Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR MELTON         

SATURDAY 13 DECEMBER 2025

	Grant Adams Elliot Turner Tom Bick    Jason Fino (Starter) John Packer (Assistant Starter) Dr Richard Cust, Dr Nick Branson, Dr Virgina Brosnan (Vet)
	Track:    Good	Weather:	Overcast / Showery

 

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

 

GENERAL

Following a track inspection carried out by Stewards at approximately 4:15 pm, after heavy rainfall, the track surface was found to have suffered significant damage. Remedial work was required, particularly between the 500m and 200m, where large corrugations were present.

Following a further inspection at 6:00 pm, the damage had been rectified, and the track surface was deemed safe and suitable for racing.

An inquiry into an alleged incident involving licensed participants Mr Craig Demmler and Ms Taylor Ford will be conducted on Tuesday, 16 December 2025.

Supplementary Report – Tuesday, 16 December 2025

Taylor Ford pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 231(2) for misconduct, relating to inappropriate comments directed at Mr Craig Demmler prior to the running of Race 7. Ms Ford was fined $500, with the penalty wholly suspended for a period of two years, on the condition of good behaviour and that no further offences are committed during this period. In determining penalty, Stewards were mindful of Ms Ford’s guilty plea, licence history, offence record, and the nature of the comments made.

RACE 1 – VALE NEVILLE GATH PACE (1720 MS)

SWEETNIKKILOU – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

PETRACCA – Trainer Emma Stewart was fined $100 under Rule 268A(1) for failing to have lodged a gear form for the horse. In assessing penalty, Stewards were mindful of Ms Stewart’s recent poor record. Post-race swab sample obtained.

HES FROM HAVEN NZ – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

DANGEROUS – Examined by the clubs veterinarian prior to the event and passed fit to race.

BULLETPROOF BOY – 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.  

RACE 2 – WOODLANDS STUD BREEDERS CROWN (3YO COLTS & GELDINGS) FINAL (GROUP 2) (2240 MS)

SOHO THE REAL DEAL – Weakened over the final 700 metres to finish in 11th position, beaten 60.1 metres, for which a warning was issued. A post-race veterinary examination, including an endoscopic assessment, revealed no abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver/Trainer Michael Stanley stated that after being required to make early use of the colt in an attempt to obtain the peg line, the horse failed to run on late. Mr Stanley added that at this grade the colt is best suited when able to secure a position on the pegs. He further advised that the horse will be leaving his stable and will be placed in Western Australia for the foreseeable future.

MY ULTIMATE JIMMY NZ – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

ITS CONFIDENTIAL – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Driver Nathan Jack was reminded of his obligations when allowing his left foot to move down from the footrest when attempting to release approved gear.

CAPTAIN PERFECT – Post-race swab sample obtained.

MAXBECA – Weakened over the final 700m to finish in 12th position, beaten 89.9m for which a warning was issued. A post-race veterinarian examination, including an endoscopic assessment failed to find any abnormalities.

RACE 3 – HYLAND RACING COLOURS BREEDERS CROWN (2YO FILLIES) FINAL (GROUP 2) (2240 MS)

General

At approximately 7:30pm and following the fields pre-race preliminary, Stewards ordered for all horses to be removed from the track with storm activity within the Melton precinct.

Stewards ordered that all races be put back one timeslot with Race 9 be rescheduled to commence at 11:14pm.

BETTOR BEACH – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

ONE MILLIE – Trainer Emma Stewart was fined $50 under Rule 210 for failing to declare Ryan Sanderson as the driver by the prescribed time.

ARRHYTHMIA – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Post-race swab sample obtained.

BELIEVEITOR NOT – Broke gait shortly after the start and will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

DEGARMEA TEALE – A post-race veterinarian examination revealed the filly to be displaying lameness in both fore limbs and acting under veterinarian advice, the filly was stood down pending a clearance of fitness.

ROCKNROLL WILLOW – Near the 250 metres shifted in and contacted the racing line of DEGARMEA TEALE, causing that runner to be taken slightly wider, before being corrected.

RACE 4 – MIMOSA HOMES BREEDERS CROWN (2YO TROTTERS FILLIES) FINAL (GROUP 1) (2240 MS)

General

The all-clear was delayed affording Stewards the opportunity to review the start and determine whether MEVIA, which broke gait, was afforded a fair start. Upon review, Stewards were satisfied that MEVIA galloped free of interference, and the all-clear was subsequently announced.

GLADIATRIX – Broke gait shortly after the start, trailed the field thereafter and will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

ALDEBARAN ADA – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Broke gait during the score up and was placed on its last chance in the mobile barrier draw. Commenced to give ground from the 400m and shortly thereafter broke gait free of interference. A post-race veterinarian examination, including an endoscopic assessment, revealed no abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver Taylor Youl stated that when the pace quickened her filly was left flat-footed, was unable to make the pace, and lost ground, which contributed to the filly breaking gait.

