Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR SHEPPARTON      

TUESDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2025

	Elliot Turner (Chairman) Daniel Borg Carl Coady Jason Fino (Starter) Dr Maxine Hannan (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 – WELCOME BACK BENSTUD SHRC SPONSOR PACE (1690 MS)

SOHO PLAYGIRL – Pre-race swab sample. Broke gait during the early stages of the score up, was out of position at the start and trailed the field thereafter. SOHO PLAYGIRL will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

GOOD TOBE LOCKSLEY – Stewards inquired into the circumstances surrounding the gelding racing roughly passing the 1000 metres. After taking evidence from drivers D Wilson (GOOD TOBE LOCKSLEY) and C Alford (BIG SLEDGE HAMMER), it was established that when racing down the home straight on the first occasion BIG SLEDGE HAMMER was endeavouring to progress three wide and subsequently improved to a position to the immediate outside of GOOD TOBE LOCKSLEY at which point BIG SLEDGE HAMMER commenced to hang in. It was further ascertained that, Mr Alford then took immediate action to correct his runner outwards and despite this as the field then progressed into the turn out of the home straight with one lap remaining BIG SLEDGE HAMMER continued to hang in and proved resistant to being corrected which resulted in GOOD TOBE LOCKSLEY sustaining contact, having to be checked and racing roughly momentarily. After consideration, Stewards determined that the main contributing factor for the incident were the racing manners of BIG SLEDGE HAMMER and were satisfied that Mr Alford had taken immediate and appropriate corrective action and therefore, a warning was placed on the record of BIG SLEDGE HAMMER.

CAPTAIN JAZZ – Gave ground over the concluding stages to be beaten some distance. ($3.80 fav) When questioned regarding the performance, driver M Pitt explained that the filly proved disappointing over the concluding stages given the favourable run it was afforded throughout, however raised concern with the condition of the filly post-race citing that his runner was displaying signs of being distressed. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the filly to be displaying abnormal cardiovascular symptoms consistent with hear murmurs. Acting on veterinary advice, CAPTAIN JAZZ was stood down pending a veterinary certificate of fitness inclusive of the results of an electrocardiogram test (ECG) prior to racing and/or trialling again.

BIG SLEDGE HAMMER – Hung in passing the 1000 metres causing GOOD TOBE LOCKSLEY to sustain contact, had to be checked and raced roughly momentarily. A warning was issued.

TRIPLE ROCK SAINT NZ – Held up for clear running during the early stages of the run to the finish. Examined by the veterinarian post-race in accordance with HRV’s animal welfare policy due to the gelding being engaged to compete at Bendigo on the 19/11/25. No abnormalities were detected.

 

RACE 2 – ALDEBARAN PARK NEW SHRC SPONSOR PACE (2190 MS)  

JILLIBY SELWOOD – Passing the 300 metres, shifted wider on the track when trailing MAJORS CREEK without the required clearance to do so resulting in the gelding making contact with the off-side sulky wheel of MAJORS CREEK. Subsequently, driver G Chamouras was issued a formal caution for careless driving. In not taking more severe action, Stewards were mindful that MAJORS CREEK was yielding ground at that stage. Approaching the 250 metres, improved into a position between MAJORS CREEK and ELATED NZ where there was doubtful racing room to do so resulting in ELATED NZ becoming unbalanced momentarily and had to be steadied. Further, driver G Chamouras was issued a formal caution for driving where there was insufficient racing room.

MAJORS CREEK – Sustained contact to its off-side sulky wheel passing the 300 metres when JILLIBY SELWOOD shifted out. Weakened inside the final 300 metres to be beaten 72.6 metres. A warning was issued.

