Stewards Report
Shepparton 21/07/2022
HARNESS RACING VICTORIA
STEWARDS REPORT FOR SHEPPARTON
THURSDAY 21 JULY 2022
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Nicholas Murray Scott Gillespie Des Benger Jason Fino (Starter) Dr Claire Williams-Patterson (Vet) |
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Track: Good |
Weather: |
Fine |
Trainers with multiple horses engaged in any given race were questioned as to the intended driving tactics to be adopted.
GENERAL
Licensed stablehand Mr Paul Hodgson pleaded guilty to a charge under rule 248, the particulars of the charge being on Thursday 14 July 2022, that upon the social media platform Twitter, Mr Hodgson published an improper comment about another licensed person participating in the Harness Racing Industry. In assessing penalty Stewards took into account Mr Hodgson’s guilty plea, remorse for the conduct, extended and good prior record for like offences, the nature of the comments and precedent penalties imposed when considered in line with the HRV Social Media Policy For Industry Participants. Mr Hodgson was fined $500 with $250 of the penalty wholly suspended for 2 years provided that there are no further offences under the applicable rule within that period.
RACE 1 – NEATLINE HOMES PACE FINAL (2190 MS)
Ace Duigan paced roughly for a short distance after the start. Ace Duigan then pulled hard during the middle stages when positioned outside of the leader. Ace Duigan tired over the latter stages to finish at the rear of the field beaten approximately 51m. Ashley Manton, driver of Ace Duigan confirmed that being positioned without cover outside of the leader as opposed to being able to lead and the gelding then being inclined to over-race were the main contributing factors for the performance. A warning was issued against the performance of Ace Duigan.
When questioned regarding the driving tactics adopted on Just Ralph, driver Jordan Chibnall explained that she remained in a position in the running line as opposed to progressing three wide near the 800m as she had been advised to drive the gelding for one run over the concluding stages. Ms Chibnall added that she was then intent on attempting to improve wider on the track approaching the 400m, however was hampered and subsequently lost momentum as both Ace Duigan and The Situation NZ commenced to give ground when forward and to the outside of her drive. Ms Chibnall further explained that Milloo Gunslinger (J Herbertson) had then taken advantage of improving to her inside to follow Havana (T French) on the marker pegline, an opportunity that Ms Chibnall conceded in hindsight she may have been better served in pursuing. Ms Chibnall’s explanation was recorded.
Milloo Gunsliger (2nd place) was inconvenienced near the 500m as Ace Duigan and The Situation NZ commenced to yield ground. Milloo Gunslinger was then held up prior to using the sprint lane in the home straight.
The Situation NZ gave ground over the concluding stages.
RACE 2 – YOUR SOLD REAL ESTATE PACE (2190 MS)
Cabo Cruz was a late scratching at 4:48pm with Stewards permission when connections advised that the gelding was unable to be loaded for transport to the course.
Neanger Guy pulled hard during the early stages before progressing forward to obtain the lead.
High Flux pulled hard during the middle stages.
Eric The Kicker was held up in the home straight when finishing in 6th place beaten 5.8m. Jack Laugher, driver of Eric The Kicker explained that he remained in a position in the running line over the latter stages as the gelding had been under driving and he considered it may have been detrimental to improve wider on the track when Eric The Kicker had been under pressure. Mr Laugher added that in the home straight he had then committed to pursue a run between Neanger Guy (S O’Sullivan) and Platinum Prince (A Sanderson) as he considered Neanger Guy was inclined to shift up the track. Mr Laugher further explained that this run didn’t eventuate when Neanger Guy straightened, and Platinum Prince shifted out slightly inside the 100m when utilising the sprint lane. Mr Laugher further added that he had already committed to pursue that run when Saint Win (M Bellman) then shifted out which presented a run to the outside of Neanger Guy, with High Flux (A Turnbull) then improving to the outside of Eric The Kicker, resulting in Mr Laugher being able to direct his drive wider on the track inside the 100m. Mr Laugher’s explanation was recorded.
Saint Win hung out in the home straight on the final occasion and a warning was issued against the racing manners of the mare.
High Flux, Lils Nightmare NZ and Barwen Storm all had difficulty in obtaining a clear run in the home straight.
