Stewards Report

Weather:  Fine      Track:  Good

Stewards:                                    R Harrod (MT), A Milne (SR), P Webster (400m), M Kemp (SR)

Veterinary Surgeon:                 Dr E Vidler

Starters:                                       K Reeves (Starter/Gear), K Bailey (Mobile/Brands)

Trainers with multiple runners in any one race were questioned in relation to their intended tactics.

RACE 1 – MOLLYS IRISH CREAM (DIV.1) PACE (1780MS)

THE BATMOBILE NZ (K Harper) – A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be lame in the near fore. Will be stood down from racing until a veterinary certificate of soundness can be provided.

SHEHADI (L Edwards) – When questioned in relation to his tactics in the latter stages of the event, where after making a move to race outside the leader he elected to continue to drive the mare along, Mr Edwards stated that he was of the opinion that the mare would be best driven positively and could sustain a prolonged effort over the shorter distance of tonight's event. Stewards noted Mr Edwards’ comments.  

General: Driver L Edwards (SHEHADI) was fined $200 under HR156(2)(a) for using the whip in more than a flicking only motion. 

RACE 2 – RUFFLED FEATHER PACE (2190MS)

MERLINS ILLUSION (C Peterson) – Fractious in the score up. Checked and raced roughly racing in the back straight on the final occasion.

General: Stewards inquired into the reason why MERLINS ILLUSION (C Peterson) raced roughly in the back straight on the final occasion. After taking evidence from Drivers C Peterson and T Wheeler (STATE MY CASE) and viewing the official patrol footage it was established that, as STATE MY CASE shifted outwards when clear to do so MERLINS ILLUSION was inclined to lay inwards placing Mr Peterson at a disadvantage to proceed with the movement, resulting in slight contact to the near hind leg and racing roughly for a short distance. Stewards were of the opinion that no driver had driven in a careless manner, however Mr Wheeler was reminded of his obligations when shifting ground. Further, Mr Peterson advised that he has recommended gear alterations to the stable for future starts.

RACE 3 – JUMPIN' JACK PACE (2190MS)

GHOSTWRITER (K Harper) – Over-raced for the majority and tired from the 400m to be beaten 42 metres.

RACE 4 – GLENSHIEL SCOTCH PACE (1780MS)

HAVEYOUMETTED (L Elliott) – Broke gait shortly after the start. Will be placed outside the draw in future mobile barrier events. Sulky contacted by BONNE AMOUR (A De Campo) deflating the near-side sulky wheel. Trailed the field thereafter and subsequently was retired from the race.

ADMIRAL DARCY (K Harper) – Fractious in the score up and was out of position at the candy pole. A warning was placed against the gelding's barrier manners. Locked stays with BONNE AMOUR (A De Campo) in the back straight on the final occasion.

ROCKNROLL SLOY (J Suvaljko) – A pre-race veterinary examination revealed a small abscess in the off-side nostril and was passed fit to race. Broke gait in the score up. Broke gait leaving the front straight on the first occasion. Will be stood down from racing for a period of 6 days and the completion of 1 satisfactory re-qualifying trial. Gave ground from the 500m to be beaten 83 metres.

BONNE AMOUR (A De Campo) – Inconvenienced shortly after the start and contacted the near side wheel of HAVEYOUMETTED (L Elliott). Locked stays with ADMIRAL DARCY (K Harper)in the back straight on the final occasion.

RACE 5 – CELLARBRATIONS AT HOWLETTS CHRISTMAS PACE (2150SS)

PENTHOUSE (T Wheeler) – Slow to begin. Gave ground from the 400m to be beaten 44 metres.

VISITING HOURS (B Smith) – Galloped out. Will be placed outside the draw in future standing start events. Gave ground over the concluding stages to be beaten 47 metres.

RACE 6 – POETS COUNTRY CRISP LAGER (DIV.2) PACE (1780MS)

METEOROID (E Suvaljko) – Hung outwards shortly after the start with the sulky being contacted by FIREPLAY (M Miller).

FOLLOW MY STRIDE (S Grout) – Raced roughly entering the back straight on the first occasion.

ALLWOODS CHEVRON (D Harper) – Inconvenienced approaching the turn into the back straight on the first occasion.

FIREPLAY (M Miller) – Sulky contacted by MAKE IT QUICK (S Suvaljko), inconvenienced shortly after and contacted the sulky of METEOROID (E Suvaljko) subsequently breaking gait. After considering all factors, no action was taken.

RACE 7 – KNOCK N BONES SHIRAZ 2YO PACE (2190MS)

BONPOPPY (K Harper) – Gave ground from the 500m to be beaten 44 metres.

DO IT MY WAY (D Harper) – Gave  ground from the 400m to be beaten 37 metres.

General: Driver R Williams (THE FIRST CUT) was fined $200 under HR156(2)(a) for using the whip in more than a flicking only motion.

RACE 8 – ST LOUIS SPARKLING (DIV.3) PACE (1780MS)

No racing incidents to report.

RACEDAY SUMMARY

R Harrod

Stipendiary Steward – Harness

This may not be the final report of the meeting as all races are reviewed.