Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR MELTON      

FRIDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2025

	Elliot Turner (Chairman) Kylie Harrison Christopher Simpson Jason Fino (Starter) Dr Richard Cust & Dr Simon Bray (Veterinarians)
	Track:    Good (Race 1-3) - Rain Affected (Race 4-8)	Weather:	Overcast (Race 1) – Showery (Race 2-8)

 

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

 

General: Due to Chris Alford being indisposed the following driver changes were approved.

Race 1	ALIZA HILL – Jordan Leedham
Race 4	WALLIS – Jack Laugher
Race 5	LEAVMEOUT – Josh Duggan
Race 7	FROSTY GIRL NZ – James Herbertson
Race 8	NARKY INTELLECTUAL – Josh Duggan

Chris Alford was stood down pending a medical clearance, prior to resuming driving in races and/or trials again

 

RACE 1 – VICBRED VOUCHER PACE (1720 MS)

YANKEE RAIN – Pre-race blood sample. Driver D McGuigan pleaded guilty to a charge under AHRR 163(1)(a)(iii) for causing interference in that, when approaching the 150 metres he permitted his runner to shift wider on the track when insufficiently clear of ALIZA HILL which was placed in restricted room, had to be checked and was carried wider into the running of POSTERIZED which in turn was placed in restricted room, sustained contact, had to be checked and as a consequence broke gait. When assessing penalty, consideration was given to Mr McGuigan’s guilty plea, overall record in relation to the rule, driving frequency and the degree of interference. Accordingly, D McGuigan had his license to drive in races suspended for a period of 10 days to commence midnight 28/11/25.

KEAYANG SANTIAGO – Shifted out considerably whilst under pressure upon entering the home straight for the run to the finish. A warning was issued. Gave ground over the concluding stages to be beaten some distance. ($3.90 fav) When questioned regarding the performance, driver R Sanderson explained that connections were confident of a forwarding showing from the gelding tonight given its recent form however his runner had to sustain unexpected pressure in the early stages after initially being caught wide entering the first turn. He added that, once the gelding improved forward to obtain the lead near the 1200 metres he was able to slacken the tempo in the second quarter to afford the gelding some respite, however shortly after entering the back straight on the final occasion, the runners which settled towards the rear of the field then commenced to work forward from the 700 metres which again increased the tempo to which in his opinion the gelding failed to appreciate having to being urged at that point given the work endured in the early stages and the distance remaining, albeit that he was slightly disappointed with the gelding’s inability to finish the race off when failing to run on from the 300 metres. A post-race veterinary examination inclusive of an endoscopy revealed the gelding to be experiencing Grade II EIPH. Stewards will follow up with the stable in the days subsequent.

ALIZA HILL – Checked approaching the 150 metres when YANKEE RAIN shifted out and was taken wider onto POSTERIZED which sustained contact, had to be checked and broke gait.

POSTERIZED – Sustained contact, had to be checked and consequently broke gait approaching the 150 metres when ALIZA HILL was checked and carried wider by YANKEE RAIN which shifted out.

FIANO – Post-race swab sample.

 

RACE 2 – APG YEARLING SALES VICBRED SUPER SERIES (3YO TROTTERS) SILVER TROT (2240 MS)  

HODY MOKE – Approaching the 200 metres locked wheels with SAM NIEN momentarily then when disengaging wheels shifted wider on the track, resulting in the filly locking wheels with FRITSCH which was improving to its outside and as a consequence had to be checked and broke gait.

GIGGLE WATER – Weakened noticeably inside the final 1000 metres to be beaten 125.3 metres. When questioned regarding the performance, driver J Duggan could offer no tangible explanation other than the filly was very disappointing and became unresponsive towards urgings inside the final lap of the event. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the filly to be experiencing Grade I EIPH. In view of the overall performance, GIGGLE WATER was stood down to one re-qualifying trial.

THE DARK THUNDER – Hampered behind the tiring GIGGLE WATER between the 1000 metres and the 800 metres. Held up for clear running during the early stages of the run to the finish.

FRITSCH – Hampered when locking wheels with HODY MOKE passing the 200 metres when that runner shifted wider after disengaging sulky wheels with SAM NIEN.

SAM NIEN – Trainer/Driver D Pace pleaded guilty to a charge under AHRR 163(1)(b)(ii) for impeding the forward progress of another runner in that, when passing the 1200 metres he permitted his runner to shift out from the running line when insufficiently clear of ALRIGHTY, resulting in that runner being taken wider, having its forward progress impeded and as a consequence lost its rightful running. When assessing penalty consideration was given to, Mr Pace’s guilty plea, exemplary record in relation to the rule and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Accordingly, D Pace had his license to drive in races suspended for a period of 7 days to commence midnight 01/12/25.

ALRIGHTY – Hampered passing the 1200 metres when carried wider on the track by SAM NIEN which shifted out. Post-race swab sample.

