Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR MILDURA

FRIDAY 11 AUGUST 2023

	Adrian Crowther Tom Bick Wayne Smith Peter Lamb (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 – THE FRENWOODS 30’s PACE(1st Heat) (1790 MS)

Our Grand Torino- held up for clear running around the home turn.

Fortitudo- inconvenienced on the first turn as Rocking Wroxton broke, sulky contacted by Valbarann.

Highchair- inconvenienced after the start by the galloping For Tony NZ.

For Tony NZ- began `badly and was placed out of the mobile barrier draw.

Daysie Brown- checked on the first turn as Rocking Wroxton broke.

Rocking Wroxton- broke free of interference on the first turn after crossing to lead. Driver Corey Johnson reported that a sulky tyre popped at that stage and his drive took fright and broke, placed on last chance to race truly. Pulled up from the race due to the flat tyre.

Unethical- underwent pre and post race vet exams due to not having started for twelve months- no abnormalities apparent.

Valbarann- pulled hard and hung out in the score up- last chance in draw. Checked by the galloping Rocking Wroxton on the first turn and contacted the sulky of Fortitudo and broke.

Pet Kitty- refused to score up, then broke in the score up and took no competitive part in the event. Placed out of the mobile barrier draw and stood down from racing pending the completion of a satisfactory trial.

Ronzel Sunny- out of position at the start and will continue out of the draw. Inconvenienced on the first turn as Rocking Wroxton broke.

 

RACE 2 –EUSTON CLUB RESORT 2YO &3YO  PACE (1790 MS)

Maywyn Bonton Boy- broke free of interference near the 600 metres and placed on his last chance to race truly.

Royal Blue Bell- delayed start due to gear adjustments. Broke for most of the duration of the score up , significantly out of position at the start and trailed the field throughout. Due to the filly’s intractability she was placed out of the mobile barrier draw and is required to complete a satisfactory trial prior to racing.

Branson- inconvenienced near the 600 metres as Maywyn Bonton Boy broke. Hung in slightly near the 400 metres, briefly locking wheels with Miss Poppys Friend which had hung out at the same stage. Hung in under pressure in the home straight.

Classic Watch- hung in contacting marker pegs near the 750 metres.

Goodtime Jazzi- inconvenienced as Maywyn Bonton Boy broke in the back straight.

Brewski- inconvenienced as Maywyn Bonton Boy broke in the back straight.

Dynasty Stride- inconvenienced and taken onto marker pegs when Maywyn Bonton Boy broke in the back straight.

 

RACE 3 – THE FRENWOOD 30’s  PACE(2nd heat) (1790 MS)

Egbert- broke in the score up and placed on last chance in the mobile barrier draw.

Des Troy- held up for clear running around the home turn.

Tashs Mate- held up for clear running around the home turn.

 

RACE 4 – VERDE@ THE GATEWAY PACE (2190 MS)

Lochster- broke in the score up- warning issued.

You Little Terror- hung in and raced roughly in the early stages, restrained to the rear before breaking free of interference- placed on last chance to race truly.

Lilbitahenrytee- held up and unable to obtain clear running.

RACE 5 – RENEW YOUR MHRC MEMBERSHIP  PACE (2190 MS)

The start of this race was delayed due to Geelong gallops Race 5 running behind schedule and was shown on Sky 2.

Steal Some Time- began badly and was placed out of the mobile barrier draw.

Cheers Poverty- obtained an inside run nearing the finish.

Woody Nightshade- gave ground from the 400 metres.

Half Moon Beach- pulled hard and tended to hang out whilst leading. Driver Andrew Vozlic fined $100 pursuant to AHRR 162(1)(www)( c) for permitting his drive to shift out under driving in the middle stages of the home straight.

Apache Wind- inconvenienced after the start when Steal Some Time began badly.

 

RACE 6 – TASCO PETROLEUM  PACE (2190 MS)

The  start of this race was delayed due to Ipswich gallops Race 7 running behind schedule.

