Stewards Report

PENRITH HARNESS RACING CLUB

THURSDAY 12 DECEMBER 2024

STEWARDS REPORT

 

 

Stewards	B Day (Chairman), C Paul, S Snudden & N Moy
Starter	T Clarke
Veterinarian	Dr T Drayton
Swab Official	J Quon
Track	Fast
Weather	Fine

 

 

RACE 1 – PENRITH MAZDA PACE – 1720 metres

PEACE OF HEAVEN NZ– Driver Cameron Hart was questioned regarding the performance of the gelding which finished in 9^th placing beaten 12 metres ($3.10). Mr Hart explained tonight’s event was a rise in class for PEACE OF HEAVEN NZ and added he felt the fast speed throughout probably told on the gelding over the concluding stages. A post-race veterinary examination of PEACE OF HEAVEN NZ failed to reveal any significant findings.

ADMIRABLE NZ– Post-race swab sample.

SHADES OF HEAVEN– Held up rounding the home turn and the early part of the straight. Inconvenienced approaching the 100 metres and contacted the marker pegs as a result of PELIGROSO shifting in marginally.

THE METAL FLYER– Pre-race blood sample. Held up rounding the home turn and the early part of the straight.

 

RACE 2 – 2024 AUSTRALASIAN YOUNG DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP HEAT 5 – 1720 metres

GOODTIME SAILOR– Driver Crystal Hackett was questioned regarding the overall performance of the mare which gave ground over the concluding stages to finish in 8^th placing beaten 47 metres ($4.60). Ms Hackett explained she was instructed to lead if possible, however felt the fast first quarter (27.6 seconds) told on GOODTIME SAILOR over the concluding stages. Trainer Lachlan Prothero confirmed the comments of Ms Hackett. In view of the beaten margin a warning was placed on the record of GOODTIME SAILOR. A post-race veterinary examination of the mare failed to reveal any significant findings.

PERCY BAILEY– Driver Joshua Gallagher was questioned regarding the performance of the gelding which finished in 9^th placing beaten 94 metres ($9.50). Mr Gallagher explained whilst PERCY BAILEY was positioned outside the leader throughout it was some distance back from the leader during the fastest section of the race and felt in his opinion the gelding was somewhat disappointing as it was under pressure a significant distance from the finish. A post-race veterinary examination of PERCY BAILEY failed to reveal any significant findings. Given the beaten margin (94.6 metres) PERCY BAILEY will now be stood down from racing until trialling to the satisfaction of Stewards on one occasion.

JAKCAM FLYER– Pre-race blood sample.

MERRYWOOD TONY– A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to have sustained a laceration to the near fore fetlock requiring veterinary treatment. MERRYWOOD TONY will now be stood down from racing for a period of 14 days.

DILETTO– Broke clear of interference passing the 400 metres. A warning was issued. It was noted the gelding broke its number 2 hopple carrying strap.

CHARLIES ACE NZ– post-race swab sample.

 

RACE 3 – LONDONDERRY RFS PACE – 1720 metres

The all clear of this event was delayed due to a malfunction with the photo finish system which resulted in the photo finish image not being immediately available for review. The all clear was further delayed to allow Troy Williams, trainer of 4^th placed MAJOR STATEMENT, the opportunity to review the available photo finish image where upon review, Mr Williams raised no objection.  The all clear was further delayed to allow the connections of PARKED IN HEAVEN (5^th placed) and MAJOR STATEMENT (4^th placed) the opportunity to review the available replays of the final stages in relation to the 2^nd placed ALWAYSBMINNIE shifting out under pressure at the entrance to the straight. Upon review all parties were satisfied there were no grounds for a protest and as Stewards were similarly satisfied all clear was given upon the official numbers of 4 – 1 – 9 – 7.

POLKA DELIGHT NZ– Post-race swab sample.

THERES WALLY– Trainer Michael Reed was fined $50 under Rule 210 for failing to declare David Morris as the driver of the gelding by the prescribed time.

HARRY KANE NZ– Pre-race blood sample. Trainer/Driver Seaton Grima was questioned regarding the performance of the gelding which finished in 9^th and last placing beaten 90 metres. Mr Grima explained that that in his opinion the gelding was very disappointing in its failure to finish the race off in a competitive manner. Mr Grima further added HARRY KANE NZ may not have been suited to being positioned outside the leader after a fast first quarter of 27.4 seconds. A post-race veterinary examination of HARRY KANE NZ failed to reveal any significant findings.  In view of the beaten margin (90.2 metres) HARRY KANE NZ will now be stood down from racing until trialling to the satisfaction of Stewards on one occasion.

 

RACE 4 – THE MANAGEMENT EDGE PACE – 1720 metres

MAJOR MAL– Trainer/Driver Seaton Grima advised in his opinion the horse was slightly disappointing in the manner in which it finished the race off over the concluding stages.

