Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR TABCORP PARK MELTON

FRIDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2022

	Nick Murray Grant Adams Daniel Borg Scott Gillespie Des Benger Jason Fino (Starter) Drs Richard Cust, Lesley Hawson, Nick Branson, Greg Hargreaves (Vets)
	Track:    Good (Races 1-3) / Rain Affected (Races 4 – 10)	Weather:	Overcast (Races 1-3) / Rain Periods (Races 4 – 10)

 

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

 

GENERAL

For the 2022 Breeders Crown Finals, the HRV Integrity Department conducted out of competition swab sampling, stable inspections and surveillance of training establishments which identified no integrity related concerns.

Prior to Race 5, due to storm activity within the precinct, all races were put back one (1) race as per the original schedule, with the following race time amendments:

Race 5 – 8:43pm

Race 6 – 9:23pm

Race 7 – 9:53pm;

Race 8 – 10:25pm;

Race 9 – 10:56pm;

Race 10 – 11:24pm.

For the re-commencement of the program, due to continual heavy rain, the track was deemed suitable to race, Stewards directed mudguards be affixed to sulkies and conferred with drivers regarding any apparent visibility concerns.

RACE 1 – WOODLANDS STUD AUSTRALIA BREEDERS CROWN SERIES 24 (3YO TROTTING FILLIES) FINAL (GROUP 1) (2240 MS)

Anton Golino, trainer of Revelstoke was cautioned for presenting the filly in gear which was not correctly declared.

Constant hung in during the score up, was out of position at the start by a considerable distance and will remain out of the barrier draw.

Aldebaran Demi (barrier 6) was out of position at the start despite the efforts of its driver and a warning was issued against the barrier manners of the filly.

Jason Lee, driver of Aldebaran Vera pleaded guilty to a charge of careless driving in accordance with rule 168(1)(a), the particulars of the charge being that approaching the 600m when easing three wide he carelessly allowed the filly to make contact with the offside sulky wheel of Kimora Saffi (M Phillips), resulting in that filly sustaining a flat tyre, causing Aldebaran Vera to gallop and Just A Bit Touchy to be checked. In assessing penalty in accordance with the HRV Minimum Penalty Guidelines, Stewards took into account Mr Lee’s guilty plea, good record, driving frequency, consequential affects of the incident and the status of the event. Mr Lee was fined $300.

Kimora Saffi galloped clear of interference near the 500m causing Just A Bit Touchy to be checked and break gait. In view of Kimora Saffi sustaining a flat tyre prior to this occurrence, no action was pursued against the racing manners of the filly.

Revelstoke worked forward to the lead during the early stages prior to yielding some ground inside the 100m to finish in 6th position beaten approximately 16m. Nathan Jack, driver of Revelstoke considered that in view of the circumstances the filly was slightly disappointing over the final stages. A veterinary and endoscopic examination of Revelstoke revealed no significant findings, however the filly had a delayed recovery.

Leigh Sutton, driver of Egret was fined $300 under rule 156(2)(a) for applying the whip free of the rein on one occasion shortly after the finish. Stewards took into account the status of the event and Mr Sutton’s clear prior record.

Leigh Sutton, driver of Egret was cautioned for careless driving in that he failed to exercise sufficient care and control of the filly shortly after the finish.

RACE 2 – ALDEBARAN PARK BREEDERS CROWN SERIES 25 (2YO TROTTING FILLIES) FINAL (GROUP 1) (2240 MS)

Michael Watt, trainer of Vici Bloom was fined $50 under rule 273(6)(b) for presenting this filly in gear which was not correctly declared.

Sequence was out of position at the start and will continue to be placed outside the mobile barrier draw.

Shesawish (barrier 4 second row) was out of position at the start and a warning was issued.  

Vici Bloom galloped clear of interference after the start, trailed the field thereafter and will be placed outside the mobile barrier draw.

