Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR MELTON          

SATURDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2025

	Grant Adams Elliot Turner Daniel Borg   Jason Fino (Starter) Dr Richard Cust, Dr Virigina Brosnan (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 – BENSTUD STANDARDBREDS FREE FOR ALL (1720 MS)

General

The start of this event was delayed by approximately seven minutes due to BULLETPROOF BOY requiring farrier attention.

DANGEROUS – Post-race swab sample obtained.

TRIPLE EIGHT NZ – Racing into the first turn, placed in restricted room to the inside of UBETCHA TIGERPIE, which was taken in slightly by SMOKEN ACE NZ. Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight prior to utilising the sprint lane.

UBETCHA TIGERPIE – Racing into the first turn, was placed in restricted room to the inside of SMOKEN ACE NZ. When questioned regarding the decision near the 1200m to challenge for the lead, Driver Michael Stanley explained that after working forward early when the tempo was only moderate, he elected to challenge briefly for the lead. When it became clear the lead was not available, he did not apply further pressure, as the quickening of DANGEROUS from the 800m influenced the pace. Mr Stanley stated that overall he was pleased with the gelding’s run.

SMOKEN ACE NZ – Unable to obtain clear running in the home straight. Driver Kyle Marshall was asked to exercise greater care when shifting ground racing into the first turn, placing runners to its inside in restricted room.

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.

CODE BAILEY NZ – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

RACE 2 – APG YEARLING SALES VICBRED SUPER SERIES (3YO COLTS & GELDINGS) (1ST SEMI-FINAL) (2240 MS)

NEW SHUFFLE – Driver James Herbertson was placed on notice regarding the manner in which he applied his whip in the home straight. Post-race swab sample obtained.

ZENARIO – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

FIRE MARSHALL – Raced keenly during the middle stages. On the request of trainer Kyle Marshall, the colt was treated on-course to assist with return travel. The horse was stood down for a period of 4 days (NTC).

FORTY LOVE – Broke gait free of interference inside the final 50m and continued to gallop over the line. Prior to the declaration of the all-clear, Stewards reviewed the vision and confirmed that Driver Aaron Dunn had met his obligations by restraining the horse immediately after it galloped, with no advantage gained. It was further established that he was not covered in accordance with the provisions of VLR 155A(1)&(2), and therefore no further consideration was given regarding the horse’s finishing position. Mr Dunn did seek to review the final stages regarding a movement from NEW SHUFFLE but elected not to lodge any objection. The all-clear was subsequently announced.

BLAZIN BY – Weakened over the final stages to finish in 12th position, beaten 62.6m. No action was taken.

RACE 3 – APG YEARLING SALES VICBRED SUPER SERIES (3YO COLTS & GELDINGS) (2ND SEMI-FINAL) (2240 MS)

LEWIELEWIS – Near the 1200m, was taken in and away from SAO PAULO SIMBA, resulting in the gelding contacting and racing inside several marker pegs. Gave ground over the final stages to finish in 10th position, beaten 44.6m.

VINEY – Trainer’s representative, Mr Clayton Tonkin, was fined $100 under Rule 273(5)(a) for presenting the colt to race with the incorrect saddle cloth.

CAPTAIN PERFECT – Post-race swab sample obtained.

CALEXICO – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

COASTAL DRIVE – Broke gait during the score up and was placed on its last chance in the mobile barrier draw. Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight prior to utilising the sprint lane.

TORQUE POWER – Weakened over the final stages to finish in 11th position, beaten 56.8m. No action was taken.

SAO PAULO SIMBA – Driver Michael Stanley was cautioned for shifting ground near the 1200m, placing LEWIELEWIS in restricted room before shifting in and contacting and racing inside the line of a number of marker pegs. In taking no further action, Stewards found that when commencing to shift inward, there was limited room however, as the shift continued, LEWIELEWIS improved further up to its inside, which contributed to the interference.

TURBO JAY – Weakened over the final stages to finish in 12th position, beaten 65.4m. No action was taken.

RACE 4 – APG YEARLING SALES VICBRED SUPER SERIES (3YO FILLIES) (1ST SEMI-FINAL) (2240 MS)

SURFE LA MER – Post-race swab sample obtained.

JILPANGER ROSE – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

ALIFETIMEFORLIVING – No action as taken against Driver Michael Bellman for failing to adhere to the sectional time requirements when recording the first quarter of the last mile in 32.2, being 0.2 seconds outside the requirements. In taking no action, Stewards were mindful of the minimal error, the faster than average lead time, and the filly improving three wide early.