DAN FERNANDO NZ– Checked passing the 300 metres as a result of CAPTAIN RITCHIE shifting outwards and taking MAID OF MONEY NZ wider. Driver Zara Fitzpatrick was reprimanded under Rule 163(1)(b)(i) in that immediately prior to the candy pole she permitted DAN FERNANDO NZ to shift out resulting in CAPTAIN BLOOD being forced wider. In not taking more severe action against Ms Fitzpatrick Stewards were mindful of the short distance the incident occurred prior to the candy pole.

MAID OF MONEY NZ– Checked and broke passing the 300 metres as a result of CAPTAIN RITCHIE shifting out.

CAPTAIN BLOOD– Inconvenienced and forced wider passing the 600 metres.

PRINCE OF PEACE– Pre-race blood sample. Checked and broke gait shortly after passing the 700 metres as a result of the pace easing.

CAPTAIN RITCHIE– Driver Gavin Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) in that approaching the 300 metres he permitted CAPTAIN RITCHIE to shift out when not sufficiently clear of MAID OF MONEY NZ resulting in that runner being tightened and taken out onto DAN FERNANDO NZ resulting in DAN FERNANDO NZ being checked and MAID OF MONEY NZ being checked and breaking gait. In assessing penalty Stewards took into account the HRNSW Penalty Guidelines, placing particular weight on Mr Fitzpatrick’s guilty plea, his good driving record and the circumstances of the incident noting Mr Fitzpatrick made some attempt to prevent the interference. Stewards accordingly imposed a 7 day suspension of his licence to drive in races which was ordered to commence midnight 17 December 2024.

JALANEEL– Post-race swab sample.

 

RACE 5 – HRNSW GUARANTEED LADYSHIP PACE – 1720 metres

CRACKABRIE NZ– Held up rounding the home turn and the early part of the straight.

DASHING CHEDDAR– Paced roughly passing the 800 metres when inconvenienced as the pace eased.

HEAVENLY REASON– Held up inside the final 200 metres and as a result was not fully tested.

SARA TA SLOY– Post-race swab sample.

SHARPER MEMORY– Inconvenienced and paced roughly passing the 1500 metres when TARAMIN shifted in.

PLAYFUL MISS– Pre-race blood sample. Held up inside the final 200 metres and as a result was not fully tested.

 

RACE 6 – PENRITH CITY COUNCIL PACE – 2125 metres

ROCKSIE ROCK– Pre-race blood sample. Post-race swab sample.

GUNFORHIRE– Trainer Rickie Alchin was fined $50 under Rule 210 for failing to declare himself as the driver of the gelding by the prescribed time.

FOLLOW THE ECLIPSE– Broke during the score up on the first attempt and was out of position at the restart. Given the gelding’s recent record FOLLOW THE ECLIPSE will now be placed outside the draw in future mobile start events.

ROCKIN GEMMA– A false start was declared on the first occasion after ROCKIN GEMMA which had become fractious commenced to buck during the middle stages of the score up and its Driver Will Rixon raised his left hand to signify to the starter to call a false start. Mr Rixon subsequently advised he was unsure as to the cause of ROCKIN GEMMA becoming extremely fractious and commencing to buck and he thought it may have been as a result of a gear issue, however upon examination prior to the restart he was unable to identify any noticeable gear issue other than the crupper required tightening. Upon consideration of the available evidence, Stewards issued Mr Rixon with a charge under Rule 162(1)(d) in that after ROCKIN GEMMA become fractious during the middle stages of the score up and commenced to buck he raised his left hand to signify a false start in circumstances he was otherwise not entitled to do so resulting in the start being unnecessarily delayed. Mr Rixon pleaded guilty to the charge and after hearing submissions into penalty Stewards imposed a fine of $200.  A post-race veterinary examination of ROCKIN GEMMA revealed the filly to be suffering from colic. As ROCKIN GEMMA underwent veterinary treatment, the filly will now be stood down from racing for a period of 10 days. Given the recent poor record of ROCKIN GEMMA the filly will now be placed outside the draw in future mobile start events.

IMPULSIVE GEORGE– Tired over the concluding stages to finish in 10^th placing beaten 56 metres. A warning was issued.