Brad Williamson, driver of Aroha Kenny NZ pleaded guilty to a charge under rule 165(1)(b) which states: From the start through the first turn, and until reaching the next straight, a driver shall not move the driver’s horse towards the inside the running line unless the rear of the driver’s sulky is at least one metre clear of the extended front legs of the horse racing in the next position closer to the inside running line. The particulars of the charge being that racing into the first turn, Mr Williamson permitted Aroha Kenny NZ to shift in when insufficiently clear of Our Marvella NZ (C Alford), resulting in that filly being tightened for room, contacting the near side sulky wheel of Aroha Kenny NZ, causing Our Marvella NZ to be checked and break gait. Our Marvella NZ trailed the field thereafter. In assessing penalty in accordance with the HRV Minimum Penalty Guidelines, Stewards took into account Mr Williamson’s guilty plea, apparent good driving record, driving frequency (4000+ career drives), that the incident was a first turn offence and involved contact with the affected horse galloping and the status of the event. Mr Williamson’s licence to drive in races was suspended for 2 weeks to commence midnight 19 November 2022 and a fine of $500 was imposed.

Brad Williamson, driver of Aroha Kenny NZ pleaded not guilty to a charge under rule 149(2) which states: A person shall not drive in a manner which in the opinion of Stewards is unacceptable. The particulars of the charge being that after improving to the outside of Rockinwithattitude (Jayden Barker) near the 1800m and initiating a challenge for the lead, Mr Williamson persisted with that challenge from that point until resisting with that challenge approaching the 1500m, when it was apparent Rockinwithattitude (Jayden Barker) was showing no inclination to relinquish the lead. Stewards considered that the driving tactics adopted by Brad Williamson (Aroha Kenny NZ) during the relevant section were unacceptable contributing to a quick lead time of 42.9 seconds and his failure to give the filly sufficient respite sooner was the main contributing factor in Aroha Kenny NZ giving ground to finish in 8th position beaten approximately 35m. After Mr Williamson requested to provide further evidence in relation to the charge, the matter was adjourned to be reconvened on Wednesday 23 November 2022. A veterinary and endoscopic examination of Aroha Kenny NZ revealed no significant findings.

* On Wednesday, 23 November 2022, HRV Stewards finalised an inquiry concerning the driving tactics adopted by Brad Williamson on Aroha Kenny NZ, in Race 2 at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday, 19 November 2022, the Aldebaran Park Breeders Crown Series 25 (2YO Trotting Fillies) Final (Group 1).

After giving consideration to all of the evidence presented, Brad Williamson, driver of Aroha Kenny NZ was found guilty of a charge under Rule 149(2) which states: A person shall not drive in a manner which in the opinion of the Stewards is unacceptable. The particulars of the charge being that after improving to the outside of Rockinwithattitude (Jayden Barker) near the 1800m and initiating a challenge for the lead, Mr Williamson persisted with that challenge from that point until resisting with that challenge approaching the 1500m, when it was apparent Rockinwithattitude (Jayden Barker) was showing no inclination to relinquish the lead. Stewards considered that the driving tactics adopted by Brad Williamson (Aroha Kenny NZ) during the relevant section were unacceptable contributing to a quick lead time of 42.9 seconds and his failure to give the filly sufficient respite sooner was the main contributing factor in Aroha Kenny NZ giving ground to finish in 8th position beaten approximately 35m.

In accordance with the HRV Minimum Penalty Guidelines, Stewards took into account the relevant considerations:

• That the degree of culpability was assessed to be in the mid-range, in that the driving tactics occurred over a considerable distance when the speed of the race was quick, reflective in the fast lead time recorded (42.9 seconds) and the stewards ultimately determined that the tactics employed had a detrimental effect on the performance and chances of Aroha Kenny NZ in the event. 

• The driving frequency of Mr Williamson in that he has competed in more than 4000 races as a driver.

• The overall good record of Mr Williamson in relation to similar matters however, noting a similar offence at Invercargill in February 2022.

• The feature race status of this event being a Group 1 race of $100k in stakemoney and that as publicised, penalties in such races usually carry a higher penalty.

In all the circumstances, Mr Williamson’s licence to drive in races was suspended for five (5) weeks to commence midnight Saturday, 3 December 2022.

Stewards ordered that this penalty is to be served cumulatively with the two (2) week suspension incurred under the provisions of rule 165(1)(b) from the same race.

Mr Williamson was advised of his appeal rights.