MODERN HOPE – Weakened noticeably inside the final 650 metres to be beaten 123 metres. When questioned regarding the performance, driver I White explained that the filly failed to travel genuinely for a majority of the event and when placed under pressure near the 700 metres his runner failed to respond and proved disappointing tonight. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the filly to be experiencing Grade I EIPH. In view of the overall performance, MODERN HOPE was stood down to one re-qualifying trial.

CHAMPAGNE GEMMA – Gave ground over the concluding stages to be beaten some distance.

IJUSTCALLEDTOSAY – Raced roughly whilst under pressure inside the final 30 metres.

 

RACE 3 – LOGICAL STAFFING SOLUTIONS PACE (1720 MS)

ZIEGFELD – Gave ground over the concluding stages to be beaten some distance.

GALAXY LASS – Held up for clear running during the early stages of the run to the finish.

SHADOW CELT – Driver D McGuigan was issued a formal caution for failing to have the gelding in position at the start. Upon entry into the first turn contacted the off-side sulky wheel of ROARFORROSCOE resulting in that runner sustaining a puncture to its tyre. In view of the circumstances, Stewards noted that when entering the turn SHADOW CELT became awkwardly placed behind the sulky wheel of ROARFORROSCOE when that runner commenced to restrain and were satisfied that driver D McGuigan had taken appropriate action to attempt to avoid contact, and therefore no action was taken.  

PESCI – Post-race swab sample.

ROARFORROSCOE – Sustained contact to its off-side sulky wheel upon entry into the first turn from SHADOW CELT resulting in a puncture.

 

RACE 4 – APG - A HORSE FOR EVERYONE VICBRED SUPER SERIES (4YO TROTTERS) SILVER TROT (2240 MS)

STATELY SALOME – Broke gait clear of interference passing the 250 metres causing WAIKARE ADRIENNA to be hampered. Broke gait clear of interference on a second occasion leaving the 50 metres. STATELY SALOME was placed on its last chance to race truly.

WAIKARE ADRIENNA – Placed in restricted room and had to be steadied upon entering the first turn when DISTANT SUN shifted in. Hampered passing the 250 metres when STATELY SALOME broke gait.

DISTANT SUN – Pre-race blood sample. Upon entering the first turn shifted in when not clear of WAIKARE ARIENNA which was placed in restricted room and had to be steadied. Subsequently, driver J Quinlan was issued a formal caution for tightening. Connections reported post-race that the gelding had cast its near-fore plate during the event.

QUIRKY CHARACTER – Broke gait during the early stages of the score up and consequently was out of position at the start. QUIRKY CHARACTER will continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw. Post-race swab sample.

ARIVADERCHI – Broke gait shortly after the start and trailed the field thereafter. ARIVADERCHI will continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

ALDEBARAN MARCUS – Weakened inside the final 300 metres to be beaten 57.2 metres. A warning was issued.

 

RACE 5 – HYGAIN VICTORY PACE (1720 MS)

GIVE DAVE A WAVE – Trainer C Hoban was fined the sum of $50 under AHRR 210 for failing to declare James Herbertson as the driver by the prescribed time. Shifted out whilst under pressure inside the final 200 metres. A warning was issued.

MERRYWOOD PAUL – Checked and lost momentum behind the tiring REGAZZO MAJOR NZ between the 500 metres and the 250 metres.  

DEUCE COUPE NZ – Pulled-hard throughout the score up. Over-raced throughout the early and middle stages. Hampered behind the tiring REGAZZO MAJOR NZ between the 450 metres and the 350 metres.

RAGAZZO MAJOR NZ – Weakened inside the final 500 metres to be beaten 55.5 metres. When questioned regarding the performance, driver R Sanderson explained that the gelding was second up from a significant spell tonight and in his opinion the gelding failed to appreciate the extra ground his runner was obliged to cover when rounding the first turn after initially being caught wide however once improving to the position outside of the leader passing the 1100 metres the gelding failed to travel genuinely through the middle stages and when placed under pressure from the 400 metres his runner became unresponsive towards his urgings and ultimately gave ground. He added that, whilst the first quarter was recorded in 27.8 seconds which he stated was quicker than average for the grade in his opinion the gelding had performed below his expectations when taking into account the gelding’s most recent performance at Bendigo on the 19/11/25 and proved disappointing tonight. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. After consideration, a warning was issued against the record of REGAZZO MAJOR NZ for its competitiveness. Stewards will follow up with the stable in the days subsequent.

ALWAYS THE SHOWMAN – Pre-race blood sample. Held up for clear running during the early stages of the run to the finish. Post-race swab sample.

LEAVEMEOUT – Driver J Duggan was issued a formal caution for failing to have the gelding in position at the start.

