Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR TABCORP PARK MELTON

WEDNESDAY 26 OCTOBER 2022

	Michael Ross Barry Delaney John Packer Nathan Moy (Starter) Dr Nick Branson & Lesley Hawson (Vets)
	Track: Good	Weather:	Overcast

 

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

General

Due to significant rainfall the day prior remedial work was required on the track at the request of HRV & Sky Racing the start time for this meeting was put back one (1) hour.

RACE 1 – DNR LOGISTICS VICBRED PLATINUM PACE (1720 MS)

This event was rescheduled to start at 12:04pm.

Kekoa (Mark Pitt) raced roughly approaching the first turn.

RACE 2 – HIP POCKET WORKWEAR & SAFETY PACE (1720 MS)

This event was rescheduled to start at 12:40pm.

Mach Charm & Good Feelings underwent pre and post-race veterinary examinations under the HRV horse welfare policy due to the geldings having started in excess of 200 races. Neither examination revealed any significant abnormalities.

Snazola (Ewa Justice) hung inwards shortly after the start and locked wheels with Mach Charm (Brent Murphy) momentarily.

George Chamouras, driver of Im The Mightygramps, pleaded guilty to a charge under AHR Rule 156(2)(a) in that he applied the whip to the gelding with more than a wrist flicking motion over the concluding stages. In assessing penalty, Stewards took into consideration the relevant factors as outlined within the HRV Stewards Minimum Penalty Guidelines, noting Mr Chamouras guilty plea,his immediate acknowledgement of the severity of the breach and his offence record. Stewards accordingly imposed a 2 week suspension of Mr Chamouras licence to drive in races which will commence midnight 26 October 2022. Stewards advised Mr Chamouras that consideration was given to imposing a far greater penalty, however Stewards decided against such action due to his low level of race driving experience with this being only his 50th race drive today. Further, Stewards referred Mr Chamouras to attend before the HRV Participant Skills Panel, in accordance with the HRV Participant Mentoring Policy, to provide Mr Chamouras with remedial training to limit the chances of reoffending.

Rita Burnett, trainer of Im The Mightygramps was advised the gelding would be detained on course for a post-race blood sample to be obtained three (3) hours subsequently from the event.

RACE 3 – ALDEBARAN PARK TROT (2240 MS)

This event was rescheduled to start at 1:18pm.

Thats My Armbro (Michael Bellman) broke gait shortly after the start was effected. Thats My Armbro will continue to be drawn wide in future mobile start events.

Thats My Armbro broke gait clear of interference on three (3) separate occasion throughout the event. Due to the gelding’s poor racing manners Thats My Armbro will now be stood down from racing until trialling to the satisfaction of stewards on one (1) occasion.

Dellsun (Austin Mifsud) broke gait clear of interference approaching the 900m inconveniencing Luna & Tetra which were trailing. Dellsun will now be stood down from racing until trialling to the satisfaction of stewards on one (1) occasion. In taking this action stewards were mindful the gelding was placed on its last chance to race truly at its most recent start.

La Bella Figura ($11.00) (Shannon O’Sullivan) which raced outside the leader for majority of the event yielded ground rapidly from the 700m to finish in 7th position beaten 111.6m. A post-race veterinary & endoscopic examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. La Bella Figura will now be stood down from racing until trialling to the satisfaction of stewards on one (1) occasion.

Perseveranse (David Murphy) yielded ground rapidly from the 250m to finish in 6th position beaten 102m. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be lame in the near foreleg. Perseveranse will now be stood down from racing pending a veterinary clearance.

Kate Gath, driver of Rosies Pride was issued a caution for carelessly improving onto the back of Perseveranse approaching the 250m resulting in the mare racing roughly.

RACE 4 –HYGAIN TROT (2240 MS)

This event was rescheduled to start at 1:53pm.

Majestic Speed (Jayden Speed) was fractious during the score up and broke gait a warning was issued against the gelding’s barrier manners.

Uncle Al (Anne Maree Conroy) hung inwards during score up and was out of position when the start was effected. A warning was issued against the gelding’s barrier manners.

Rioterra (David Murphy) yielded ground from the 400m to finish in 8th and last position beaten 59m a warning was issued against the gelding’s racing competitiveness.

Chris Svanosio, driver of Aldebaran Stevie ($4.80) which finished in 6th position beaten 35.4m after leading was queried into the overall performance of the mare. Mr Svanosio could offer no tangible explanation for the performance other than the mare providing to be disappointing. A post-race veterinary & endoscopic examination revealed to the mare displaying grade 2 EIPH.

RACE 5 -COBBITTY PARK CLAIMING PACE (2240 MS)

This event was rescheduled to start at 2:28pm.

Bernie Winkle NZ underwent pre and post-race veterinary examinations under the HRV horse welfare policy due to the gelding having started in excess of 200 races. Neither examination revealed any significant abnormalities.

