Mr Garraway added that Glam Rock is best suited to leading in its races. Subsequent to the meeting Mr Garraway advised that Glam Rock had an abscess develop in its near hind foot which may explain the performance. The gelding would now be given some time off for recovery.

RACE 6 – GOOD DEAL TYRES PACE (2190 MS)

Premonition pulled hard during the early stages and shifted out briefly at the 1600m as driver Cody Crossland attempted to remove the hopple shortening pins.

Sarah Bonus showed initial gate speed to lead during the early stages. Approaching the 1500m Sarah Bonus commenced to hang out against the efforts of its driver and galloped causing interference to trailing runners Orama and Blazin Beauty. Once back in its correct gait, Sarah Bonus raced fiercely on the pegline and shifted out leaving the front straight with one lap to travel, losing considerable ground before commencing to chase the field over the latter stages finishing in last place beaten 52m. A post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities. Trainer Andrew Vozlic reported that gear adjustment would be undertaken prior to racing again in an effort to improve the mares racing manners. Sarah Bonus was place on its last chance to race truly.

RACE 7 – TASCO PETROLEUM PACE (1790 MS)

Atreacherious galloped during the middle stages of the score up, regained its correct gait and was in position at the start. Atreacherious then galloped again as the start was affected. Atreacherious was placed out of the draw for future mobile start races.

Atreacherious raced on the peg line throughout before tiring to be beaten in excess of 200m. A post-race veterinary examination of the mare failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities.  Driver Ryan Hryhorec was at a loss to explain the performance stating that connections were very disappointed with the performance on this occasion. Stewards intend to follow up with connections regarding the mare’s recovery. Considering the overall performance Atreacherious was stood down until the completion of one satisfactory trial.

Celestial Gossip raced three wide during the early stages to lead then pulled hard whilst racing clear of the field through the middle stages.

Wilshire Boulevard pulled hard on the peg line throughout.

Entering the back straight on the final occasion driver Aaron Coad (Cemetery Bay) commenced to improve between Prosecco Boy (Ellen Tormey) and Goodtime Maddie (Neil McCallum) where there was insufficient room resulting in driver Ellen Tormey taking evasive action by directing Prosecco Boy outwards. Trailing runners National Draft and Soho Tsunami were inconvenienced in this incident. Considering the junior driver status and limited driving experience of Mr Coad, a caution for driving where there was insufficient room was issued on this occasion.

Prosecco Boy was examined by the club veterinarian post race with no obvious abnormalities detected.

Cody Crossland (Make Haste) was fined the sum of $100 under AHRR 238 for failing to comply with a requirement of Stewards to attend an inquiry before leaving the course. 

Shepparton 12/06/2022

Driver Cody Crossland (Make Haste) was questioned regarding his tactics during the middle stages. After relinquishing the lead to Celestial Gossip at the 1300m Make Haste shifted out from behind that runner shortly after and raced in the one out line for the remainder of the race before finishing in 5th place beaten 24m. Mr Crossland explained that his intention was to remain behind Celestial Gossip however once that runner crossed, he removed the shortening pins from Make Haste and the gelding veered up the track. Mr Crossland stated that he was aware that the front legs of Michelle Phillips drive King Soloman NZ had progressed slightly to his inside, and he was then placed at a disadvantage in not wanting to cause interference. Mr Crossland added that Goodtime Mac then progressed to his outside and was inconvenienced momentarily before restraining back behind Make Haste. Given the explanation which was verified on the available replays Mr Crosslands comments were noted.

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT - 8 JUNE 2022

Jeremy Seal, trainer of Atreacherous advised subsequent to the poor performance at Mildura on June 3 2022, that the mare had tied up badly.  Mr.Seal stated that Atreacherous is currently being treated and the stable will monitor her recovery over the coming weeks.  Atreacherous is required to trial to the satisfaction of Stewards before returning to the races. 

RACE 8 – TENDERPRINT AUSTRALIA PACE (2190 MS)

Pre and post-race veterinary examinations were conducted on Assassinator under the HRV horse welfare policy due to the gelding having raced on more than 200 previous occasions. Neither examination revealed any obvious abnormalities.

Tupelo Beach pulled hard while leading throughout.