ADELAIDE RED – Post-race swab sample obtained.

MEVIA – Broke gait during the score up, out of position at the start and trailed the field throughout. The filly will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

HARPERSEVEN – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Broke gait during the score up and was placed on its last chance in the mobile barrier draw.   

CHANTILLY LASS – Broke gait during the score up, out of position at the start and will continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw. Near the 300m, checked and lost ground when caught behind the weakening ALDEBARAN ADA.

IJUSTCANTSEEIT – Broke gait free of interference at the 2100m.

RACE 5 – BETAVET BREEDERS CROWN (2YO TROTTERS COLTS & GELDINGS) FINAL (GROUP 1) (2240 MS)

KEAYANG BAZLENKA – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Post-race swab sample obtained.

COOPER KAI – Weakened over the final 800m to finish in 12th position, beaten 74.3m for which a warning was issued. A post-race veterinarian examination, including an endoscopic assessment failed to find any abnormalities.

UNCLAD – Trotted roughly shortly after the start. Held up for clear running until passing the 100m.

MUNNY THE MUNSTER – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

RACE 6 – NUTRIEN EQUINE BREEDERS CROWN (3YO FILLIES) FINAL (GROUP 2) (2240 MS)

WATERMAIN LADY – Began badly when galloping away and will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw. After rejoining the rear of the field from the 1000m, the filly commenced to give ground and weakened to finish in 12th position, beaten 119.5m. Given the lost ground due to the early error, no action was taken as to the performance.  

GOLDEN SHOOZ – Badly held up for clear running rounding the final turn and until the 100m.

LETS GO LORNA – Inconvenienced inside the final 100m when placed in restricted room between PEACH OUT and BRINGSUSJOY.

PEACE OUT – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Driver Lleyton Green reported that, from the front-line draw, he drove his filly positively early to maintain the lead and gain an advantage over the favourite, BEACH DIAMOND. He added that his filly was slightly disappointing late and noted that this was the first time the filly had been used in this manner over the longer distance.

JOYRIDE – Presented in accordance with the requirements of the elevated TCO2 policy. Pre-race blood sample obtained. Inconvenienced inside the final 100m when placed in restricted room between PEACE OUT and SMIRKIN SERENE.

BEACH DIAMOND – Post-race swab sample obtained.

SMIRKIN SERENE – Checked after the start when taken in to avoid the galloping WATERMAIN LADY. Inconvenienced and paced roughly when the pace in the event was eased near the 1650m.

SURFE LA MER – Inconvenienced when the pace in the event was eased near the 1650m.

SOHO AMERICANO – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

RACE 7 – HYLAND RACING COLOURS BREEDERS CROWN (3YO TROTTING FILLIES) FINAL (GROUP 1) (2240 MS)

KEAYANG KURKI – Post-race swab sample obtained.

I AM WILMA – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Broke gait shortly after the start and will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

GATESYS GEM – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

CARLA PIXIE NZ – Broke gait during the score up, out of position at the start and will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

PROHIBITED GRACE – Broke gait during the score up, out of position at the start and will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

RACE 8 – HYGAIN EDGE BREEDERS CROWN (3YO TROTTING COLTS & GELDINGS) FINAL (GROUP 1) (2240 MS)

VYTIS – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

MECARNO – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Post-race swab sample obtained.

ALDEBARAN ABEL – Weakened over the final stages to finish in 11th position, beaten 63.0m. No action was taken.

THE DARK THUNDER – Due to the gelding being placed ODM at its prior start (Kilmore 11 December 2025), the gelding was listed as EOD and commenced from the outside of the 2nd line in barrier 12.

LILLYS TIGER – Weakened over the final stages to finish in 10th position, beaten 50.7m. No action was taken.

ZARSKI – Slow to score up, out of position at the start and will continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw. Weakened over the final stages to finish in 12th position, beaten 116.7m. A post-race veterinarian examination, including an endoscopic assessment, revealed a Grade 3 EIPH. In accordance with HRV policy, ZARSKI was stood down from racing for a period of 28 days (21 NTC), until a certificate of fitness is submitted and the completion of one satisfactory requalifying trial.

RACE 9 – IRT BREEDERS CROWN (2YO COLTS & GELDINGS) FINAL (GROUP 2) (2240 MS)

LOUCASSO – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Post-race swab sample obtained.

MISTER AMERICANO – Inconvenienced after the start when taken away from the galloping RAZOR HORIZON. A post-race veterinarian examination, including an endoscopic assessment revealed the colt to be suffering from an epiglottic entrapment. In accordance with veterinary recommendations, MISTER AMERICANO was stood down from racing for a period of 28 days (NTC) and until a certificate of fitness is submitted.