MACK PACK NZ – Gave ground over the concluding stages to be beaten some distance. ($6.50) When questioned regarding the performance, driver A Sanderson explained that the gelding endured unexpected pressure during the early stages and had to be placed under pressure whilst racing down the back straight on the first occasion in order to obtain the lead, which resulted in the recorded lead time (39.8 seconds) being quicker than average for the grade. She added that, once establishing the lead she was able to slacken the tempo during the middle stages, however when placed under urgings inside the final quarter her runner failed to quicken with the field and ultimately proved disappointing over the concluding stages and attributed the performance to the work the gelding sustained in the early which tolled on her runner inside the final quarter. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.

ELATED NZ – Became unbalanced and had to be steadied approaching the 250 metres when JILLIBY SELWOOD improved into a position between MAJORS CREEK and the gelding where there was doubtful racing room at that point.

TAP TO PAY – Weakened noticeably inside the final 500 metres to be beaten 147.9 metres. When questioned regarding the performance, driver R Sanderson could offer no tangible explanation other than the mare was extremely disappointing and when placed under pressure near the 500 metres his runner became unresponsive and weakened from that point. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. In view of the overall performance, TAP TO PAY was stood down to one re-qualifying trial.

LUVERBOY – Detained on-course for approximately three hours following the completion of the event in accordance with ’HRV elevated TCO2 policy’ for the purpose of collecting a delayed post-race blood sample.

ANIMADO – Post-race swab sample.

CAESAR NERO – Gave ground over the concluding stages to be beaten some distance.

 

RACE 3 – TIP N GO NEW SHRC SPONSOR PACE (1690 MS)

MOLLY VINCENT – Weakened inside the final 400 metres to be beaten 60.6 metres. A warning was issued.

LOUBELL – Checked shortly after the start when AUSSIE JAY MAC NZ broke gait.

AUSSIE JAY MAC NZ – Broke gait shortly after the start causing LOUBELL to be checked which in turn resulted in the trailing FLOPPA to be checked and broke gait whilst GO EASY ON ME was hampered and had to steadied up the track to avoid the gelding. AUSSIE JAY MAC NZ will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw. Broke gait clear of interference passing the 400 metres. AUSSIE JAY MAC NZ was placed on its last chance to race truly.

RED ROBBER – Hung in shortly after entering the final turn, resulting in the trailing SKINNY HORACE having to be steadied and losing momentum.

FEEL THE KNIGHT – Held up for clear running over the concluding stages and was not fully tested.

SKINNY HORACE – Hampered and lost momentum shortly after entering the final turn when trailing RED ROBBER which hung in.

FLOPPA – Checked and broke gait shortly after the start when AUSSIE JAY MAC NZ broke gait.

GO EASY ON ME – Hampered shortly after the start and had to be steadied wider on the track to avoid AUSSIE JAY MAC NZ which broke gait.

 

RACE 4 – SHRC XMAS DINING PACKAGES BOOK NOW 2YO MAIDEN PACE (2190 MS)

TRYX VIXEN – Hampered upon entry into the back straight on the first occasion when locking wheels with WEE GEORGIE WOOD which hung in.

WEE GEORGIE WOOD – Hung in and locked wheels with TRYX VIXEN upon entry into the back straight on the first occasion resulting in that runner being hampered and further causing MILLWOOD MIKI to be inconvenienced. A warning was issued.

LOOK AT HER – Weakened noticeably inside the final 550 metres to be beaten 122.5 metres. When questioned regarding the performance, driver K Cain explained that given the filly was first-up tonight from a significant spell, her runner lacked the required race fitness in order to sustain the pressure of tonight’s event however expressed disappointment with the overall performance, stating that in her opinion the filly was entitled to be more competitive over the concluding stages. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. After consideration, LOOK AT HER was stood down to one re-qualifying trial.

GLENAGE MISS – Shifted up the track slightly shortly after the start at which point LA SMOOCH was also shifting down the track resulting in that runner being checked and broke gait. Given the marginal movement of both runners, no action was taken. Weakened noticeably inside the final 900 metres to be beaten 349.4 metres. When questioned regarding the performance, driver C Alford could offer no explanation other than the filly was extremely disappointing tonight and failed to travel genuinely for a majority of the event. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. After consideration, GLENAGE MISS was stood down to one re-qualifying trial.