Starvin Marvin- held up for clear running around the home turn and early in the home straight.

Dennis- driver Luke Dunne fined $200 pursuant to AHRR 156(3) for using his whip with more than the permitted number of whip strikes over the final 200 metres.

Caulonia Terror- driver Kathy Watson cautioned for failing to have her drive in position at the start. Held up behind Cheyelle on the home turn.

Cheyella- pulled hard outside the leader. Driver Laura Crossland explained that her drive had contacted its own sulky wheel throughout the race and as a result she was unable to settle the mare, causing her to weaken over the concluding stages.

Rick Reilly- hung in towards the 400 metres.

Sahara Tiger- held up for clear running around the home turn.

Bernie Winkle- pre and post race veterinary exams due to number of lifetime starts, no abnormalities apparent.

RACE 7 – MCDONALDS MILDURA AND IRYMPLE  PACE (2190 MS)

The start of this race was delayed by Ipswich gallops Race 6 running behind schedule and was shown on Sky 2.

Frankntank- held up and unable to obtain clear running.

Abstractor- broke in the score up and was placed on last chance in the draw.

Neds Beach- inconvenienced in the score up before resuming his gait and fulfilling correct position.

Alexis Rocket NZ- inconvenienced in the score up and then pulled hard in the score up.

RACE 8 – ZILZIE WINES PACE (1790 MS)

In the score up on the first occasion Ultimate Trouble contacted the barrier arm some 50 metres before the start point. Renko then baulked as a consequence and broke, coming back onto Tupelo Beach which was checked and broke. A false start was then called. The start was further delayed due to gear adjustments to Two Sock Creek. Subsequent to the race driver J Laugher(Two Sock Creek)reported that his drive had pulled very hard in the first score up and then when the false start was called, and as a consequence the nearside  rein burr pushed forward onto the bit burr requiring adjustment.

Tupelo Beach- pulled hard and was then held up for clear running around the home turn.

Two Sock Creek- was fractious and reluctant to score up on the second occasion, and also broke on two occasions  when scoring up. Given the previous false start and gear issues in the first score up a warning was placed on the gelding’s starting manners.

Talent Agent NZ- driver Declan Murphy pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to AHRR 156(3) for using his whip after crossing the finish line. Mr Murphy’s licence to drive in races was suspended for a period of seven days, commencing at midnight 16/8/2023.

  

 

RACE 9 NORTHERN REGION CHAMPIONSHIP  FINAL PACE (2190 MS)

 The start of this race was delayed by Ipswich gallops Race 7 running behind schedule.

Chirripo- driver Laura Crossland  reported that her drive had contacted its own sulky at various stages of the race.

Luv Me Or Hate Me- hung in after the start, then continued to hang in throughout the race before giving ground. A warning was issued.

Beach Time- worked forward in the middle stage before giving ground to be beaten 57 metres- warning issued.

Couldn’t Recommend- held up and inconvenienced around the home turn as Beach Time gave ground.  

 

RACE 10 –  J&A MAZZETTI PAINTING CONTRACTORS  PACE (1ST HEAT) (219

Denzil Debro- hung out in the score up then pulled hard in running.

Flame Blaster- held up for clear running round the home turn.

Gojoe- held up for clear running around the home turn.

Toby O’Gara- momentarily inconvenienced early in the home straight.

Tact Fergie NZ- underwent pre and post race veterinary exams due to not having started in a race for over 12 months, no abnormalities apparent. Stewards  opened an Inquiry into comments allegedly made by driver Andrew Vozlic at the conclusion of the race towards driver Jordan Chibnall(Gojoe).After taking evidence from the two drivers and from HRV Starter Peter Lamb the matter was adjourned to a time and date to be fixed.

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT 22/1/24

HRV Stewards Inquiry - Mr Andrew Vozlic.

On 15 January 2024, the Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards concluded an Inquiry into the conduct of licensed trainer and driver Mr Andrew Vozlic.

