Stewards Report

TABCORP PARK MENANGLE @ NSWHRC

SATURDAY 09 JULY 2022

STEWARDS REPORT

 

 

Stewards	C Bentley (Chairman), S Snudden, E Turner, A Stares (Cadet)
Starter	D Westwood
Veterinarian	Dr M Wainscott, Dr D Justus
Swab Official	H O’Riley, K Prestney, J Quon
Track	Fast
Weather	Fine

 

GENERAL

HRNSW Compliance Officer Ms L Thompson attended the property of Howard James, the trainer of GUNNER which was engaged in Race 7 the Trot NSW Four/Five Year Old Final (Group 1) for the purposes of inspecting the gelding prior to being transported to Menangle. Upon inspection Ms Thompson identified a red, sticky, sweet smelling substance on the left side of the gelding’s face. When questioned regarding the substance Mr James was unable to explain the presence of the substance on the face of the gelding. Mr James further explained that the gelding had received no treatment in the past 48 hours and remained in its box throughout the day. Ms Thompson examined the treatment records of Mr James which supported his evidence that the gelding had not been treated. Mr James utilised a towel to remove the substance from the gelding and the towel was confiscated by Ms Thompson.

Upon arrival at Menangle, Stewards further questioned Mr James regarding the substance identified. Mr James explained to Stewards that the only explanation he could think of for the substance being found on the face of the gelding is that his partner Maxine feeds some stray cats in the stables a mixture of wet and dry cat food with strawberry jam and the knife she uses for the jam is placed on the stable wall of GUNNER. Ms Thompson confirmed that the substance had a very familiar smell, and whilst she couldn’t place it at the time, in hindsight it could well have been strawberry jam. After consideration, Stewards could not be satisfied that the gelding had been treated and permitted the gelding to take its place in the field, however advised that a sample would be taken from the gelding and the towel would be retained for testing.

RACE 1 – ALLIED EXPRESS TAXI TRUCK SERVICES PACE – 2300 metres

DOUBTLESS BAY NZ – Pre race blood sample. Stewards questioned driver Jack Trainor with regards to tactics he adopted in the event, in addition the overall performance of the gelding which tired over the concluding stages of the event to finish in 6^th placing beaten 15 metres. Mr Trainor that trainer Jason Grimson had advised that the gelding is better suited when rolling along in front and he elected to adopt those tactics this evening. Mr Trainor further advised stewards that the gelding was once again disappointing and he felt did not try at all over the concluding stages of the event. After considering the explanation provided by Mr Trainor stewards determined to note his comments.

STRADDIE– Over raced during the middle stages of the event.

WOW HES A ROCK STAR NZ– Held up in the early stages of the home straight before gaining clear running passing the 200 metres.

UNCLE JAY– Over raced through the middle stages of the event.

ONE TWO MANY– Post race swab sample.

FAZE OF GLORY - Pre race blood sample.

THE CHOREOGRAPHER– Caught racing three wide in the early stages of the event before working forward to the position outside of the leader passing the 1800 metres.

RACE 2 – BEST IN BEDS PACE – 2300 metres

TOTAL DIVA NZ – Held up in the early stages of the home straight before gaining clear running passing the 250 metres.

SPIRIT OF ANZAC NZ– Stewards questioned driver Jack Trainor with regards to the performance of the gelding which finished in 7^th placing beaten 15 metres. Mr Trainor advised stewards that he was a bit disappointed with the performance of SPIRIT OF ANZAC NZ this evening after having a good run throughout the event. He felt the gelding failed to sprint up in the home straight. The only explanation Mr Trainor could provide for the performance was that the gelding missed a race last week and has missed some of its fast work as a result of the recent flooding at Menangle Park. Mr Trainor further advised that he would look to have bloods taken from the gelding on Monday and results should be available on Tuesday morning. After considering the explanation provided by Mr Trainor stewards determined to note his comments however would follow up the results of the blood tests with Mr Trainor.