Chrissy Chic pulled hard while racing outside the leader throughout and gave ground over the latter stages.

The all clear was delayed after the winner Velox Equus contacted marker pegs rounding the final turn to ensure the gelding had not gained an advantage to the detriment of another runner. Upon review stewards were satisfied that Velox Equus established a run and was then tightened over marker pegs. All clear was then given on the judges numbers.

At a subsequent inquiry it was established that Barllos Pass hung out rounding the final turn and trailing runner Velox Equus which was initially held up for clear running commenced to improve to its inside. Barllos Pass then hung in resulting in contact being made to its sulky wheel by Velox Equus and Velox Equus raced in restricted room and contacted marker pegs. It was further established that as Ms Tormey attempted to relieve the pressure to Velox Equus, Barllos Pass shifted outwards as Goodboy Cowboy (Aaron Dunn) improved to her outside. Goodboy Cowboy then hung in under pressure resulting in contact between these runners. Considering the racing manners of Barllos Pass and the contribution to the incident by both Velox Equus and Goodboy Cowboy, the circumstances were noted on this occasion.

Driver Boris Devcic (Velox Equus) pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 156(2)(a) for his unapproved whip use after he applied the whip with more than a wrist only flicking action when driving out over the latter stages. When considering penalty stewards where mindful of Mr Devcic’s recent driving record in relation to this rule and the HRV minimum penalty guideline. A fine of $400 was imposed.

RACE 9 – EUSTON CLUB RESORT PACE (2190 MS)

Steal Some Time pulled hard during the middle stages.

Jessies Gift tired over the latter stages to be beaten 108m. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare was carrying condition however no further abnormalities were detected. Considering the poor performance Jessies Gift was stood down until the completion of one satisfactory trial.

No action was taken against driver Wayne Hill (Rays Daughter) for failing to adhere to the sectional time requirements while leading. In not taking action stewards took into consideration that Rays Daughter worked forward to lead just at the 1600m, that the lead time was 2 seconds faster than average and that Rays Daughter raced clear while leading.

Driver Ryan Hryhorec (Falcons Lad) was questioned regarding the performance of Falcons Lad which tired to be beaten 82m. Mr Hryhorec was at a loss to explain the disappointing performance which was well below expectations. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities. Falcons Lad will be given one last chance to race competitively. Stewards will follow up with connections in the following days regarding the horse’s post-race recovery.

Driver Michelle Phillips (Mods) pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) for causing interference. Passing the 1600m Ms Phillips directed her drive from a three wide position to the position in the one out line when insufficiently clear of Two Jacs, driven by Aaron Dunn, resulting in Mr Dunn having to check his drive and lose his rightful racing position. In assessing penalty stewards took into consideration Ms Phillips’ good record in relation to this rule, the low-degree of interference and the HRV Minimum Penalty Guidelines. Ms Phillips had her licence to drive in races suspended for a period of 7days to commence 03 June 2022.

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT - 8 JUNE 2022

Andrew Vozlic, trainer of Falcons Lad advised subsequent to the poor performance at Mildura on June 3 2022, that the gelding had recovered well.  Mr.Vozlic stated that Falcons Lad had only recently joined the stable and had taken a few days to settle into a new environment but plans to continue with the current preparation.

RACE 10 – HORSELAND MILDURA PACE (2190 MS)

Reality Player was slow to begin.

Lets Go Exclusive pulled hard while racing outside the leader throughout.

Reality Player raced roughly approaching the 600m.

Driver Aaron Dunn (Havelock) was fined $100 under Rule 162(1)(y) for failing to adhere to the sectional time requirements while leading after racing through the first half of the last mile in 65.2 seconds.

RACE 11 – ONE STOP WHOLESALERS MILDURA PACE (1790 MS)

Trainer Scott Garraway (James Charles) was fined $100 under Rule 273(6)(a) after the gelding was presented to race in the incorrect barrier number.

Mista Pumblechook pulled hard during the latter stages of the score up before showing gate speed.

Feisty Phoebe showed gate speed to lead and pulled hard throughout.

Harry Mckinnis raced roughly under pressure rounding the final turn.

Mista Pumblechook shifted out under pressure in the home straight.