HARLEY LANE – Hung out and paced roughly shortly after the start. Unable to obtain clear running in the home straight and was not fully tested.

HUXHAM CHUBB – Hampered when asked to face and progress to the mobile barrier when caught behind LETS GO LORNA, which was fractious. No action was taken against the filly for being out of position at the start. Weakened over the final stages to finish in 12th position, beaten 79.8m. A post-race veterinary examination, including an endoscopic assessment, failed to find any abnormalities. Trainer Peter Manning reported that he believed the additional work required of the filly to chase the mobile barrier during the score up likely contributed to the performance.

LETS GO LORNA – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Fractious prior to the start and required some assistance to score up. A warning was issued.

DELIGHTFUL MIKI – Raced keenly during the middle stages.

RACE 5 – APG YEARLING SALES VICBRED SUPER SERIES (2YO COLTS & GELDINGS) (1ST SEMI-FINAL) (2240 MS)

LE CARDINAL – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Held up for clear running until inside the final 30m.

MOST EXCITING – Gave ground over the final stages to finish in 11th position, beaten 25.3m. A post-race veterinary examination, including an endoscopic assessment, failed to find any abnormalities other than a grade 2 EIPH. Stewards opened an inquiry into the tactics adopted by Driver Cameron Hart, in particular the use made of the colt early to initially hold out the challenge of SOHO TRUMP before taking cover near the 1800m. The inquiry has been adjourned to allow Stewards an opportunity to consider the evidence and make further inquiries regarding wagering on the event. The inquiry is planned to resume at Melton on Saturday, 22 November 2025.

Supplementary report – Saturday 22 November 2025

MOST EXCITING – Stewards finalised their inquiry regarding the tactics adopted by Cameron Hart, the driver of MOST EXCITING at the abovementioned race. Mr Hart reported that prior to the race he was instructed to drive MOST EXCITING aggressively early, following recent gear changes which included the addition of block eyes and the removal of ear plugs, intended to help the horse begin well and potentially hold the lead. He stated that after beginning well, he held the lead comfortably in the early stages without urging and maintained his position when challenged. When he and SOHO TRUMP gained an advantage over the main body of the field rounding the first turn, he expected Mr Stanley, driver of SOHO TRUMP, to take a trailing position behind him. When this did not occur and SOHO TRUMP continued to be driven forward to his outside, he elected to take cover as they approached the back straight given the continued pressure. Although noting the fast early pace, Mr Hart observed that MOST EXCITING travelled comfortably through this period, covered good ground and described the horse as a staying type. After taking cover, the horse travelled well and was able to quicken with the pace from the 800m however, with 400m to travel, MOST EXCITING was placed under pressure and weakened late, leading Mr Hart to assess that the horse may not have stayed the full trip. During the adjournment, the HRV Betting Intelligence Unit (BIU) conducted a thorough examination of the wagering on this race and reported no abnormalities requiring further investigation or inquiry. When assessing the tactics, Stewards found that Mr Hart’s driving was not unreasonable, however, they advised that in similar circumstances he must be mindful of the pace and make appropriate decisions earlier to ensure his runners are not over driven, allowing them to finish the race strongly and achieve their best possible placing. In making this determination, Stewards noted that this was Mr Hart’s first drive on MOST EXCITING and that he had been instructed to drive positively to lead. Stewards acknowledged that Mr Hart assessed the situation appropriately, and, having recognized the continued pressure from SOHO TRUMP, elected to take cover. Although the recorded lead time was considered fast and Mr Hart’s driving contributed to this pace, the distance covered before taking cover was not deemed excessive or unacceptable in the circumstances.

LUVTOBEUPTOME – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight prior to utilising the sprint lane.

SHORELINE DREAM – Cast its near hind plate during the run.

CARDIGAN DAN – Passing the 1200m, inconvenienced as the pace in the event slackened before the colt shifted wider.

MOONLIGHT MOTH – Out of position at the start and will continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw. Post-race swab sample was obtained.

RACE 6 – APG YEARLING SALES VICBRED SUPER SERIES (2YO COLTS & GELDINGS) (2ND SEMI-FINAL) (2240 MS)

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

SOLS ME NAME – Pulled hard throughout the event whilst positioned without cover, prior to weakening badly to finish in 11th position, beaten 208.8m. A post-race veterinary examination, including an endoscopic assessment, failed to find any abnormalities. Driver Chris Alford reported that in his view the colt choked down. Stewards ordered that SOLS ME NAME be stood down until it completes one re-qualifying trial.