DANCE FOR GLORY– Trainer KerryAnn Morris was fined $100 under rule 210 for the late notification of Robert Morris as the driver for the gelding. Pre race blood sample.

JUSTA LITTLE BIT– Driver Lleyton Green was fined $200 under rule 168(1)(a) for careless driving, in that approaching the 600 metres he failed to make sufficient effort to prevent his horse from over racing up onto the wheel of YIANNI causing that runner to sustain a flat off side sulky tyre.

YIANNI – Sustained a flat off side sulky tyre passing the 600 metres.

FOCUS STRIDE– Post race swab sample.

PUMP THE BRAKES- Pre race blood sample. Broke stride free of interference passing the 1950 metres. After considering the recent record of the gelding a warning was issued. Driver Sean Grayling was reprimanded under rule 163(1)(a)(iii) for causing interference, in that passing the 200 metres when looking to shift ARDEN MESSI NZ wider on the track his sulky wheel became disengaged with that of the runner to his outside and raced inside the line of the ARDEN MESSI NZ causing that runner to have to be steadied away from the wheel and race roughly for a short distance.

ARDEN MESSI NZ– Stewards questioned driver Joshua Gallagher with regards to the tactics he adopted in the early stages of the event, in addition to the overall performance of the gelding which finished in 9^th placing beaten 17 metres. Mr Gallagher advised stewards that he was offered instructions by trainer Kevin Pizzuto to drive the gelding with a sit as he didn’t believe it was advantageous to drive the gelding in a tough manner every week. Mr Gallagher was further questioned with regards to the explanation he provided stewards when surrendering the lead at Menangle on the 25^th of June 2022 where it was advised that ARDEN MESSI NZ would be driven tough when racing over the longer distances, however he explained he was simply driving to instructions this evening. After considering the explanation provided by Mr Gallagher stewards determined to note his comments however reminded him of his obligations under rule 149 and ensuring he drives in a manner which provides his runner the opportunity to finish in the best possible position. Stewards further questioned trainer Kevin Pizzuto with regard to the instructions provided to Mr Gallagher who confirmed that it was his decision to drive the gelding quiet this evening. Mr Pizzuto explained that the gelding has missed work in the lead up to tonight’s event due to the wet weather and he expected significant speed in tonight’s event. Mr Pizzuto further advised that he didn’t believe it was in the best interests of the horse’s longevity to continue to be driven tough on speed week in week out. Mr Pizzuto conceded that tonight’s event was not run as he anticipated and the walk/sprint speed of the event did not suit the gelding. After consideration Stewards determined to note the comments of Mr Pizzuto.

RACE 3 – BUCKLEYS ON–SITE REPAIRS PACE – 1609 metres

DAN FERNANDO NZ – Broke stride during the latter stages of the score up. As a result was out of position at the start. After considering the recent record of the gelding a warning was issued.

WAHS FIRE BUG NZ- Pre race blood sample.

SMOOTH OVERARM NZ– Held up in the early stages of the home straight before gaining clear running passing the 200 metres.

THE IDEAL DANCER- Pre race blood sample. Post race swab sample.

FOREVER YIN – Held up in the home straight and not fully tested.

RACE 4 – BRAYCHARLO ESTATE LADYSHIP PACE – 1609 metres

KABIBI – Held up in the early stages of the home straight before gaining clear running passing the 150 metres.

BELLA CLARE– Pre race blood sample.

HEAVEN ISLAND– Post race swab sample.

IM DESIRABLE– Pre race blood sample.

SCOTTS RAIN– Held up in the early stages of the home straight before obtaining clear running passing the 250 metres.

NEWSY NZ– Worked forward to the lead passing the 1200 metres.

WHATS YOUR SECRET NZ– Held up in the home straight and not fully tested.

RACE 5 – RAIN SAVER WATER SYSTEMS – VIC FROST FFA (GROUP 3) – 1609 metres

LOORRIM LAKE – Pre race blood sample.