Somebeachshadow (Jodi Quinlan) yielded ground rapidly approaching the 1600m inconveniencing Sahara Sirocco (Chris Alford) & Sicario (Greg Sugars) before being retired from the event a short distance later. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to have bled from both nostrils. In accordance with AHR Rule 101(3)(a) Somebeachshadow will now be stood down from racing for a period of three (3) months a veterinary clearance and trialling to the satisfaction of stewards on one (1) occasion.

Ellen Tormey, driver of Bernie Winkle NZ was issued a caution for shifting ground approaching the 900m which inconvenienced Sicario momentarily.

No claims were lodged.

RACE 6 – NUTRIEN 3YO VICBRED MAIDEN PACE (2240 MS)

This event was rescheduled to start at 3:03pm.

Ryan Duffy, driver of Girls View was issued a caution for easing the pace approaching the 1000m which resulted in General Lincoln (Sergio Lenardi) which was pulling during this section of the event contacting and deflating the near side sulky wheel of Always Skye High (David Murphy) placing this runner at a disadvantage thereafter.

Ryan Duffy, driver of Girls View ($4.60) which raced outside the leader from the 1200m prior to finishing in 6th position beaten 50.4m was queried into the seemingly poor performance of the filly. Mr Duffy advised the filly to be disappointing and may have come to the end of its preparation and connections would consider spelling the filly. A post-race veterinary & endoscopic examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. A warning was issued against the racing competitiveness of the filly.

RACE 7 – BERALDO COFFEE PACE (2240 MS)

This event was rescheduled to start at 3:43pm.

Baccarat underwent pre and post-race veterinary examinations under the HRV horse welfare policy due to the gelding having started in excess of 200 races & attaining the age of 12 years or older. Neither examination revealed any significant abnormalities.

Classie American NZ (Corey Bell) was fractious during the early stages of the score up and broke gait. A warning was issued against the gelding’s barrier manners.

Ryan Duffy, driver of Bond Girl ($7.00) which finished in 9th and last position beaten 50.8m was queried into the seemingly poor performance of the mare. Mr Duffy advised the mare to be disappointing and may have come to the end of its preparation and connections would consider spelling the mare. A post-race veterinary & endoscopic examination revealed the mare displaying grade 1 EIPH. Bond Girl will now be stood down from racing until trialling to the satisfaction of stewards on one (1) occasion.

RACE 8 – DOWNLOAD THE TAB APP TODAY PACE (2240 MS)

This event was rescheduled to start at 4:09pm.

Stewards approved Jack Laugher as the late driver of Sweet Revenge NZ.

Zac Phillips, driver of Conspirtor NZ was issued a caution for being out of position when the start was effected.

Brad Chisholm, trainer/driver of Miradero ($21.00) which finished in 8th position beaten 9.8m was queried into the overall performance of the mare. Mr Chisholm advised the mare to be striking it knees resulting in the mare racing roughly and provided to be disappointing over the concluding stages. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare displaying atrial fibrillation. In accordance with AHR Rule 101(2)(a) Miradero will now be stood down from racing for a period of fourteen (14) days a veterinary clearance a satisfactory ECG report & trialling to the satisfaction of stewards on one (1) occasion.

RACE 9 – WOODLANDS STUD PACE (1720 MS)

This event was rescheduled to start at 4:35pm.

Stewards approved Dwaine Rumble as the late driver of Union Boss replacing Adam Shaw (Indisposed)

Wonderforce underwent pre and post-race veterinary examinations under the HRV horse welfare policy due to the gelding attaining the age of 12 years or older. Neither examination revealed any significant abnormalities.

Well Thats Alright (Grace Bilney) raced roughly during the score up and after the start was effected. A warning was issued against the gelding’s barrier manners.

Runsafarirun (Zac Phillips) yielded ground from the 400m to finish in 9th and last position beaten 54.7m a warning was issued against the gelding’s racing competitiveness.

Robert Walters, stable representative for Ben Yole trainer of Live For Peace ($2.40 fav) (Winner) was queried into the seemingly improved performance of the gelding compared to its most recent starts. Mr Walters advised he was confident of a forward performance from the gelding as Live For Peace had been working well since arriving in Victoria and was dropping in grade along with the gelding was a 19 time winner prior significantly higher compared to other runners in the event and was suited to a favourable draw and conditions of the event.

RACE 10 – PRYDES EASIFEED 3YO VICBRED MAIDEN PACE (2240 MS)

This event was rescheduled to start at 5:03pm.

Julian Attard, driver of Khans Creed was issued a caution for tightening the racing room of Vivid (Jason Lee) momentarily approaching the 2000m.

Vivid yielded ground passing the 400m to be beaten 50.6m. A warning was issued against the filly’s racing competitiveness.

Stapping Red (Michelle Phillips) hung inwards under pressure over the final 200m a warning was issued against the filly’s racing manners.

Shane Hoban, trainer of Tinman ($4.20) which finished in 7th and last position beaten 52.3m was queried into the seemingly poor performance of the gelding. Mr Hoban advised the gelding to be disappointing & was at a loss to explain the performance. A post-race veterinary & endoscopic examination revealed the gelding displaying grade 1 EIPH. A warning was issued against the gelding’s racing competitiveness.