MAJOR BLITZ – Raced keenly during the middle stages.

SOHO PARK AVENUE – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

RIVER STORM – Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight prior to utilising the sprint lane.

SOHO CHARMER – Post-race swab sample obtained.

JUST INCREDIBLE – Out of position at the start for which a warning was issued. Raced keenly during the middle stages. Weakened over the final stages to finish in 10th position, beaten 73.6m for which a further warning was issued.

USYK – Out of position at the start for which a warning was issued.

RACE 7 – APG YEARLING SALES VICBRED SUPER SERIES (2YO FILLIES) (1ST SEMI-FINAL) (2240 MS)

POPPY LANE – Began badly when galloping out and will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

FICTION FILE – Near the 1450m, inconvenienced when the pace in the event slackened before having it sulky contacted by the trailing MY BETTOR HALF.

EYESEALITTLE – Hung in when placed under pressure over the final stages.

MY BETTOR HALF – Checked shortly after the start. Prior to the declaration of the all-clear, Stewards reviewed the start to ascertain if the filly was checked prior to or following the start commencing. Following review and having considered submissions received from Driver Kerryn Manning, Stewards were satisfied that the interference occurred following the start commencing, and therefore there were no grounds to consider the filly as having been denied a fair start. The all-clear was subsequently announced.

BELIEVEITOR NOT – Near the 1450m, improved onto the back and contacted the sulky of FICTION FILE as the pace in the event slackened, resulting in the filly breaking gait.

BRAVE ART – Passing the 1450m, checked and taken inwards when positioned behind BELIEVEITOR NOT, which galloped. Weakened over the final stages to finish in 12th position, beaten 54.9m. No action was taken.

ARRHYTHMIA – Post-race swab sample obtained.

RACE 8 – APG YEARLING SALES VICBRED SUPER SERIES (3YO FILLIES) (2ND SEMI-FINAL) (2240 MS)

BEACH DIAMOND – Post-race swab sample obtained.

LET HER ROLL – Driver Ryan Sanderson was advised to exercise greater care when allowing his filly to shift out near the 200m and improving inside the line of SOHO AMERICANO.

JOY RIDE – Presented in accordance with the elevated TCO2 policy. Pre-race blood sample obtained.

SOHO AMERICANO – Raced keenly during the middle stages.

BREAK MY ART – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Raced keenly during the middle stages.

RACE 9 – APG YEARLING SALES VICBRED SUPER SERIES (2YO FILLIES) (2ND SEMI-FINAL) (2240 MS)

SWEET IRISH LOCH – Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight.

CONCILIATE – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

MYRAS MINT – Trainer Michael Stanley was cautioned for failing to have a completed gear form lodged for the filly.  

GINGER ELLA – Pulled hard throughout the event prior to weakening over the final stages to finish in 10th position, beaten 64.1m. A post-race veterinary examination, including an endoscopic assessment, failed to find any abnormalities. A warning was placed on the filly for her racing manners contributing to the performance.

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

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 – Code Bailey NZ; Race 2 – Zenario; Race 3 – Calexico; Race 4 – Jilpanger Rose, Lets Go Lorna; Race 5 – Le Cardinal, Luvtobeuptome; Race 6 – Soho Park Avenue; Race 8 – Joyride, Break My Art; Race 9 – Conciliate.
		Post-Race: Race 1 – Dangerous; Race 2 – New Shuffle;Race 3 – Captain Perfect; Race 4 – Surfe La Mer; Race 5 – Moonlight Moth; Race 6 – Soho Charmer; Race 7 – Arrhythmia; Race 8 – Beach Diamond; Race 9 – Star To Fall.
Suspensions
Nil
Fines
Race 3	Clayton Tonkin		273(5)(a)	$100
Cautions
Race 3	Michael Stanley		D/CSG
Race 9	Michael Stanley		T/CG
Horse Actions
Race 2	Fire Marshall		SD4D (NTC)
Race 5	Moonlight Moth		CODM
Race 6	Sols Me Name		SD1T
Race 7	Poppy Lane		ODM
Late Scratchings
Nil

Follow Ups

Nil

Adjourned Inquiries

Race 5 – Cameron Hart (Most Exciting) driving tactics

Sulky Fund Claims

Nil

Medical Stand Down

Nil