Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR MILDURA          

FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2024

	Grant Adams Wayne Smith Wayne Preston Stephen Phelan (Starter) Dr Megan Ginnifer (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 – FRANCIS FAMILY PACE (2190 MS)

ROCKNROLL RANGER – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Weakened over the final stages to finish in 9th position, beaten 65.3m. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to find any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver Mark Riseley explained that he was required to make use of his gelding to lead the event and failed to settle in the run which was likely contributed to the false start. The gelding was placed on its last chance to race competitively.

AUCKLAND LASS – A false start was called at the first attempt when the mare galloped at the starting point and hampered the trailing KEAYANG CRIPPA. At the second attempt, AUCKLAND LASS began badly, trailed the field throughout and will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

CRUZ WITH ROME – Entering the final turn, tightened to the inside of DARK SANDS which shifted in, blundered and paced roughly.

DARK SANDS – Driver Ryan Backhouse pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) for causing interference in that racing into the final turn, he has failed to take reasonable effort to prevent his gelding from shifting in, resulting in CRUZ WITH ROME being tightened, checked and pacing roughly. Mr Backhouse had his licence to drive in races suspended for a period of 7 days which was ordered to commence at midnight, Sunday 24 November 2024 and to expire on Monday 2 December 2024 on which day he may drive. When considering penalty, Stewards were mindful of Mr Backhouse’s guilty plea, driving and offence record and the circumstances attached to this incident.

KEAYANG CRIPPA – Checked and galloped after the start due to the galloping AUCKLAND LASS.

RACE 2 – TOM MCCARTHY – ‘MISS ESTELLE’ PACE (1790 MS)

GUYS BETTOR BET – Examined by the clubs veterinarian prior to and following the event due to the gelding having competed in excess of 200 race starts. No abnormalities were found on either examination. Driver Connor Clarke was placed on notice as to the manner he applied his whip inside the final 200m.

SUNSHINE WARRIOR – Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight. Post-race swab sample obtained.

WATCHING THE BOYS – Hung out on the entry to the first turn. Weakened badly at the 600m to finish in 9th position, beaten 153.7m. A post-race veterinarian examination revealed the gelding to be suffering from Atrial Fibrillation. In accordance with Rule 101C(2)(a), the gelding was stood down from racing for a period of 14 days (NTC), a certificate of fitness including an ECG and one requalifying trial.

SPRING DELIGHT – Paced roughly rounding the first turn.

ALLSOPP – Hung in under pressure inside the final 50m.

RACE 3 – SIMMONS FAMILY PACE (1790 MS)

ROCKING WROXTON – Paced roughly on the entry to the home straight.

YOU LITTLE TERROR – Inconvenienced on the entry to the home straight when taken to the outside of ROCKING WROXTON which paced roughly. Driver Corey Johnson was placed on notice as to the manner he applied his whip inside the final 200m.

SHIREEN – Hung out on the entry to the back straight on the final occasion.

RACE 4 – CAVALLARO FAMILY MAIDEN PACE (1790 MS)

HEART OF OAKLANDS – Paced roughly at the 200m.

KEEP BETTING – Raced keenly between the 1200 and 800m during and following a challenge from MAGGIE MOTH.

MAGIC MATTY – Broke gait free of interference at the 1450m and was placed on its last chance to race truly. Near the 300m, placed in restricted room to the inside of ALIENFROMARMSTRONG which was racing in restricted room to the inside of DIAMOND KRUSHER. Given the circumstances and having considered this matter was not caused by any careless driving, no further action was taken.

MURRA LANE – Inconvenienced at the 1050m when improved onto the back of MAGGIE MOTH as the pace in the event was eased. Raced keenly throughout.

TOUGH AINT ENOUGH – Paced roughly at the 200m.

RACE 5 – ‘QUITE FAMOUS’ PACE (2190 MS)

OZZIE DAYBREAK – Raced keenly throughout.

BARACK ENOBRAC – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

JAZZY MELEA – Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight.

RACE 6 – GRACE HEPWORTH LADIES BRACELET PACE (1790 MS)

GO AWAY AGAIN – Broke gait during the score up, out of position at the start and trailed the field throughout. The horse will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw. Prior to the declaration of all-clear, Stewards considered an application from driver Lochie Cook to be declared a late scratching due to the horse not being afforded a fair start. On review, although accepting the score-up had been slower due to MY ULTIMATE LEVI being slow to come forward, the score-up commenced and GO AWAY AGAIN broke gait free of interference and was found to have an opportunity to participate. The all-clear was subsequently announce.