RACE 11 – THE BIG SCREEN COMPANY PACE (1720 MS)

This event was rescheduled to start at 5:23pm.

Rambunctions (Dwaine Rumble) pulled hard during the score up.

Dreamers Delight (Zac Phillips) was out of position despite the driver’s efforts a warning was issued against the mares barrier manners.

Rambunctions pulled hard throughout the event.

Tommy Bligh (Nathan Rothwell) broke gait approaching the 250m and will now be placed on its last chance to race truly.

Robert Walters, stable representative for Ben Yole trainer of Fly Like An Angel ($18.00) which finished in 8th and last position beaten 112.3m after leading was queried into the seemingly poor performance of the gelding. Mr Walters advised the gelding to be extremely disappointing and would consult with connections and look to give the gelding a let up from racing. A post-race veterinary & endoscopic examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. Fly Like An Angel will now be stood down from racing until trialling to the satisfaction of stewards on one (1) occasion.

Dwaine Rumble, trainer/driver of Rambunctions ($71.00) which finished in 6th position beaten 19.5m was queried into the tactics adopted upon the gelding & if he gave consideration to surrendering the position outside the leader at the 1200m when challenged by Seaside Sister (John Caldow) and his failure to fully cross down to the marker line passing the 500m which afforded Seaside Sister to improve to his inside approaching the 400m. Mr Rumble advised it was his intentions to take a trail at the 1200m when Seaside Sister improved to his outside however the gelding commenced to race fiercely and he was unable to restrained the gelding adequately enough without possibly causing the gelding to choke down. Mr Rumble added passing the 500m he felt had progressed down closer to the marker line when progressing past Fly Like An Angel as he was aware Seaside Sister was in close proximity however when it progressed to his inside he felt if he was to shift inwards he would cause interference to that runner and therefore elected to maintain his racing line. After viewing the available replays which supported his comments when challenged at the 1200m however was issued a caution for his lack of judgement in failing to fully cross down to the maker line passing the 500m in not taking more action stewards were satisfied had he crossed down Seaside Sister would of obtain a clear run to the outside of Rambunctions when it had progressed inside Tommy Bligh which was racing wider on the track at that point of the event.

RACE 12 – ALLIED EXPRESS PACE (1720 MS)

Irishmurphy underwent pre and post-race veterinary examinations under the HRV horse welfare policy due to the gelding attaining the age of 12 years or older. Neither examination revealed any significant abnormalities.

Calypso Mistress (Jason Lee) broke gait during the latter stages of the score up and was out of position when the start was effected. Calypso Mistress will now be excluded from the barrier draw in future mobile start events.

Ada Massa, driver of My Darling Devine was issued a caution for being out of position when the start was effected.

Shortly after the start was effected Keayang Bieber (Nathan Rothwell) shifted inwards marginally Zaras All Good (Jodi Quinlan) which was racing to its inside was taken inwards causing the mare to race roughly after contacting the sulky wheel of Irishmurphy simultaneously as that runner shifted up the track marginally. Due to the minimal movement from runner’s stewards could not place blame to any one driver nor horse and noted the incident.

Nathan Rothwell, driver of Keayang Bieber (leader) was issued a caution for his lack of control in approaching the 200m he allowed the gelding the shift up the track marginally which caused general tightening to runners progressing wider on the track.

 

Michael Ross

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 –Illawong Awesome; Race 2 –Mach Charm; Race 3 –Astro; Race 5 –Somebeachshadow; Race 6 –Girls View; Race 7 -Citysiren; Race 8 -Bigjimvalentine; Race 9 –Union Boss; Race 10 -Tinman; Race 12 –Tuakana NZ
		Post-Race: Race 1 – Kekoa; Race 2 –Im The Mightygramps; Race 3 – Astro; Race 4 –Kyvalley Surfrider NZ; Race 6 –Plains In Heaven; Race 7 -A Perfect Dance; Race 8 - Bigjimvalentine; Race 9 –Live For Peace; Race 10 -Emer; Race 12 – Calypso Mistress
Suspensions
Race 2	G Chamouras		156(2)(a)	2 Weeks
Fines
Nil
Cautions
Race 3	K Gath		D/CCD
Race 5	E Tormey		D/CSG
Race 6	R Duffy		D/CEP
Race 6	S Lenardi		D/CCD
Race 8	Z Phillips		D/CSU
Race 10	J Attard		D/CT
Race 11	D Rumble		D/CLJ
Race 12	N Rothwell		D/CLC
Race 12	A Massa		D/CSU
Horse Actions
Race 3	Dellsun		SD1T
Race 3	Thats My Armbro		CODM & SD1T
Race 3	La Bella Figura		SD1T
Race 3	Perseveranse		SDVC
Race 5	Somebeachshadow		SD3M, SDVC, SD1T
Race 7	Bond Girl		SD1T
Race 8	Miradero		SD14D, SDECG, SDVC, SD1T
Race 11	Fly Like An Angel		SD1T
Race 12	Calypso Mistress		ODM
Late Scratchings
Nil

Follow Ups

Nil

Adjourned Inquiries

Nil

Sulky Fund Claims

Nil