Stewards Report
Tabcorp Park Melton 15/06/2022
HARNESS RACING VICTORIA
STEWARDS REPORT FOR TABCORP PARK MELTON
WEDNESDAY 15 JUNE 2022
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Brett Day Michael Ross Des Benger Jason Fino (Starter) Dr Richard Cust / Dr Lesley Hawson (Vets) |
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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 – BACCHUS MARSH PACING CUP (1ST HEAT) (2240 MS)
Biggerbetterbest broke passing the 1900m inconveniencing Wingate Guy and Aveiro.
River Patrol NZ was tightened and contacted marker pegs approaching the 200m.
Aveiro was held up over the final stages.
Michael Bellman, driver of River Patrol NZ, explained that River Patrol NZ was first up since April and will derive benefit from the run. Post-race veterinary and endoscopic examination of River Patrol NZ failed to reveal any significant findings (Grade 1 EIPH).
Stewards refrained from taking action against Michael Bellman, driver of the leader River Patrol NZ, for failing to adhere to the minimum sectional time requirements for the first quarter of the last mile which was recorded in 32.4 seconds, 0.4 seconds outside the allowable time. In not taking more severe action against Mr Bellman, Stewards were mindful of the strong wind conditions which were prevailing.
RACE 2 – DNR LOGISTICS PACE (1720 MS)
Wonderforce underwent pre and post-race veterinary examinations in accordance with HRV policy due to the gelding having attained the age of 12 years. Neither examination revealed any significant finding.
Loven Laughter was held up rounding the home turn and in the early part of the straight.
Steven Matson, driver of Silky Smooth Excuse NZ, pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 165(1)(b) in that at approximately the 1400m he permitted the mare to shift in when not sufficiently clear of Fire Official resulting in Fire Official mare being tightened and losing its rightful position. In assessing penalty Stewards took into account the relevant considerations as outlined within the HRV Stewards Minimum Penalty Guidelines placing particular weight on Mr Matson’s guilty plea, his good recent record and the low degree of interference involved. Stewards accordingly imposed a two week suspension of his licence to drive in races which was ordered to commence at midnight on 15 June 2022.
Steven Matson, driver of Silky Smooth Excuse NZ, was fined $100 under Rule 156(3) for using the whip in an unapproved manner in that inside the final 200m he applied the whip to the mare on more occasions than is permitted.
RACE 3 – HIP POCKET WORKWEAR TROT (1720 MS)
Beware The Fury was out of position at the start and will now be placed on its last chance in the draw.
Major Max broke after the start and will continue to be placed outside the draw in future mobile start events.
Beware The Fury broke passing the 600m. In view of the gelding’s recent poor record Beware The Fury will now be stood down from racing for a period of 14 days and until trialling to the satisfaction of Stewards on two consecutive occasions.
Waikare Colleen pulled hard during the middle stages.
Cheermeonimdancin broke under pressure inside the final 200m.
RACE 4 – CATANACH'S JEWELLERS TROT (1720 MS)
The Quaker was out of position at the start for which a warning was issued.
Astro broke on two occasions clear of interference and will now be placed on its last chance to race truly. In not taking more severe action against Astro Stewards were mindful of the time which had elapsed since the gelding offended in a similar manner.
Astro and Keayang Remi locked wheels briefly passing the 200m after Astro had broken gait.
Singing The Girl commenced to tire passing the 400m inconveniencing Astro with Singing The Girl ultimately being beaten 59m. A warning was placed on the record of Singing The Girl.
Stewards refrained from taking action against Anthony Butt, driver of the leader Jessicas Story, for failing to adhere to the minimum sectional time requirements for the second quarter of the last mile which was recorded in 32.9 seconds, 0.9 seconds outside the allowable time. In not taking more severe action against Mr Butt Stewards were mindful of the strong wind conditions which were prevailing.
RACE 5 - GARRARDS HORSE & HOUND PACE (1720 MS)
Glen Craven, driver of Ghost Of Time, was questioned regarding the performance of the horse which finished in 6th placing beaten 18m. Mr Craven explained that Ghost Of Time failed to travel from the 400m and proved disappointing. Post-race veterinary and endoscopic examination of Ghost Of Time failed to reveal any significant findings.
