Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR SHEPPARTON         

TUESDAY 02 JULY 2024

	Elliot Turner (Chairman) Grant Adams Daniel Borg   Jason Fino (Starter) Dr Jean-Baptiste Pavard (Veterinarian)
	Track:    Good	Weather:	Fine

 

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

 

RACE 1 – NEATLINE HOMES PACE (2190 MS)

SASSINESS – Inclined to shift out whilst under pressure during the final 100 metres.

LENNY LINCOLN NZ – ($2.80 Unplaced favourite) When questioned regarding the performance, driver R Coelli explained that the gelding was unsuited to racing outside of the leader throughout and when placed under pressure near the 400 metres his runner failed to respond and gave ground from that point and he was ultimately disappointed with the gelding’s performance tonight. Mr Coelli further stated that should LENNY LINCOLN NZ recover satisfactorily in the days subsequent, the stable will look to continue with the gelding’s immediate preparation. Stewards will follow up with the stable.

APIECEOFLOU NZ – Hung out passing the 700 metres resulting in, SHE HAUNTS EM contacting its off-side sulky wheel.

SHE HAUNTS EM – Contacted the off-side sulky wheel of APIECEOFLOU NZ passing the 700 metres when that runner hung out.

 

RACE 2 – COTTRELLS ELECTRICAL MAIDEN PACE (1690 MS)

ROYLE BLOOD – Held up for clear running during the early stages of the run to the finish prior to utilising the sprint lane.

FRUGAL FARE – Inclined to shift out whilst under pressure during the final 100 metres.

ALICES SWEETHEART NZ – Broke gait shortly after the start causing ALAMO to be hampered, consequently ALICES SWEETHEART NZ will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw. Raced keenly between the 1050 metres and the 750 metres.

ALAMO – Hampered after the start when ALICES SWEETHEART NZ broke gait.

FRANKIE FIREFLY – Broke gait shortly after the start, consequently FRANKIE FIREFLY will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

NOOSA BOY – Broke gait during the early stages of the score up, consequently NOOSA BOY will be continued outside of the mobile barrier draw.

 

RACE 3 – CENTRAL TYRE SERVICE MAIDEN TROT (2190 MS)

ONETWOSKIPPERFEW – Begun badly when galloping away at the start, ONETWOSKIPPERFEW will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw. Gave ground inside the final 450 metres to be beaten 48.3 metres.

CABIN CREW – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian in accordance with HRV’s animal welfare policy due to the gelding having not raced in the preceding 12 months. No abnormalities were detected on either examination. When questioned in relation to the seemingly improved performance in tonight’s event, trainer/driver R Bartley explained that the gelding was first up for the stable from a significant spell and had been trialling well leading into tonight’s event. She added that, the gelding had raced far more tractably compared to its prior starts and believed that her runner was suited to racing without cover where it can dictate its own tempo in an event which ultimately proved successful tonight. Stewards noted her comments.

OPRAH DOUBLE YOU – Out of position at the start despite the efforts of its driver. A warning was issued.

BRIGETTE ROYALE – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian in accordance with HRV’s animal welfare policy due to the gelding having not raced in the preceding 12 months. No abnormalities were detected on either examination. Hung out noticeably at various stages of the event. A warning was issued. Gave ground inside the final 650 metres to be beaten 40.1 metres.

 

RACE 4 – ALABAR PACE (1690 MS)

SARASUN – Weakened inside the final 400 metres to be beaten 50.1 metres. In view of the circumstances no action was taken.

ISLAS JOY NZ – Jeremy Quinlan was approved as a late driving replacement for Matt Newberry (indisposed). Hung in throughout the score up and consequently was out of position at the start. ISLAS JOY NZ was placed on its last chance in the mobile barrier draw. Weakened inside the final 500 metres to be beaten 73.5 metres. Trainer/Driver J Quinlan reported post-race that the mare failed to travel genuinely throughout which ultimately proved detrimental to the overall performance. He said that following the mare’s disappointing performance tonight, connections will endeavour to give the mare a freshen-up prior to continuing with its preparation. A post-race veterinary exam revealed the mare to be displaying a poor post-race recovery and an elevated heart rate.