ZUESS BROMAC NZ- Post race swab sample.

WOLF STRIDE- Pre race blood sample. Caught racing wide in the early stages of the event before being restrained to a position in the running line passing the 1300 metres.

RACE 6 – MCGRATH CAMDEN – COUNTRY SERIES FINAL – 1609 metres

MISS LEMON – Pre race blood sample.

JIMMYJOE – Post race swab sample.

PARATROUPER– Driver Jamie Donovan pleaded guilty to a charge under rule 168(1)(a) for careless driving, in that approaching the 400 metres he failed to make sufficient effort to prevent his runner from improving between MISS LEMON and ROCKIN IN CHELSEA when there was insufficient room to do so causing PARATROUPER to contact the near side sulky wheel of ROCKIN IN CHELSEA and cause MISS LEMON to race inside the marker pegs and race roughly. After considering the recent record of the gelding his licence to drive in races was suspended for a period of 7 days. Driver Jamie Donovan pleaded guilty to a charge under rule 168(1)(a) for careless driving, in that passing the 200 metres he commenced to drive his runner forward into insufficient room between ROCKIN IN CHELSEA and DRIVE TO THE BEACH and as a result contacted the near side sulky wheel of DRIVE TO THE BEACH causing PARATROUPER to race roughly for a short distance. After considering the recent record of Mr Donovan his licence to drive in races was suspended for a period of 14 days.

ROCKIN IN CHELSEA- Pre race blood sample. A post race veterinary examination of the mare failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities. Stewards questioned driver Tom Ison with regards to the performance of the mare who advised that he was disappointed with the performance of the mare this evening who didn’t appear herself. Mr Ison advised that he had travelled down with the mare on Friday and the mare didn’t eat her breakfast this morning. Mr Ison suggested that the travel and racing away from home may have contributed to the performance this evening. After consideration Stewards determined to note the comments of Mr Ison and would follow up the condition of the mare in the coming days.

FLEETWOOD ROCK– Caught racing wide in the early stages of the event before being restrained to the tail of the field.

RACE 7 – TROT NSW FOUR/FIVE YEAR OLD FINAL (GROUP 1) – 1609 metres

STRONG DESIRE – Slow to begin.

DONT TOUCH THIS – Hung in and broke passing the 1000 metres. After considering the recent record of the gelding it was stood down until the completion of one re – qualifying trial.

GUNNER- Pre race blood sample.

MAYDEN- Pre race blood sample. Worked forward to the lead passing the 700 metres.

FOXTROT HILL– Driver John Ogden reported to stewards that the mare’s head check broke throughout the event.

ARAIGNEE FLAIR- Pre race blood sample.

DANCE SECRET- Pre race blood sample. Caught racing three wide in the early stages of the event before being restrained to a position in the running line passing the 1100 metres.

SUNNY GEE– Post race swab sample. Worked forward to the lead passing the 1300 metres.

ON ADVICE– Worked forward to the lead passing the 1100 metres. Post race swab sample.

WATTS UP MAJESTIC– Improved three wide from the 1100 metres until obtaining the position outside the leader passing the 700 metres. Post race swab sample.

RACE 8 – CASE SOLAR PACE – 1609 metres

TINDER SURPRISE NZ– Pre race blood sample.

SUMMIT SPECIAL– Pre race blood sample.

WAINUI CREEK NZ- Post race swab sample.

RACE 9 – TROT NSW THREE YEAR OLD FINAL (GROUP 1) – 1609 metres

ONAWINGANDAPRAYER – Slow to begin.

JUNGLE EYES– Slow to begin.

APEX– Broke stride in the early stages of the score up and as a result was out of position at the start. After considering the recent record of the gelding, a warning was issued.

HEIR APPARENT- Pre race blood sample.

EGRET - Pre race blood sample. Post race swab sample.