RACE 6 – NUTRIEN PACE (2240 MS)
Lexus On The Beach underwent pre and post-race veterinary examinations in accordance with HRV policy due to the gelding having started in more than 200 races. Neither examination revealed any obvious abnormalities.
Robert Leonard, trainer of Our Uncle Jim, was fined $50 under Rule 210 for failing to declare Jordan Leedham as the driver of the gelding by the required time.
Lexus On The Beach tired over the concluding stages to be beaten in excess of 80m. The gelding will now be placed on its last chance to race competitively.
Andy Gath, trainer of Mr Bohannon NZ, was questioned regarding the performance of the gelding. Mr Gath explained he felt the performance was mostly attributable to Mr Bohannon NZ improving three wide during a relatively fast lead time and being positioned outside the leader without cover thereafter. Mr Gath further added that Mr Bohannon NZ has been somewhat disappointing in its most recent starts. Post-race veterinary and endoscopic examination of Mr Bohannon NZ failed to reveal any significant findings (Grade 2 EIPH).
RACE 7 – BACCHUS MARSH PACING CUP (2ND HEAT) (2240 MS)
Trembita was a declared a late scratching at 6.41 pm when delayed on-course.
Bellasteel and A Perfect Dance pulled hard during the early and middle stages.
A Perfect Dance was held up rounding the home turn and in the early stage of the straight.
RACE 8 – MIMOSA HOMES TROT (2240 MS)
The score up was aborted on the first occasion when The Sargent had its tongue over the bit. At the second attempt Sarahleonie Bow, which was fractious during the score up, broke shortly after and will now be placed on its last chance in the draw.
Penelope broke during the score up and will continue to be placed outside the draw in future mobile start events.
One Over Da Son NZ tired over the concluding stages to be beaten 53m, however in view of the significant margin between second and third placings (22m) no action was taken.
Sonnyboy, which pulled hard throughout whilst leading, tired over the concluding stages to be beaten 97m. Sonnyboy will now be placed on its last chance to race competitively.
Fling It Rainbow tired over the concluding stages to be beaten 101m and will now be placed on its last chance to race competitively. In not taking more severe action against Fling It Rainbow Stewards were mindful of the significant margin between second and third placing of 22m.
Chris Alford, driver of The Sargent, explained he allowed the gelding to improve three wide passing the 1200m as he felt the speed of the event had slowed significantly when Meydan obtained the position leading the two wide line. Mr Alford further added that he was mindful Meydan was positioned some distance away from the leader, which combined with the speed slowing, he felt indicated that The Sargent may be able to obtain the position ahead of that runner. Mr Alford added that upon improving to the outside of Meydan it was clear that runner would not be surrendering that position and consequently he improved forward in the hope that he would be able to obtain the position following Meydan as the speed increased which almost eventuated when Fling It Rainbow was unable to fully occupy its position following Meydan. Mr Alford further added that passing the 800m Fling It Rainbow commenced to give ground where he attempted to obtain the position following Meydan however misjudged this slightly and made contact with the outside sulky wheel of Meydan resulting in The Sargent breaking gait. Upon review of the available replays and Mr Alford’s explanation Stewards were satisfied in the circumstances that the tactics adopted were not unreasonable however he was fined $100 under Rule 168(1)(a) for careless driving for contacting the sulky of Meydan.
The all clear of this event was delayed when to review the gait of Constantinople approaching the finish. Upon review Stewards determined that Constantinople had paced for approximately two strides prior to the finish, however in view of the 22m margin between Constantinople and 3rd placed Chinski NZ no action was deemed necessary. Constantinople was subsequently stood down from racing for a period of 10 days and until trialling to the satisfaction of stewards in view of its recent record and mindful of the short distance in which Constantinople switched to the incorrect gait.
RACE 9 – RUNNERS RELIEF PACE (2240 MS)
The start of this event was delayed when A Rocknroll Waltz required a gear adjustment.
Five Star Shark broke during the initial stages of the score up and shifted in inconveniencing A Rocknroll Waltz. A warning was placed on the record of Five Star Shark.
Atlantas pulled hard during the middle stages.
Our Tempo raced roughly and shifted out passing the 1000m.