LA SMOOCH – Stewards inquired into the circumstances surrounding the gelding breaking gait shortly after the start. After taking evidence from all relevant drivers, it was established that LA SMOOCH attempted to shift down the track to obtain a position closer towards the marker pegs soon after the start was effected, at which point GLENAGE MISS which was drawn to the gelding’s immediate inside shifted up the track slightly, resulting in the gelding becoming crowded and having to be checked. After consideration, Stewards were mindful of the marginal movement of both runners at that point and therefore Stewards could not solely lay blame on any one horse or driver, as a result no direct action was taken, however driver T Potter (LA SMOOCH) was advised to exercise greater care in similar circumstances.

MILLWOOD MIKI – Inconvenienced upon entry into the back straight on the first occasion when TRYX VIXEN and WEE GEORGIE locked wheels. Weakened noticeably inside the final 450 metres to be beaten 129 metres. When questioned regarding the performance, driver A Turnbull explained that in her opinion the gelding raced lethargically tonight and travelled ungenerously at various stages prior to weakening near the 500 metres and stated that in her opinion the gelding may have come to the end of its preparation and connections would give consideration to the immediate preparation of MILLWOOD MIKI. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. In view of the overall performance, MILLWOOD MIKI was stood down to one re-qualifying trial.

VINNIES HOPE – Weakened inside the final 300 metres to be beaten 75 metres. A warning was issued.

 

RACE 5 – SADDLEWORLD SHEPPARTON & BENDIGO TROT (2ND HEAT) (2190 MS)

THE VICARS GIRL – Slow to begin. Weakened inside the final 600 metres to be beaten 85.6 metres. THE VICARS GIRL was placed on its last chance to race truly.

MAUDARCHY NZ – Weakened inside the final 700 metres to be beaten 115.4 metres. In view of the overall performance, MAUDARCHY NZ was stood down to one re-qualifying trial.

MACHO MAORI – Raced roughly shortly after the start, then consequently became unbalanced and broke gait upon entering the first turn, causing KALARNEY PRINCE to be checked and broke gait whilst SUZYS DREAM was checked and forced wider on the track to avoid the gelding and further CMON CARL LEE was hampered as a result.

FRANKYTHEFRENCHMAN – Hung out at various stages of the event. Post-race swab sample.

CMON CARL LEE – Driver N Jack was issued a formal caution for failing to have the gelding in position at the start. Hampered upon entering the first turn when MACHO MAORI broke gait.

KALARNEY PRINCE – Checked and broke gait upon entering the first turn when MACHO MAORI broke gait. Hampered and lost momentum behind the tiring MAUDARCHY NZ between the 700 metres and the 550 metres. Weakened inside the final 400 metres to be beaten 72.5 metres. After taking into account the considerable ground the gelding lost in the early stages, no action was taken.

SUZYS DREAM – Checked and forced wider on the track upon entering the first turn when MACHO MAORI broke gait.

 

RACE 6 – NEATLINE SHEPPARTON GOLD CUP 17/1 MAIDEN TROT (2190 MS)

SEBS GIRL –Broke gait clear of interference passing the 250 metres causing SOME DAYS WE DREAM to be hampered. A warning was issued.

PASTOR DUNBAR – At the first attempt to score up, broke gait during the middle stages causing FARSTAR to be checked and subsequently a false start was declared. At the second attempt to score up, proved reluctant to fulfil its position behind the mobile barrier and consequently FARSTAR was in turn unbale to fulfil its rightful barrier with a false start being declared on a second occasion. Acting in accordance with AHRR 141(4), PASTOR DUNBAR was declared a late withdrawal at 8:22pm for causing two false starts. The following orders were made in relation to betting: That all monies invested on PASTOR DUNBAR be refunded in full, and that all successful wagers placed prior to the official scratching time be subject to deductions of 47 cents in the dollar for the win from the face value of the ticket, and 35 cents in the dollar for the place from the face value of the ticket. PASTOR DUNBAR will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw, and further the colt was stood down pending the completion of one re-qualifying trial.