RAZOR HORIZON – Broke gait shortly after the start and will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw. Weakened over the final stages to finish in 8th position, beaten 147.1m. A post-race veterinarian examination, including an endoscopic assessment failed to find any abnormalities. Trainer/Driver Anthony Butt reported that after making an early error, his colt failed to settle in the run and will now be spelled. RAZOR HORIZON was stood down until it completes one requalifying trial.

LUVTOBEUPTOME – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

COOPER CHUBB – Commenced to lose ground and weakened with 1200m to travel to finish in 10th position, beaten 253.9m. A post-race veterinarian examination, including an endoscopic assessment, revealed a Grade 3 EIPH. In accordance with HRV policy, COOPER CHUBB was stood down from racing for a period of 28 days (21 NTC), until a certificate of fitness is submitted and the completion of one satisfactory requalifying trial. Driver Michael Bellman was unable to offer any explanation as to the disappointing performance.

CARDIGAN DAN – Inconvenienced after the start when taken away from the galloping RAZOR HORIZON.

SOHO MAJESTIC – Raced keenly throughout the event. Weakened from the 800m before being pulled up and retired from the event at the 200m. A post-race veterinarian examination, including an endoscopic assessment, failed to reveal any abnormalities. Driver Michael Stanley reported that, due to the manner in which the colt weakened, he was of the view that something was amiss and therefore pulled the horse up. Mr Stanley further advised that the colt will now be spelled. SOHO MAJESTIC was stood down from racing until it completes one requalifying trial.

SNIPPET – Raced fiercely throughout the event before improving three wide from the 1350m. Driver Russell Maisner reported that he intended to maintain a marker peg position during the run, however, after the colt over raced and failed to settle in the early stages, he was required to shift out into the running line rounding the first turn. Mr Maisner added that from this position the colt continued to over race, and for this reason he elected to improve three wide near the 1350m. When unable to obtain a forward position and racing towards the winning post with a lap remaining, he was then able to restrain his drive back. Mr Maisner further stated that this was the first time the horse had performed in such a manner and that the colt would now be spelled. Stewards noted his comments and placed the colt on its last chance to race truly.

ROMEO – Raced keenly throughout the event. Approaching the 600m, after commencing to weaken, broke gait for a short distance before shifting in and racing inside the line of marker pegs. A post-race veterinarian examination, including an endoscopic assessment, revealed no significant findings other than a grade 1 EIPH. Driver Chris Alford reported that, due to the colt over racing, he was of the view that ROMEO had choked down, which caused the horse to gallop and lose its gait. In view of the performance, ROMEO was stood down from racing until it completes one requalifying trial.

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 – Sweetnikilou, Hes From Heafven NZ; Race 2 – My Ultimate Jimmy NZ, Its Confidential; Race 3 – Bettor Beach, Arrhythmia; Race 4 – Aldebaran Ada, Harperseven; Race 5 – Keayang Bazlenka, Munny The Munster; Race 6 – Peace Out, Joyride, Soho Americano; Race 7 – I Am Wilma, Gatesys Gem; Race 8 – Vytis, Mecarno; Race 9 – Loucasso, Luvtobeuptome.
		Post-Race: Race 1 – Petracca; Race 2 – Captain Perfect;Race 3 – Arrhythmia; Race 4 – Adelaide Red; Race 5 – Keayang Kazlenka; Race 6 – Beach Diamond; Race 7 – Keayang Kurki; Race 8 – Mecarno; Race 9 – Loucasso.
Suspensions
Nil
Fines
Race 1	Emma Stewart		268A(1)	$100
Race 3	Emma Stewart		210	$50
Cautions
Nil
Horse Actions
Race 3	Believeitor Not		ODM
Race 3	Degarmea Teale		SDVC
Race 4	Gladiatrix		ODM
Race 4	Mevia		ODM
Race 4	Chantilly Lass		CODM
Race 6	Watermain Lady		ODM
Race 7	I Am Wilma		ODM
Race 7	Carla Pixie NZ		ODM
Race 7	Prohibited Grace		ODM
Race 8	Zarski		CODM, SD28D (21 NTC), SDVC, SD1T
Race 9	Mister Americano		SD28D(NTC), SDVC
Race 9	Razor Horizon		ODM, SD1T
Race 9	Cooper Chubb		SD28D (21 NTC), SDVC, SD1T
Race 9	Soho Majestic		SD1T
Race 9	Romeo		SD1T
Late Scratchings
Nil

Follow Ups

Nil

Adjourned Inquiries

Nil

Sulky Fund Claims

Nil

Medical Stand Down

Nil