Jayden Barker, driver of Rockinwithattitude explained that he elected to maintain the lead despite the significant challenge from Aroha Kenny NZ from approximately the 1800m – 1500m, due to the previous racing pattern of the filly and his intention to hold the lead. Rockinwithattitude subsequently finished in 2nd place beaten approximately 7.5m. A veterinary examination of Rockinwithattitude revealed no significant findings. When considering the driving tactics adopted by Jayden Barker (Rockinwithattitude) Stewards took into account the relevant finishing position of Rockinwithattitude (2nd place), however advised that considering the extent of the pressure applied by Aroha Kenny NZ (B Williamson) and the speed of the race, that he also needs to ensure that he demonstrates his own initiative and exercise reasonable judgement in similar circumstances.

Cognati shifted out slightly from a position in the running line near the 600m, resulting in Susan Is Her Name making incidental contact with the offside sulky wheel of Cognati causing that filly to sustain a flat tyre. In the view of the minimal movement and no established carelessness, no further action was pursued.

Aroha Kenny NZ hung in and contacted marker pegs rounding the final turn and a warning was issued.

Valerie Lane tired (59m) over the concluding stages, however in view of the margins in the final placings’, no action was taken for the performance.

Bullion Girl tired (84m) over the concluding stages, and in view of the circumstances a warning was issued for the performance.

Shesawish underwent a veterinary and endoscopic examination at the request of connections which revealed grade 3 mucous, dorsal displacement of the soft palate, epiglottic entrapment and therefore the filly was stood down from racing until a veterinary clearance has been provided.

RACE 3 – ALDEBARAN PARK BREEDERS CROWN SERIES 25 (2YO TROTTING COLTS & GELDINGS) FINAL (GROUP 1) (2240 MS)

Alex Ashwood, trainer of Stevie Gee was fined $100 under rule 273(6)(b) for presenting this colt to race in gear which was not correctly declared.

Stevie Gee galloped shortly after the start and will be placed outside the mobile barrier draw.

Dreambigaimhigh galloped shortly after the start, trailed the field thereafter will be placed outside the mobile barrier draw.

Watts Up Partytime galloped clear of interference approaching the first turn and again in the home straight on the final occasion and a warning was issued.

Suga Daddy galloped clear of interference passing the 800m.

Maori Franklin tired (60m) over the concluding stages, however of the view of the winning margin no action was taken.

RACE 4 –ALABAR BREEDERS CROWN SERIES 25 (2YO FILLIES) FINAL (GROUP 1) (2240 MS)

Emma Stewart, trainer of Perfect In Pink was fined $200 under rule 273(6)(b) for presenting this filly in gear which was not correctly declared. Stewards took into account Ms Stewarts’ recent record.

David Miles, trainer of Matriart was fined $50 under rule 273(6)(b) for presenting this filly in gear which was not correctly declared. Stewards took into account Mr Miles’ recent record.

Matriart was inconvenienced racing off the back straight on the final occasion as Soho Seraphine gave some ground.

Greg Sugars, driver of Aureus was cautioned for the manner in which he shifted ground wider near the 400m which caused some inconvenience to Matriart (D Miles) and Soho Seraphine (M Stanley).

Ludacrous (N Jack) occupied a position behind the leader for the greater majority prior to tiring over the concluding stages to finish in 12th position beaten approximately 75m. Nathan Jack, driver of Ludacrous considered that the filly may have choked down. A veterinary and endoscopic examination of Ludacrous revealed the filly to have grade 1 EIPH and mucous. On veterinary recommendation, Ludacrous was stood down from racing until a veterinary clearance has been provided.

David Moran, driver of Tempting Tigress NZ was fined $200 under rule 156(7) for applying the whip outside the sulky confines on one occasion in the home straight. Stewards took into account the status of the event and Mr Moran’s clear prior record.

RACE 5 -NUTRIEN EQUINE BREEDERS CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP (4YO MARES) (GROUP 2) (2240 MS)

The racebook failed to show the revised start time of 8:08pm.

The racebook failed to show James Herbertson as the driver of Holi Starzzz.

A false start was declared at the first attempt due to Kia Ora Beauty galloping during the score up and then being unable to regain its barrier position. Kia Ora Beauty will be placed outside the draw in future mobile start events.

Backwards First pulled hard during the middle stages.

Holi Starzzz (81m) and Backwards First (92m), however in view of the margins and closing sectionals, no action was taken.