QUARTZITE – Paced roughly rounding the first turn. Gave ground over the final stages to finish in 7th position, beaten 47.4m. Tightened and contacted marker pegs at the 200m when positioned to the inside of MY ULTIMATE LEVI. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to find any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver Connor Clarke explained that recent changes have been made to the geldings gear which the horse would have appeared to resent and proved disappointing.

POWERSOFPERSUASION – Post-race swab sample obtained.

MODERN GINGER – Raced keenly during the middle stages.

UNITED – Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight.

MY ULTIMATE LEVI – Driver Ryan Sanderson was cautioned for tightening the room of QUARTZITE at the 200m.

RACE 7 – HEPWORTH FAMILY PACE (1790 MS)

MY ULTIMATE BILLY NZ – Gave ground over the final stages to finish in 8th position, beaten 43.3m.

CLYMENUS NZ – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Sustained a flat offside sulky tyre at the 1000m. Broke gait free of interference at the 200m and was placed on its last chance to race truly.

ABOUTTIME – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Driver Steven Matson was fined $200 under Rule 156(3) for applying his whip on more occasions than permitted inside the final 200m.

IDYLLIC – Fractious prior to the start resulting in the score up being delayed. A warning was issued. Broke gait free of interference at the 650m and was placed on its last chance to race truly,

RACE 8 – THURLOW FAMILY PACE (2190 MS)

LOCHINVAR LORENZO – Raced keenly throughout the event.

APOLOGY ACCEPTED – Inconvenienced at the 100m when taken away from ROSCOS RESUE which shifted wider.

LOUIEVILLE – Driver Wayne Hill was fined $100 under Rule 162(1)(h) for failing to come up into position by the starting point. Hung in at various stages.

ROSCOS RESCUE – Driver Rocco Villiva was advised to exercise greater care when shifting ground near the 100m and raced inside the line of APOLOGY ACCEPTED. Mr Villiva was placed on notice as to his loose reining.

RACE 9 – LISTER FAMILY 0-2 LTW PACE (2190 MS)

General –

A false start was called when the mobile barrier arms failed to fully extend to its correct position. The barrier arms were subsequently tested with no further issues found.

WAITPINGA REACTOR – Gave ground over the final stages to finish in 9th position, beaten 43.2m. When questioned regarding the tactics displayed, Driver Ben Loades explained that after using his gelding early and being crossed, he elected to come away from the marker pegs given the gelding was keen, which was likely caused due to the false start. Mr Loades added that near the 700m when the three wide line commenced to improve, he elected to shift wider to ensure he gave his drive an opportunity for clear running and at this stage his gelding was travelling well however, when taken further wider in the back straight, his gelding commence to give ground and proved disappointing. Stewards noted his comments but did advise Mr Loades that he must ensure he does not over drive his horse without providing an opportunity to allow them to finish off the race.

VINCHESKA – Raced keenly during the middle stages. Failed to run on over the final stages to finish in 6th position, beaten 22.5m. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to find any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver Jack Laugher explained that after making use of his drive early to cross to the lead, his filly travelled well but commenced to over race when obtaining cover from HURRICANE HUGO which was detrimental.

Follow up report – Wednesday 20 November 2024

VINCHESKA – Trainer Alex Ashwood has today notified Stewards that following the abovementioned race, VINCHESKA has pulled up with symptoms of a virus and has now commenced treatment.

HURRICANE HUGO – Failed to run on over the final stages to finish in 7th position, beaten 24.5m. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to find any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver Alex Ashwood was at a loss to explain the disappointing run as the gelding had been working well and had a comfortable run today. Mr Ashwood indicated that he intends to obtain blood samples in the coming days for analysis. Stewards will follow up with Mr Ashwood.  

Follow up report – Wednesday 20 November 2024

HURRICANE HUGO – Trainer Alex Ashwood has today notified Stewards that following the abovementioned race, blood samples have been collected which found the gelding to be displaying signs of a virus and has now commenced treatment.

WILLIAMS – Post-race swab sample obtained.

RACE 10 – CHARLES FAMILY PACE (1790 MS)

STONEBRIDGE STAR – Examined by the clubs veterinarian prior to and following the event due to the gelding having competed in excess of 200 race starts. No abnormalities were found on either examination. Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight.