RACE 3 – CENTRAL TYRE SERVICE 3YO MAIDEN PACE (2190 MS)
Noel Tyndall, driver of Cherokee Jac pleaded guilty to a charge under rule 168(1)(e) for improper driving. The particulars of the charge being that before the start during the pre-race preliminary Mr Tyndall crossed his reins and applied the whip in his right hand in a forceful and excessive manner on one occasion, well beyond the accepted whip use requirements under the provisions of rule 156. In assessing penalty in accordance with the HRV Minimum Penalty Guidelines, Stewards took into account Mr Tyndall’s guilty plea, clear prior record over an extended period for like offences, that such conduct was not acceptable from an industry or animal welfare perspective and precedent penalties for similar acts. Mr Tyndall’s licence to drive in races was suspended for 7 days to commence midnight 27 July 2022 and he was fined $500. A subsequent veterinary examination of Cherokee Jac revealed no abnormal findings of any significance.
Serengeti Sunrise was out of position at the start and will continue to be placed outside the mobile barrier draw.
Interpretation paced roughly for a short distance after the start.
Victortheinflictor paced roughly for a short distance entering the first turn.
Drivers Tayla French (Interpretation) and Jayden Barker (Rollwithalady) were questioned in relation to Interpretation breaking gait rounding the first turn. Upon the available evidence, although Mr Barker (Rollwithalady) had not provided the required clearance when attempting to obtain the lead, Stewards could not be satisfied that the actions of Mr Barker had caused or contributed to Interpretation galloping. Stewards were also mindful of the racing manners of Interpretation which paced roughly during the score up and shortly after the start and were therefore satisfied that Interpretation had paced roughly and then galloped of its own accord. Interpretation was placed on its last chance to race truly. Nonetheless, Jayden Barker, driver of Rollwithalady was reminded of his relevant obligations. As a result of Interpretation galloping the following horses were checked to varying degrees; Venetian, Classic Mix Up, Our Mystery Bet and Cherokee Jac.
Classic Mix Up commenced to over-race at the entrance to the back straight on the first occasion and then galloped clear of interference near the 1700m. Classic Mix Up was placed on its last chance to race truly. Jackson Painting, driver of Classic Mix Up was questioned in relation to actions shortly after the completion of the event, when he momentarily ran the bit through the filly’s mouth. Mr Painting explained that the bit on the filly had pulled through to the offside and he had experienced difficulty with steering and controlling Classic Mix Up during the event and particularly racing into the back straight on the first occasion when he was required to take a further grip on the filly. A subsequent veterinary examination of Classic Mix Up revealed no abnormal findings with the filly’s mouth, however Classic Mix Up was lame in the near hind leg. Classic Mix Up was stood down from racing until a veterinary clearance has been provided for the filly. Although making Mr Painting aware of the potential ramifications for such actions as he displayed upon pulling up, based on the evidence obtained and the explanation provided, inclusive of safety and welfare considerations, Stewards took the matter no further in view of the circumstances of this case.
Classic Mix Up over-raced during the middle stages.
Rollwithalady hung in at the entrance to the home straight.
Mac Shadow was held up for a clear run rounding the final turn and in the early part of the home straight.
RACE 4 – POWERCOR SHEPPARTON SOCIAL CLUB PACE (1ST DIV) (1690 MS)
Clem McArdle paced roughly during the early part of the score up and a warning was issued against the barrier manners of the gelding.
Reckless Dream paced roughly near the 1300m before galloping clear of interference near the 1200m resulting in Feel The Reign being checked and pacing roughly and in turn Clem McArdle, Lonestar Lad and Highclere being inconvenienced. Reckless Dream was placed on its last chance to race truly.
Feel The Reign (3rd place) was held up prior to utilising the sprint lane.
Shannon O’Sullivan, driver of Castle Retreat was fined $100 under rule 162(1)(t) for making excessive noise when driving out the gelding over the concluding stages. Stewards acknowledged that Ms O’Sullivan had recently been cautioned for a similar offence.
RACE 5 - POWERCOR SHEPPARTON SOCIAL CLUB PACE (2ND DIV) (1690 MS)
Gilty By The Beach will continue to be placed outside the mobile barrier draw at the request of connections.
Write About Angus NZ galloped during the score up, was out of position at the start and will be placed outside the draw in future mobile start events.