Trainer Rita Burnett (Feisty Phoebe) was queried regarding the seemingly improved performance in comparison to its most recent starts. Ms Burnett attributed the performance to the mare racing down in class and being able to race at a moderate tempo while leading recording a mile rate of 2.01.6.

RACE 12 – TAB LONG MAY WE PLAY PACE (1790 MS)

Aaron Dunn was accepted as a late driving notification on Mexican Standoff due to listed driver Alex Ashwood being indisposed.

Jordan Leedham was accepted as a late driver notification on Elizabethan Era.

Pre and post-race veterinary examinations were conducted on Golden Scribe under the HRV horse welfare policy due to the gelding racing on more than 200 previous occasions. Neither examination revealed any obvious abnormalities.

Overreaction pulled hard during the early stages of the score up.

Puopolo was out of position at the start despite the efforts of its driver and a warning was issued.

Fiftyshades Cresco pulled hard while leading during the middle stages.

Mexican Standoff tired to be beaten 87m. Considering the recent performances of this gelding, Mexican Standoff was stood down for a period of 14 days and until the completion of two satisfactory trials.

Puopolo was held up and unable to obtain clear running over the latter stages.

Driver Jacob Kerridge and trainer Allan MacDonald (Eezee Street) were questioned regarding the tactics adopted on this gelding. Eezee Street worked forward during the early stages and raced outside the leader Fiftyshades Cresco. From the 1200m until entering the back straight on the final occasion, Eezee Street raced on level terms with Fiftyshades Cresco before giving ground to be beaten 29m in 8th placing. A post-race veterinary examination of the mare failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities. Evidence was taken from both Mr Kerridge and Mr MacDonald before the inquiry was adjourned to allow stewards an opportunity to review the previous race starts of this mare and for wagering analysis will be conducted

 08 November 2022.

Stewards concluded an inquiry into the driving tactics of Mr Jacob Kerridge driver of Eezee Street in race 12 at Mildura 03/06/2022. Stewards considered all the evidence inclusive of the comments of Mr Kerridge and trainer Allan McDonough who both stated that the mare had struggled to race competitively when attempting to improve from back in the field in recent starts. Both Mr Kerridge and Mr McDonald also advised that after the mare trialled well leading into this race, they had elected  to drive the mare in a more positive manner. Upon review of Eezee Streets’ trail performance, previous race performances and wagering analysis for the race which failed to reveal any integrity concerns, Stewards where of the opinion the tactics were not unreasonable and noted the performance on this occasion.

Trainer/driver Aaron Coad (Livingontheedge) was questioned regarding the performance of this gelding which gave ground to be beaten 34m in 9th placing. Mr Coad was at a loss to explain the performance however stated that due to resent poor weather conditions, the gelding had missed some work. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities.

 

Kylie Harrison

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 – Hereshecomessassy; Race 4 – Shazzam; Race 5 – Glam Rock; Race 6 – Orama; Blazin Beauty: Race 7 – Wilshire Boulevard; Race 11 – Harry Mckinnis; Race 12 – Elizabethan Era
		Post-Race: Race 1 – Tooby Gold; Race 3 – Major Comment (b/u); Race 5 –United; Race 7 – Celestial Gossip; Race 8 – Velox Equus; Race 11 – Feisty Phoebe; Race 12 – Flame Blaster
Suspensions
Race 3	R Burnett		R163(1)(a)(iii)	2 weeks
Race 9	M Phillips		R163(1)(a)(iii)	7 days
Fines
Race 1	J Leedham		R156(3)	$100
Race 4	R Hryhorec		R162(1)(y)	$100
Race 5	J Leedham		R162(1)(y)	$100
Race 8	B Devcic		R156(2)(a)	$400
Race 10	A Dunn		R162(1)(y)	$100
Race 11	S Garraway		R273(6)(a)	$100
Cautions
Race 1	B Devcic		D/CSG
Race 3	R Burnett		T/CT
Race 7	A Coad		D/CWIR
Horse Actions
Race 7	Atreacherious		ODM/SD1T
Race 9	Jessies Gift		SD1T
Race 12	Mexican Standoff		SD2T/SD14D
Late Scratchings
Nil