 

RACE 5 – AVENEL EQUINE HOSPITAL PACE (2190 MS)

Prior to the declaration of All clear, driver E Justice (EL BOSTON) 2nd place-getter requested to review the official patrol footage regarding the final 100 metres. Upon review Ms Justice decided that there were insufficient grounds to lodge an objection against (STARZZZ DESTINY) 1st place-getter and with a similar view Steward’s announced All clear on the Judge’s numbers 5-3-6-9.

NOMORELYING – Unable to secure clear running during the final 150 metres.

EL BOSTON – Fractious during the early and middle stages of the score-up. A warning was issued.

STARZZZ DESTINY – Raced keenly throughout the middle stages.

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

THESTATESMAN – Broke its off-side lugging pole passing the 1300 metres.

SCARED STIFF NZ – Driver R Coelli pleaded guilty to a charge under AHRR 163(1)(a)(iii) for causing interference in that, at a point approaching the 200 metres he failed to make sufficient effort to prevent SCARED STIFF NZ from shifting outwards when insufficiently clear of STAG PARTY NZ resulting in, that runner being placed in restricted room, having to be checked and racing roughly. When assessing penalty consideration was given to, Mr Coelli’s guilty plea, driving record in relation to the rule and the degree of interference. Accordingly, R Coelli had his license to drive in races suspended for a period of 10 days to commence midnight 02/07/24.

STAG PARTY NZ – Placed in restricted room, had to be checked and consequently raced roughly approaching the 200 metres when SCARED STIFF NZ shifted out.

 

RACE 6 – BRIAN FIRTH MEMORIAL TROT (1690 MS)

MONTANA MUSCLE – Broke gait whilst under pressure leaving the 100 metres causing THE CHOOK to be checked and broke. A warning was issued.

THE VICARS GIRL – Gave ground inside the final 650 metres to be beaten 44.8 metres. Examined post-race by the veterinarian in accordance with HRV’s animal welfare policy due to the mare being engaged to compete at Charlton on 03/07/24. No abnormalities were detected.

LARR DEES SON – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian in accordance with HRV’s animal welfare policy due to the gelding having not raced in the preceding 12 months. No abnormalities were detected on either examination. Veered out near the 200 metres resulting in, NAKED TRUTH sustaining contact and consequently was checked and broke. In view of the gelding’s racing manners, LARR DEES SON was placed on its last chance to race truly.

MAJESTIC TOOTH – Hung in and raced inside marker pegs rounding the final turn. Examined post-race by the veterinarian in accordance with HRV’s animal welfare policy due to the mare being engaged to compete at Bendigo on 03/07/24. No abnormalities were detected.

THE CHOOK – Checked and broke passing the 100 metres when MONTANA MUSCLE broke gait.

NAKEDTRUTH – Near the 200 metres sustained contact and consequently was checked and broke gait when LARR DEES SON veered out.

WATCH AND ACT – Out of position at the start despite the efforts of its driver. A warning was issued.

 

RACE 7 – SADDLEWORLD SHEPPARTON PACE (1690 MS)

I LIKE WHAT I SEE – Driver L Older was fined the sum of $100 under AHRR 163(1)(c)(i) for allowing his runner to shift inside the final marker peg prior to utilising the sprint lane. Further, L Older was advised to modify the manner in which he applies the whip so that it conforms with the rules.

KARUMA KEV – Begun badly when galloping away at the start and trailed the field thereafter. KARUMA KEV will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

EYE SEE PHILTRA – Held up for clear running during the early stages of the run to the finish.