RACE 6 – IRT AUSTRALIA BREEDERS CROWN SERIES 25 (2YO COLTS & GELDINGS) FINAL (GROUP 1) (2240 MS)

The start was momentarily delayed due to an adjustment required to the tongue tie of Don Hugo.

Techys Watching pulled hard before galloping clear of interference passing the 1700m and was placed on its last chance to race truly.

School Captain shifted in slightly and contacted a marker peg near the 1200m.

Perfect Class hung in and dislodged a marker peg in the early part of the back straight on the final occasion.

The Lost Storm (3rd place) was positioned outside of the leader for the greater majority in a mile rate of 1:53.1. Mark Pitt, driver of The Lost Storm considered that being without cover during a quickly run event and fast closing sectionals (54.1 final half) was the main contributing factor for the performance.

Keayang Santiago (99m), Heathbern Bruce (101m) and My Ultimate Jacko (104m) tired over the concluding stages, however in view of the circumstances (1:53.1 mile rate), warnings were issued for the respective performances.

RACE 7 – ON A STREAK @ HDT BREEDERS CROWN SERIES 24 (3YO TROTTING COLTS & GELDINGS) FINAL (GROUP 1) (2240 MS)

Sebastians Boy was out of position at the start and will continue to be placed right outside the mobile barrier draw.

Arcee Phoenix trotted roughly during the score up, was out of position at the start and in the circumstances a warning was issued.

Good Heart pulled hard during the middle stages.

Hesallmuscle NZ and Arcee Phoenix locked sulky wheels for a short distance at the entrance to the home straight. Stewards were satisfied there was no significant shift be either horse which contributed to this.

Hautacam occupied a position behind the leader for the greater majority before giving ground over the concluding stages to finish in 12th position beaten approximately 46m. Hautacam hung in and contacted marker pegs rounding the final turn. Glen Craven, driver of Hautacam explained that the gelding was disappointing however could only offer that Hautacam was unable to quicken when the speed of the race increased significantly (56 seconds final half). A veterinary and endoscopic examination of Hautacam revealed no significant findings however the gelding to have a slow recovery. Stewards intend to follow up this performance with connections in the ensuing period.

RACE 8 – A ROCKNROLL DANCE BREEDERS CROWN SERIES 24 (3YO FILLIES) FINAL (GROUP 1) (2240 MS)

Rich Beauty’s (unplaced) near side sulky tyre deflated for no apparent reason with approximately 1000m to race.

Talk Time pulled hard during the middle stages.

Approaching the winning post, Miss Ex was tightened for room and contacted a marker peg when shifting in and away from Miss Chantilly NZ which was taken in slightly by Amore Vita NZ.

Nonparreil (unplaced) was held up for a clear run in the early part of the home straight.

Star Celebrity (unplaced) had difficulty in obtaining a clear run in the home straight.

Blake Jones, driver of Miss Chantilly NZ was fined $250 under rule 156(3) for using his whip in an unapproved manner in that he applied the whip on more occasions than permitted inside the 200m. Stewards took into account Mr Jones’ clear prior record and status of the event.

RACE 9 – WOODLANDS STUD AUSTRALIA BREEDERS CROWN SERIES 24 (3YO COLTS & GELDINGS) FINAL (GROUP 1) (2240 MS)

Hes Charlies Angel pulled hard during the early and middle stages.

Flash Jimmy (2nd place) was held up for a clear run in the early part of the home straight.

James Herbertson, driver of Flash Jimmy was found guilty of a charge under rule 170(4)(b) which states: A driver shall not attempt to or allow his foot or leg to be placed in the immediate vicinity of the hind legs of the horse he is driving. The particulars of the charge being that Mr Herbertson allowed his right foot to come out of the sulky footrest near the 100m and be placed in the immediate vicinity of the off hind leg of Flash Jimmy. In assessing penalty Stewards took into account Mr Herbertson’s clear prior record, the circumstances of the offence and the adverse weather conditions that had been prevailing. Mr Herbertson was fined $250.

Major Perry NZ failed to run on over the concluding stages to finish in 10th position beaten approximately 57m. A veterinary and endoscopic examination of Major Perry NZ revealed grade 1 mucous and grade 2 EIPH. Stewards intend to follow up this performance with connections in the ensuing period.