SOME DAYS WE DREAM – Hampered passing the 250 metres when SEBS GIRL broke gait.

 

RACE 7 – $5000 PRIZE PACKAGE FOF 'DRESS TO IMPRESS' ON CUP NIGHT PACE (2190 MS)

WARRIORNESS – Contacted a marker peg passing the 200 metres.

CHAINSMOKE – Pre-race blood sample.

VINCE LOMBARDI NZ – Declared a late withdrawal at 10:50am, acting on veterinary advice.

FLIP A COIN – Over-raced throughout the early and middle stages.

 

RACE 8 – ABBEY & ABBY SHRC FACEBOOK WEDNESDAY WAGER PACE (1690 MS)

ALTATUDE – Hung out shortly after the start.

PEE BEES DELIGHT – Over-raced throughout the early and middle stages. Gave ground from the 500 metres to be beaten some distance. When questioned in relation to the driving tactics employed, principally regarding his decision to drive urgently after the start and the seemingly contrast of tactics in comparison to the mare’s recent starts when maintaining the lead throughout. Driver J Quinlan explained that, he had received pre-race instructions from the trainer to drive positively after the start and ideally obtain the lead as in the opinion of connections the mare was racing against weaker opposition tonight in comparison to its recent starts and believed that the mare had been failing to travel behind other runners and not finishing its races off. He said that, the mare begun well in the early stages and crossed the field handily shortly after the start, to which the mare established the lead approaching the first turn. He said that, at which point his runner commenced to over-race noticeably and as such he was unable to slacken the tempo during the early stages and despite continual efforts to settle the mare, his runner proved resistant to his driving and raced fiercely. He added that, given that the mare took charge during the first and second quarter, his runner expended more energy than necessary, and the recorded sections were quicker than he would have preferred, which in his opinion resulted in the mare being unable to run on from the 500 metres. Mr Quinlan stated that, as a result of the mare’s tractability tonight which he attributed to the main contributing factor for his runner being uncompetitive at the finish, he believed that whilst he made use of the mare in the early stages, thereafter his runner was unable to settle and as such would make recommendations to the connections to make gear alterations going forward, in addition to reconsidering the intended driving tactics to assist the mare’s racing manners.  After consideration, Stewards were mindful of the instructions provided and the racing manners displayed by the mare throughout, however driver J Quinlan was advised that in the opinion of Stewards his judgement in the early stages to drive PEE BEES DELGIHT as aggressively as he did was detrimental and that he must always drive with the requisite level of acumen when competing in races.

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

WHERES WOOD WOOD – Hampered behind the tiring PEE BEES DELIGHT between the 500 metres and the 350 metres.

 

RACE 9 – MUNRO & ASSOCIATES CONVEYANCING PACE (1690 MS)

Nil racing incidents to report.

 

 

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 7 – CHAINSMOKE POST-RACE: Race 2 – ANIMADO & LUVERBOY Race 5 – FRANKYTHEFRENCHMAN
Suspensions	Nil
Fines	Nil
Cautions	Race 2 – G Chamouras – D/CCD Race 2 – G Chamouras – D/CDWIR Race 5 – N Jack – D/CSU Race 8 – C Shinn – D/CSU
Horse actions	Race 1 – SOHO PLAYGIRL – ODM Race 1 – CAPTAIN JAZZ – Vet cert + ECG Race 2 – TAP TO PAY – 1 Trial Race 3 – AUSSIE JAY MAC – ODM Race 4 – GLENAGE MISS – 1 Trial Race 4 – MILLWOOD MIKI – 1 Trial Race 4 – LOOK AT ME – 1 Trial Race 5 – MAUDARCHY NZ – 1 Trial Race 6 – PASTOR DUNBAR – ODM + 1 Trial
Follow ups	Nil
Adjourned inquires	Nil
Sulky fund claims	Nil
Medical stand downs	Nil