Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR SHEPPARTON

TUESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2025

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

RACE 1 – MAKE YOUR HORSE ELIGIBLE FOR VHRC SUPER BONUSES TROT (1ST HEAT) (2190 MS)

ALWAYS SKYE HIGH – Driver Steve Owen was questioned regarding the driving tactics adopted on the mare which gave ground to be beaten 42m into last placing.  Mr.Owen stated that after initially planning to restrain after the start, he elected to remain in a three wide position with a view to progress forward outside the lead.  Mr.Owen added that approaching the 1400m, and with the spot outside the leader no longer an option he elected to remain in a three wide position given how the mare was travelling and also the recent tractability concerns.  Stewards were not of the opinion that the tactics adopted were unreasonable given all aspects and noted the comments.

WAIKARE ADRIENNA – Pulled hard middle stages.

RACE 2 – VHRC / BENSTUD VICBRED VOUCHER MAIDEN (1690 MS)

BOLT OF CARBARGO – (Last start Dec 2024) Underwent pre and post-race veterinary examinations in accordance with HRV Animal Welfare Policy.  Neither check revealed any abnormality.  Tired to be beaten 63m into 10th placing, warning issued.

BLACKJACK WHACKO – Broke after the start and trailed the field.  The gelding will now be placed outside of the draw in future mobile start events.

ELCHEAPO CLAIRE – Held up for clear running on the final turn.

MY BEAUTIFUL LIFE – Driver Karen Kendall was cautioned for contacting marker pegs in the home straight.

MOLLY VINCENT – Tired to be beaten 61m into 9th position and placed on last chance to race competitively.

RACE 3 – VHRC / MARK GURRY & ASSOCIATES PACE (2190 MS)

SPIRIT OF SAHARA – Inconvenienced at the 400m by Riveera.  Held up for clear running on the final turn prior to utilising sprint lane.

KEAYANG SANTIAGO – Driver James Herbertson stated the gelding pulled hard throughout before tiring to be beaten 58m into 8th position.  A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormality and a warning was issued.

STAG PARTY NZ – Hung in on the first turn.

RIVEERA - Driver Tayla French stated the mare pulled hard during the middle stages before tiring to be beaten 60m into 9th position.  Ms.French added the mare may be better driven more conservatively in future starts.  A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormality and a warning was issued.

GINGER ELLA – Contacted the offside sulky wheel of Mad Punta approaching the 400m.  Driver Damian Wilson was fined $100 under AHR Rule 168(1)(a) for careless driving.

MAD PUNTA – Sustained flat tyre approaching 400m.  A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormality.

RACE 4 – VHRC / CHISLEY HOLDINGS PACE (2190 MS)

IMA BALLERINA – Tired to be beaten 108m into last placing.  A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormality and the filly will now be stood down from racing until the completion of one satisfactory trial.

CHAMPAGNE WALSH – Gave ground to be beaten 48m into 9th placing.  Driver Ellen Tormey stated the gelding may not have backed up from its last run at Ballarat (4 December).  A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormality

MY ULTIMATE LUIGI NZ – Broke gait when clear of interference at the 400m and has now been stood down from racing until the completion of one satisfactory trial.

RACE 5 – VHRC / BLACK HORSE NATURALS PACE (1690 MS)

No reportable racing incidents.

RACE 6 – VHRC / TABCORP PACE (1690 MS)

PEE BEES DELIGHT – Gave ground to be beaten 47m into last placing.

IAMAWINGATE – (200+starts, 12+yrs) Underwent pre and post-race veterinary examinations in accordance with HRV Animal Welfare Policy.  Neither check revealed any abnormality.

WINGATE GUY – (200+starts) Underwent pre and post-race veterinary examinations in accordance with HRV Animal Welfare Policy.  Neither check revealed any abnormality.

Scott Gillespie

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