PARIS KAY- Pre race blood sample. Worked forward to the lead approaching the 1200 metres. Post race swab sample.

TOUGH LOVE- Pre race blood sample. Worked forward to the lead passing the 1100 metres. Post race swab sample.

CROOKWELL EYES– Back in the mobile barrier draw.

VAN DOREN– Tired over the concluding stages to finish in 10^th placing beaten 95 metres. Post race veterinary examination of the gelding revealed it to be mildly sore in its left lumbar. After considering the recent record of the gelding, it was stood down until the completion of one requalifying trial. Connections advised stewards the gelding would now go for a spell.

RACE 10 – NXGEN CABLING TROTTERS MOBILE – 1609 metres

MAJOR THOMAS - Pre race blood sample.

TOUGH MONARCH- Pre race blood sample. Worked forward to the lead passing the 1100 metres. Post race swab sample.

RACE 11 – TROT NSW TWO YEAR OLD FINAL (GROUP 1) – 1609 metres

LONDON TO A BRICK - Pre race blood sample. Post race swab sample.

IM A GYPSY QUEEN- Pre race blood sample. Post race swab sample.

DREAMBIGAIMHIGH - Pre race blood sample. Worked forward to the lead passing the 1300 metres. Post race swab sample.

VITELLIUS- Pre race blood sample. Broke under pressure passing the 350 metres. After considering the recent record of the colt a warning was issued. Trainer Blake Fitzpatrick advised stewards the colt would now go for a spell.

WALKABOUT COCOLOCO– Pre race blood sample. Out of position at the start despite the efforts of driver Glenn McElhinney. After considering the recent record of the gelding, it will continue to be placed outside the mobile barrier draw. Broke under pressure passing the 250 metres. After considering the recent record of the gelding, it was stood down until the completion of one re – qualifying trial. Connections advised stewards that the gelding would now go for a spell.

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT

RACE 2 – BEST IN BEDS PACE – 2300 metres

SPIRIT OF ANZAC –Trainer Jack Trainor provided Stewards with a copy of the blood test results for the gelding which reported no abnormalities. Mr Trainor advised that gelding appeared well in himself since Saturday night and he would now press on with the gelding’s preparation.

RACE 6 – MCGRATH CAMDEN – COUNTRY SERIES FINAL – 1609 metres

ROCKIN IN CHELSEA– Stable representative Tom Ison advised Stewards on Tuesday morning that the mare has continued to be off her feed since returning to Tamworth and the immediate racing plans for ROCKIN IN CHELSEA are on hold until such time as the mare returns to full health.

 

SUMMARY
Reprimands	Race 2 – S Grayling – Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) – PUMP THE BRAKES
Fines	Race 2 – KA Morris – Rule 210 - $100 – DANCE FOR GLORY Race 2 – L Green – Rule 168(1)(a) - $200 – JUSTA LITTLE BIT 8/07/22 – KA Morris – Rule 159A(7) - $250 – Track work 8/07/22 – J Trainor – Rule 159A(7) - $250 – Track work 8/07/22 – J Trainor – Rule 238 - $200 – Failure to comply – 25/06/22
Suspensions	Race 6 – J Donovan – Rule 168(1)(a) – 14 days – PARATROUPER Race 6 – J Donovan – Rule 168(1)(a)– 7 days – PARATROUPER
Barrier Information	Race 9 – CROOKWELL EYES - BMD
Trials/Stand Down	Race 7 – DONT TOUCH THIS – Rule 63(2) – 1 trial Race 9 – VAN DOREN – Rule 63(2) – 28 days (Spell) & 1 trial Race 11 – WALKABOUT COCOLOCO – Rule 63(2) – 28 days (Spell) & 1 trial Race 11 – VITELLIUS – Rule 63(2) – 28 days (Spell)
Late Scratching	Nil
Adjourned Inquiries	Nil
Medical Clearance	Nil
Follow up’s	Nil