GREY CADILLAC– Driver Robert Morris was questioned regarding the tactics adopted on the gelding during the early and middle stages. Mr Morris explained as evidenced by the extended racing pattern of GREY CADILLAC the gelding is one paced and for this reason when the speed of the event was relatively moderate during the early stages he allowed GREY CADILLAC to improve forward 3 wide to occupy the position outside the leader. Mr Morris further added as ROCKIN GEMMA improved to his outside it was clear that runner had superior speed and was able to improve past GREY CADILLAC to obtain the lead. Mr Morris further added approaching the 800 metres he commenced to place GREY CADILLAC under pressure which is not unusual for the gelding and how it ordinarily races in similar circumstances, and he felt he never improved close to the leader ROCKIN GEMMA so as to apply pressure to that runner forcing it to record faster sectionals. Mr Morris further added immediately prior to straightening GREY CADILLAC was tightened which resulted in the gelding losing some momentum which he felt impacted the final finishing position of the gelding. A post-race veterinary examination of GREY CADILLAC failed to reveal any significant findings. Upon consideration of the explanation tendered by Mr Morris combined with the exposed form of GREY CADILLAC Stewards did not feel the tactics adopted in the circumstances were so unreasonable or unacceptable so as to be in breach of the rules and took the matter no further.

 

RACE 7 – TAB VENUE MODE PACE – 1720 metres

OURSURFINSAFARI– Checked passing the 1500 metres as a result of WILLIAMS breaking gait.

GIRLS VIEW– Inconvenienced passing the 1500 metres as a result of WILLIAMS breaking gait.

BIRDY GAL– Inconvenienced passing the 1500 metres as a result of WILLIAMS breaking gait. Jostled with JILLIBY ZUCCHINI for a position for some distance passing the 1400 metres.

WILLIAMS– Pre-race blood sample. Hung out during the initial stages of the score up and broke shortly after. A warning was issued. Broke clear of interference passing the 1500 metres. A warning was issued.

JUST HOME GROWN NZ– Post-race swab sample.

JILLIBY ZUCCHINI- Inconvenienced passing the 1500 metres as a result of WILLIAMS breaking gait. Jostled with BIRDY GAL for a position for some distance passing the 1400 metres. Driver Will Rixon was questioned regarding the performance of the filly which finished in 7^th placing beaten 10.5 metres ($1.25 fav). Mr Rixon explained as a result of being checked rounding the first turn the filly did not settle in a favourable position however nonetheless he felt JILLIBY ZUCCHINI was disappointing over the concluding stages. A pos-race veterinary examination of JILLIBY ZUCCHINI failed to reveal any significant findings.

 

RACE 8 – CHRISTMAS RACE NIGHT DEC 19 @ PENRITH HARNESS PACE – 1720 metres

BETTOR BE LUCKY– Underwent pre and post-race veterinary examinations due to the gelding having stared in more than 200 races. These examinations did not reveal any significant findings.

THE GOLDEN CROSS NZ– Underwent pre and post-race veterinary examinations due to the gelding having stared in more than 200 races. These examinations did not reveal any significant findings.

CROWN MOJO– Post-race swab sample.

THE MALDIVES– Underwent pre and post-race veterinary examinations due to the gelding having stared in more than 200 races. These examinations did not reveal any significant findings.

ULTIMATE AD- Underwent pre and post-race veterinary examinations due to the gelding having stared in more than 200 races. These examinations did not reveal any significant findings.

 

RACE 9 – SUPER HAM & PRAWN RAFFLE @ CLUB PACEWAY DEC 21 PACE – 1720 metres

IMA SHINKANSEN– Paced roughly and broke for a short distance passing the 600 metres and was directed inside the marker pegs by its driver to avoid interference with the remaining runners. A warning was placed on the record of IMA SHIKANSEN.

ART OF RHYTHM– Over raced during the middle stages.

WAHAKA– Hung in and broke passing the 1400 metres. In view of the gelding’s recent record it will be required to trial to the satisfaction of stewards prior to racing again.

TRISTAR FOR CHRIS– Pre-race blood sample.

LOUMIA– Broke clear of interference passing the 1400 metres and will now be stood down from racing until trialling to the satisfaction of Stewards on one occasion.

FRANCO TYSON– Post-race swab sample.

 

SUMMARY
Reprimands	Race 4 – Zara Fitzpatrick – Rule 163(1)(b)(i) – DAN FERNANDO NZ
Fines	Race 3 – Michael Reed – Rule 210 - $50 – THERES WAALY Race 6 – Will Rixon – Rule 162(1)(d) - $200 – ROCKIN GEMMA Race 6 – Rickie Alchin – Rule 210 - $50 - GUNFORHIRE
Suspensions	Race 4 – Gavin Fitzpatrick – Rue 162(1)(a)(iii) – 7 days – CAPTAIN RITCHIE – to commence midnight 17 December 2024
Barrier Information	Race 6 – FOLLOW THE ECLIPSE - ODM Race 6 – ROCKIN GEMMA - ODM
Trials/Stand Down	Race 2 – PERCEY BAILEY – 1 trial Race 2 – MERRYWOOD TONY – stood down 14 days Race 3 – HARRY KANE NZ – 1 trial Race 6 – ROCKIN GEMMA – stood down 10 days Race 9 – WAHAKA – 1 trial Race 9 – LOUMIA – 1 trial
Late Scratchings
Adjourned Inquiries
Medical Clearance
Follow up’s