 

RACE 8 – YOUR SOLD REAL ESTATE PACE (1690 MS)

CORNISHTOWN KID – Driver T Potter was fined the sum of $100 under AHRR 162(1)(y) for failing to adhere to the minimum sectional times whilst leading, when recording the second quarter of the event in 33.6 seconds (1.6 seconds slower than required).

FOLLOWTHEACE – Broke gait during the early stages of the score up and consequently was out of position at the start. FOLLOWTHEFACE will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

IM JIMMY JONES – Driver A Turnbull was issued a formal caution for failing to have the gelding in position at the start.

MAJOR BERT – Driver C Bell was fined the sum of $100 under AHRR 162(1)(h) for failing to have the gelding in position at the start. In determining penalty, Stewards noted the poor recent record of Mr Bell in relation to the rule. Further, C Bell was advised to modify the manner in which he applies the whip so that it conforms with the rules.

LOVE WATCH – Raced keenly throughout the middle stages.

 

RACE 9 – JDC CONTRACTORS PACE (1690 MS)

AMBER ALERT – Slow to begin.

NOBLE JULIA – Driver L Older was fined the sum of $100 under AHRR 163(1)(c)(i) for allowing his runner to shift inside the final marker peg prior to utilising the sprint lane.

MYNAMEISRUBY – Withstood a challenge for the lead from FRIENDS between the 1200 metres and the 1000 metres.

CRAFTY OLD FOX – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian in accordance with HRV’s animal welfare policy due to the gelding having competed in excess of 200 starts. No abnormalities were detected.

FRIENDS – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian in accordance with HRV’s animal welfare policy due to the gelding being 12 years of age. No abnormalities were detected. When questioned in relation to the driving tactics employed, principally concerning the middle stages of the event, trainer/driver J Quinlan explained that his runner had previously displayed its best form whilst running an even tempo throughout an event to which he stated that during the second quarter MYNAMEISRUBY which was leading had commenced to ease the tempo noticeably and as a result that did not suit the gelding and therefore he elected to apply pressure to his runner to improve forward to ascertain whether the lead was available. He said that, once his runner had improved to a position that was on-terms with MYNAMEISRUBY it became apparent the lead was unavailable and when attempting to restrain his runner near the 900 metres, FRIENDS commenced to race keenly and proved difficult to control. He added that, given the circumstances and the distance remaining in the event he then drove his runner vigorously from the 700 metres to which the gelding responded well initially however when approaching the 400 metres his runner failed to run on over the concluding stages. After consideration, Stewards did not feel Mr Quinlan’s tactics were entirely unreasonable in the circumstances, however he was advised to always drive in a manner that does not leave himself open to query.

PINNACLE HOPE – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian in accordance with HRV’s animal welfare policy due to the gelding having competed in excess of 200 starts. No abnormalities were detected.

NIFTY JOLT – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian in accordance with HRV’s animal welfare policy due to the gelding having competed in excess of 200 starts. No abnormalities were detected.

 

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 6 – THE CHOOK; Race 9 – CRAFTY OLD FOX Post-race: Race 4 – ARAPPS; Race 7 – EYE SEE PHILTRA
Suspensions	Race 5 – R Coelli – Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) – 10 Days
Fines	Race 7 – L Older – Rule 163(1)(c)(i) – $100 Race 8 – T Potter – Rule 162(1)(y) – $100 Race 8 – C Bell – Rule 162(1)(h) – $100 Race 9 – L Older – Rule 163(1)(c)(i) – $100
Cautions	Race 8 – A Turnbull – D/CSU
Horse actions	Race 2 – ALICES SWEETHEART NZ – ODM Race 2 – FRANKIE FIREFLY – ODM Race 2 – NOOSA BOY – CODM Race 3 – ONETWOSKIPPERFEW – ODM Race 7 – KARUMA KEV – ODM Race 8 – FOLLOWTHEFACE – ODM
Follow ups	Race 1 – LENNY LINCOLN NZ (Jackson Painting)
Adjourned inquires	Nil
Sulky fund claims	Nil
Medical stand downs	Nil