Repelling (53m), Major Perry NZ (57m), Red Hot Assassin (65m) and Commander Buzz (79m) were beaten in excess of 50m, however in view of the winning margin and track record time being record, no action was taken.

RACE 10 – HYGAIN BREEDERS CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP (4YO ENTIRES & GELDINGS) (GROUP 2) (2240 MS)

The racebook failed to show the revised start time of 10:56pm.

The start was momentarily delayed owing to a gear adjustment on Spring In His Step.

Spring In His Step led the outside division from near the 900m prior to finishing at the rear of the field beaten approximately 30m. A veterinary and endoscopic examination of Spring In His Step revealed grade 2 mucous and grade 1 EIPH. Stewards intend to follow up this performance with connections in the ensuing period.

 

 

Nick Murray

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 – Lindys Love, Aldebaran Keepa NZ (and urine), Courmayeur, Aldebaran Demi, Kimora Saffi;  Race 2 – Susan Is Her Name, Rockinwithattitude, Cognati, Sequence, Aroha Kenny NZ (and urine), Our Marvella NZ; Race 3 – The Locomotive, Ess Kay Hollywood, Aldebaran Jensen, Stevie Gee, Your Kidding, Watts Up Partytime; Race 4 – Major Delight, Tempting Tigress NZ, Jewel Melody, Something Bout Eily, Sahara Breeze, Soho Seraphine, Ludacrous; Race 5 – Ladies In Red, Dougs Babe, Tay Tay, Jo Rocks, Wendys Watching; Race 6 – School Captain, The Lost Storm, Little Louie, Captains Knock, Louie Lou I NZ, Keayang Santiago, My Ultimate Jacko; Race 7 – Harry Stamper NZ, Cravache Dor (and urine), Plymouth Chubb, Hephaestus Phoenix, Hautacam; Race 8 – Encipher, Soho Historia, Amore Vita NZ, Miss Chantilly NZ, Miss Ex, Diamond Shooz, Pettilante; Race 9 – Ripp, Mach Assassin, Khafaji, Repelling, Major Perry NZ (and urine), Red Hot Assassin, Commander Buzz; Race 10 – One Big Shew, Narutac Prince, Ozzie Playboy, Spring In His Step.
		Post-Race: Race 1 – Egret; Race 2 – Susan Is Her Name, Rockinwithattitude; Race 3 – The Locomotive, Larr Dees Son; Race 4 – Major Delight, Tempting Tigress NZ, Perfect In Pink; Race 5 – Ladies In Red; Race 6 – School Captain, Perfect Class, The Lost Storm; Race 7 – Harry Stamper NZ; Race 8 – Encipher, Soho Historia; Race 9 – Captain Ravishing (and hair), Flash Jimmy; Race 10 – Act Now.
Suspensions
Race 2	B Williamson		165(1)(b)	2 weeks
Fines
Race 1	J Lee		168(1)(a)	$300
Race 1	L Sutton		156(2)(a)	$300
Race 2	B Williamson		165(1)(b)	$500
Race 2	M Watt		273(6)(b)	$50
Race 3	A Ashwood		273(6)(b)	$100
Race 4	E Stewart		273(6)(b)	$200
Race 4	D Moran		156(7)	$200
Race 4	D Miles		273(6)(b)	$50
Race 8	B Jones		156(3)	$250
Race 9	J Herbertson		170(4)(b)	$250
Cautions
Race 1	A Golino		T/CG
Race 1	L Sutton		D/CCD
Race 4	G Sugars		D/CSG
Horse Actions
Race 1	Constant		CODM
Race 2	Sequence		CODM
Race 2	Vici Bloom		ODM
Race 2	Shesawish		SDVC
Race 3	Stevie Gee		ODM
Race 3	Dreambigaimhigh		ODM
Race 4	Ludacrous		SDVC
Race 5	Kia Ora Beauty		ODM
Race 7	Sebastians Boy		CRODM
Late Scratchings
Nil
Follow Ups
Race 7 Hautacam
Race 9 Major Perry NZ Race 10 Spring In His Step   Adjourned Inquiries
Race 2 B Williamson – Driving Tactics
Sulky Fund Claims