The Inquiry related to incidents following the running of race 10 at Mildura on 11 August 2023.

During the Inquiry, the HRV Stewards heard evidence from Mr Vozlic, Ms Jordan Chibnall, HRV Starter Peter Lamb and HRV Swab Official Julie Smith. After considering the evidence, the HRV Stewards issued two (2) charges to Mr Vozlic pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 231(2), which states “A person shall not misconduct himself in any way”.

The particulars of charge 1 related to a comment made by Mr Vozlic to licensed driver Jordan Chiball while pulling up on the track following the race.

The particulars of charge 2 related to a comment made by Mr Vozlic to HRV Starter Peter Lamb whilst in the vicinity of licensed driver Jordan Chibnall while exiting the track through the parade ring following the race.

Mr Vozlic pleaded not guilty to both charges.

After considering all of the evidence tendered throughout the Inquiry, the Stewards found Mr Vozlic guilty of both charges.

In determining penalty, the Stewards took into consideration the following factors:

1. Mr Vozlic’s not guilty pleas.
2. The nature of the comments made in both instances.
3. Mr Vozlic’s licence and offence record with regard to conduct related matters.
4. Relevant penalty precedents.
5. The principles of specific and general deterrence.

The HRV Stewards imposed a fine of $2000, of which $500 was suspended for two years on the condition that Mr Vozlic not re-offend in that period.

Mr Vozlic was apprised of his rights of appeal.

RACE 11 – PARK DOUGLAS PRINTING PACE (1790 MS)

Reality Player- raced roughly in the score up.

Chogi- out of position at the start- warning issued.

Le Spartacus- held up for clear running around the home turn.

 

RACE 12 – THE GATEWAY PACE(2190 MS).

Auckland Lass- gave ground from the 400 metres.

Watchmedance- fractious before the start and placed on last chance in the draw. Checked and broke on the first turn when being crossed by Westbro.

Westbro- shied and shifted out at the winning post the first time, resulting in Watchmedance briefly racing to the inside of Westbro before being restrained.

Driver Andrew Vozlic was found guilty of a charge pursuant to AHRR 165(1)(b) for failing to be the required on metre clear of the extended front legs of Watchmedance when crossing to the lead into the first turn,  contributing to that runner being checked and breaking. Mr Vozlics licence to drive was suspended for three weeks, commencing at midnight on 20 August. In determining penalty Stewards took into consideration HRV Minimum Penalty guidelines, the nature of the first turn incident, Mr Vozlic’s record, driving frequency and that he reserved his plea to the charge.

Yering Soho- held up for clear running around the home turn.

Adrian Crowther

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 – Rocking Wroxton; Race 3- Mista Pumblechook ; Race 4 – Storm Stride; Race 6 – Yorkshire NZ; Race 7 – Abstractor; Race 8 – Stormont Star; Race 9 – Online Model; Race 10 –Tact Fergie NZ; Race 12- Tale Of The Dragon
	Post-Race: Race 1 – Ronzel Sunny Race 3 – Abbey Fields; Race 5 – Siangdi; Race 6– Dennis; Race 9 –Chirripo; Race 10 – Sinister; Race 11- Sinister
Si
Suspensions
Race 8 Race 12		Declan Murphy Andrew Vozlic	R156(3) R165(1)(b)	7 days 3 weeks
Fines
Race 5		Andrew Vozlic	R162(1)(www)(c)	$100
Race 6		Luke Dunne	R156(3)	$200
Cautions
Race 4		K Watson	D/CSU
Horse Actions
Race 1		Pet Kitxty	SD1T ODM
Race 1		Ronzel Sunny	CODM
Race 1		For Tony	ODM
Race 2 Race 5		Royal Blue Bell Steal Some Time	SD1T ODM   ODM
Late Scratchings

Follow Ups

Adjourned Inquiries

Race 10- Andrew Vozlic/Jordan Chibnall - Conduct

Sulky Fund Claims