Our Tempo, Mcardom and A Rocknroll Waltz tired over the concluding stages to be beaten in excess of 100m and these runners will be required to trial to the satisfaction of stewards prior to racing again.
Post-race veterinary and endoscopic examination of A Rocknroll Waltz failed to reveal any significant findings.
RACE 10 – ALABAR 3YO PACE (1720 MS)
Kate Gath, driver of Holzhauer ($2.15), was questioned regarding the performance of the colt which finished in 5th placing beaten 21m. Mrs Gath explained that Holzhauer, in her opinion, was disappointing and added that Holzhauer appeared to be displaying an elevated respiratory rate following the event. Post-race veterinary and endoscopic examination of Holzhauer failed to reveal any significant findings. Mrs Gath advised it was the stables intention to have blood tests conducted in the coming days and undertook to report those findings to Stewards.
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT - 22 JUNE 2022
Andy Gath, trainer of Holzhauer advised subsequent to the poor performance at Tabcorp Park Melton on June 15 2022, that the colt had a mild virus. Mr.Gath stated Holzhauer has been treated accordingly and would have a couple of light weeks before continuing with the current preparation.
RACE 11 – LOGICAL STAFFING SOLUTIONS 2YO PACE (1720 MS)
The start of this event was delayed avoiding a clash with Race 10 from Ballarat.
Lizzies Legacy NZ was fractious during the middle stages of the score up before breaking shortly after however filled its allotted position. Lizzies Legacy NZ will now be placed on its last chance in the draw.
Whos Watching Lily was held up rounding the home turn and in the early part of the straight.
Hold On To Me tired over the concluding stages to be beaten 59m, however in view of the significant margin between 1st and 2nd placings no action was taken.
RACE 12 – TAB TROT (2240 MS)
Stewards will inquire into the reasons for Jennysfavourite breaking passing the 300m.
Joe Attard, driver of Buslin Brody, was fined $200 under Rule 156(2)(a) for using the whip with more than a wrist only flicking motion inside the final 300m.
Baarlinee tired over the concluding stages to be beaten in excess of 100m and will now be required to trial to the satisfaction of stewards prior to racing again.
Brett Day
Chairman
‘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 – River Patrol NZ; Race 2 – Twenty Two Karat; Race 3 – Waikare Colleen; Race 4 – Astro; Race 5 – Heaven Attracts; Race 6 – Major Mal; Race 7 – A Perfect Dance; Race 8 – Meydan, Sonnyboy, Fling It Rainbow; Race 9 – Mcardom; Race 10 – Younggiftedandblack NZ, Our True Colours; Race 11 – Lizzies Legacy NZ; Race 12 - Jennysfavourite |
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Post-Race: Race 1 – Mystic Castle; Race 2 – Silky Smooth Excuse NZ, Island Rocknroll; Race 3 – Sierra Kea; Race 4 – Jessicas Story; Race 5 – Hurricane Hussler; Race 6 – Major Mal; Race 7 – Stir Me Up; Race 8 - Meydan; Race 9 – Magic Craft; Race 10 – Ooga Chaka; Race 11 – Snow Hunter; Race 12 – Countess Chiron |
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Suspensions |
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Race 2 |
S Matson |
R165(1)(b) |
2 weeks |
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Fines |
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Race 2 |
S Matson |
R156(3) |
$100 |
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Race 6 |
R Leonard |
R210 |
$50 |
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Race 8 |
C Alford |
R168(1)(a) |
$100 |
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Race 12 |
J Attard |
R156(2) |
$200 |
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Cautions |
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Race 9 |
C Stanaway |
D/CSP |
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Horse Actions |
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Race 3 |
Major Max |
CODM |
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Race 3 |
Beware The Fury |
SD14D/SD2T |
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Race 8 |
Constantinople |
SD10D/SD1T |
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Race 8 |
Penelope |
CODM |
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Race 9 |
Mcardom |
SD1T |
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Race 9 |
Our Tempo |
SD1T |
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Race 9 |
A Rocknroll Waltz |
SD1T |
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Race 12 |
Baarlinee |
SD1T |
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Late Scratchings |
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Race 7 |
Trembita |
6.41 pm |
Stewards Permission |
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