 

RACE 6 – APG YEARLING SALES VICBRED SUPER SERIES (3YO TROTTERS) BRONZE TROT (2240 MS)

MET WITH A SHRUG – Raced roughly whilst rounding the final turn. Gave ground over the concluding stages to be beaten some distance.

KISS AT MIDNIGHT – Declared a late withdrawal at 1:53pm, by Order of Stewards.

VYTIS – Post-race swab sample.

CHARLESTON AVENUE – Over-raced throughout the middle stages.

PLEASE LAYLA – Weakened inside the final 400 metres to be beaten 55 metres. In view of the considerable winning margin, no action was taken.

VINO AMOR – Broke gait clear of interference passing the 1500 metres.

JAKEE BOY – Weakened noticeably inside the final 700 metres to be beaten 147 metres. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. After consideration, JAKEE BOY was stood down to one re-qualifying trial.

ZARSKI – Over-raced throughout the early and middle stages.

 

RACE 7 – 2CONSTRUCT TROT (1720 MS)

FLOATING MOUNTAIN – Declared a late withdrawal at 9:54am, acting on veterinary advice.

QUAKE PROOF – Hung out whilst under pressure inside the final 150 metres causing CARLA PIXIE NZ to be hampered. A warning was issued.

FREIGHT SHAKER – Post-race swab sample.

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

KYVALLEY ANTHONY – Weakened inside the final 400 metres to be beaten 62.6 metres. A warning was issued.

IM LADY RHONDA – Raced roughly at various stages of the event. Dropped both its bell boots simultaneously passing the 150 metres.

CARLA PIXIE NZ – Driver A Butt was issued a formal caution for allowing his left foot to drop below the foot rest momentarily approaching the 200 metres when activating gear.

SPIRITED LASS – Pre-race blood sample. Trainer/Driver S Ewen was fined the sum of $200 under AHRR 162(1)(g) for failing to fulfil the mare’s allocated barrier at the start and permitted the mare to start from wider on the track. In determining penalty, Stewards formed the view that Mr Ewen’s actions were a flagrant breach of the rule and that he had considerable opportunity to attempt having the mare in its rightful position at the start. Hung in and as a result became unbalanced and broke gait passing the 250 metres. A warning was issued. At the request of connections post-race, SPIRITED LASS will now be placed right outside of the mobile barrier draw for the immediate future.

 

RACE 8 – APG YEARLING SALES VICBRED SUPER SERIES (2YO TROTTERS) SILVER TROT (2240 MS)

HALLEBESOFINE – Post-race swab sample.

NORTHERN TRUSCOTT – Checked and broke gait during the early stages of the score up when becoming crowded between NARKY INTELLECTUAL and JAYS ALL THAT which hung in.

JAYS ALL THAT – Hung in during the early stages of the score up which crowded the racing room of NORTHERN TRUSCOTT resulting in that runner being checked and breaking gait. A warning was issued.

VAN NOSTRAND – Hung out noticeably rounding the final turn and shifted significantly wider on the track. A warning was issued.

SYDTHESLOTH – Hung in leaving the 1200 metres. Gave ground over the concluding stages to be beaten some distance.

WHAT THE TOOTH – Weakened inside the final 600 metres to be beaten 63.8 metres. A warning was issued.

NARKY INTELLECTUAL – Weakened inside the final 500 metres to be beaten 76.7 metres. A warning was issued.

 

 

Elliot Turner

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 – YANKEE RAIN Race 4 – DISTANT SUN Race 5 – ALWAYS THE SHOWMAN Race 7 – SPIRITED LASS POST-RACE: Race 1 – FIANO Race 2 – ALRIGHTY Race 3 – PESCI Race 4 – QUIRKY CHARACTER Race 5 – ALWAYS THE SHOWMAN Race 6 – VYTIS Race 7 – FREIGHT SHAKER Race 8 – HALLEBESOFINE
Suspensions	Race 1 – D McGuigan – Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) – 10 Days Race 2 – D Pace – Rule 163(1)(b)(ii) – 7 Days
Fines	Race 5 – C Hoban – Rule 210 - $50 Race 7 – S Ewen – Rule 162(1)(g) - $200
Cautions	Race 3 – D McGuigan – D/CSU Race 4 – J Quinlan – D/CT Race 5 – J Duggan – D/CSU Race 7 – A Butt – D/CDF
Horse actions	Race 2 – GIGGLE WATER – 1 Trial Race 2 – MODERN HOPE – 1 Trial Race 4 – QUIRKY CHARACTER – CODM Race 4 – ARIVADERCHI – CODM Race 6 – JAKEE BOY – 1 Trial Race 7 – SPIRITED LASS – RODM   Race 7 – FROSTY GIRL NZ – ODM
Follow ups	Race 1 – KEAYANG SANTIAGO Race 5 – REGAZZO MAJOR NZ
Adjourned inquires	Nil
Sulky fund claims	Nil
Medical stand downs	Chris Alford (Indisposed) – Medical clearance required