CHEERS POVERTY – Driver Ryan Sanderson was fined $100 under Rule 156(3) for applying his whip on more occasions than permitted over the final 200m.

GLITZY ALL OVER – Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight.

SIR VINCENT – In accordance with the elevated TCO2 policy, the gelding was presented 4h prior to the advertised starting time of the event. Pre-race blood sample obtained.

RACE 11 – BOTTAMS FAMILY PACE (1790 MS)

ULTIMATE ROCKER NZ – Driver Connor Clarke was questioned regarding his tactics displayed during the event. The inquiry has been adjourned to allow Stewards to make further inquiries.  

LOSEASHOE – Weakened over the final stages to finish in 8th position, beaten 67.4m for which a warning was issued. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to find any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver Luke Dunne explained that he had done work in the early stages however overall the gelding was disappointing. Trainer Boris Devcic confirmed his disappointment in the run and advised that he will obtain blood samples in the coming days for analysis. Stewards will follow up with Mr Devcic.

Follow up report – Wednesday 20 November 2024

LOSEASHOE – Trainer Boris Devcic has today notified Stewards that following the abovementioned race, LOSEASHOE has displayed a slow recovery and following several days break, has now recommenced work.

AMERICAN BOXER – Weakened over the final stages to finish in 7th position, beaten 52.3m. Driver Lochie Cook was questioned regarding his tactics displayed during the event. The inquiry has been adjourned to allow Stewards to make further inquiries.  

SPORTING RAGE – Inconvenienced near the 700m when eased as a result of PRIORITISE being taken wider when being retired from the event.

ONLY ONCE BITTEN NZ – Weakened over the final stages to finish in 9th position, beaten 72.1m. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to find any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver Ryan Sanderson explained that after being caught wide early, and the pace being solid, he had expected the pace to ease allowing an easier opportunity to improve, however, as the speed continued, he was required to work harder than planned and this had likely contributed to the disappointing run. A warning was issued.

PRIORITISE – Passing the 900m, sustained a flat offside sulky tyre when being contacted by the trailing RIMU VALLEY NZ. At this stage, PRIORITISE was allowed to shift wider causing RIMU VALLEY NZ wider on the track before PRIORITISE was taken to the outside of the track at the 700m and retired from the event. At a subsequent inquiry, Driver Ben Xiriha was cautioned for careless driving when failing to maintain proper control. In taking no further action Stewards were mindful that Mr Xiriha’s lack of control had been contributed to the interference that he suffered.

RIMU VALLEY NZ – Driver Ryan Backhouse was fined $100 under Rule 168(1)(a) for careless driving when allowing his runner to contact the wheel of PRIORITISE causing a flat tyre passing the 900m. Inconvenienced shortly after when taken away from PRIORITISE which shifted out.  

AZOR AHAI NZ – Inconvenienced near the 700m when eased as a result of PRIORITISE being taken wider when being retired from the event. Driver Alex Ashwood was fined $200 under Rule 156(2)(a) for applying his whip in more than a wrist only flicking motion inside the final 200m.

 

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 1 – Rocknroll Ranger; Race 5 – Barack Enobrac; Race 7 – Clymenus NZ, Abouttime; Race 10 – Sir Vincent.
		Post-Race: Race 2 – Sunshine Warrior; Race 6 – Powerofpersuasion; Race 9 – Williams.
Suspensions
Race 1	Ryan Backhousne		163(1)(a)(iii)	7 Days
Fines
Race 7	Steven Matson		156(3)	$200
Race 8	Wayne Hill		162(1)(h)	$100
Race 10	Ryan Sanderson		156(3)	$100
Race 11	Ryan Backhouse		168(1)(a)	$100
Race 11	Alex Ashwood		156(2)(a)	$200
Cautions
Race 6	Ryan Sanderson		D/CT
Race 11	Ben Xiriha		D/CCD
Horse Actions
Race 1	Auckland Lass		ODM
Race 2	Watching The Boys (101C(2)(a)		SD14D (NTC), SDVC, SDECG, SD1T
Race 6	Go Away Again		ODM
Late Scratchings
Nil

Follow Ups

Race 9 – Hurricane Hugo (Alex Ashwood)

Race 11 – Loseashoe (Boris Devcic)

Adjourned Inquiries

Race 11 – Connor Clarke (QDT) Ultimate Rocker NZ Race 11 – Lochie Cook (QDT) American Boxer

Sulky Fund Claims

Nil

Medical Stand Down

Nil