Another Colony pulled hard during the middle stages and then galloped clear of interference rounding the home turn. Another Colony was placed on its last chance to race truly.
Reign Maker (5th place) had some difficulty in obtaining a clear run in the home straight.
Chris Alford, driver of Captain Maastricht was fined $200 under rule 156(2)(a) for applying the whip with more than a wrist only flicking action in the home straight.
RACE 6 – SADDLEWORLD SHEPPARTON PACE (1690 MS)
Priddy Sublime (3rd place) was held up for a clear run rounding the final turn. Jayden Barker, driver of Priddy Sublime was fined $100 under rule 162(1)(www)(a) for permitting that mare to shift out at the entrance to the home straight, resulting in Mon Bel Ange (J Laugher) and No Motive (B Chisholm) being impeded.
So She Said was held up for a clear run in the early part of the run home.
Tayla French, driver of Chooz Reactor was fined $100 under rule 156(3) for using the whip in an unapproved manner in that the whip was applied on more occasions than permitted inside the 200m.
RACE 7 – BARASTOC TROT (2190 MS)
Super Service was out of position at the start and will continue to be placed outside the mobile barrier draw.
Firengrace galloped clear of interference at the winning post on the first occasion and a warning was issued.
Josh Aiken, driver of Sheza Pleasure was cautioned for tightening the racing room of Whizzbang Dan progressing into the first turn.
Abbie pulled during the middle stages when positioned outside of the leader.
Downunder Barkers galloped clear of interference near the 1000m causing Firengrace to be checked.
Super Service galloped clear of interference near the 500m and has now been placed on its last chance to race truly.
Wisp Of Smoke tired to be beaten approximately 61m and a warning was issued.
RACE 8 – ALABAR PACE (1690 MS)
Malava Miss failed to run on when wide on the track inside the final 400m to ultimately finish at the rear of the field beaten approximately 46m. Jack Laugher, driver of the mare explained that Malava Miss failed to travel strongly at any stage and proved to be disappointing. A veterinary examination of Malava Miss revealed the mare to be lame in the hind legs and showing signs of tying up. Malava Miss was stood down from racing until a veterinary clearance has been provided for the mare.
Regality (3rd place) was held up for a clear run rounding the final turn prior to utilising the sprint lane.
Jack Laugher, driver of Malava Miss was fined $200 under rule 156(2)(a) for applying the whip with more than a wrist only flicking action between the 400m and 200m.
RACE 9 – EQUINE AFTER CARE TROT (2190 MS)
The starting time of this race was revised to commence at 9:32pm.
Yoee began badly and will be placed outside the draw in future mobile start events.
Parisian Bandit galloped clear of interference near the 400m and has now been placed on its last chance to race truly.
Violetta Gift was held up for a clear run over the final stages.
Cody Crossland, driver of Starlight Storm pleaded guilty to a charge under rule 156(2)(a) for applying the whip with more than a wrist only flicking action in the home straight and that specifically Mr Crossland engaged his elbow and shoulder to apply the whip with overt force. In accordance with the HRV Minimum Penalty Guidelines, Stewards took into account Mr Crossland’s guilty plea and prior record which indicated a first offence under the applicable rule on 17 July 2022. Mr Crossland was fined $400.
Nicholas Murray
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
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Pre-Race: Race 1 – Just Ralph; Race 2 – High Flux; Race 3 – Venetian; Race 5 – Heston Zoolander; Race 6 – Coveffe Hustler; |
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Post-Race: Race 1 – Junior Warfare; Race 2 – Platinum Prince NZ; Race 5 – Made To Rock; Race 6 – Coveffe Hustler; Race 8 – Smooth Debate NZ; |
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Suspensions |
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Race 3 |
N Tyndall |
168(1)(e) |
7 days |
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Fines |
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Race 3 |
N Tyndall |
168(1)(e) |
$500 |
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Race 4 |
S O’Sullivan |
162(1)(t) |
$100 |
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Race 5 |
C Alford |
156(2)(a) |
$200 |
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Race 6 |
T French |
156(3) |
$100 |
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Race 6 |
J Barker |
162(1)(www)(a) |
$100 |
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Race 8 |
J Laugher |
156(2)(a) |
$200 |
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Race 9 |
C Crossland |
156(2)(a) |
$400 |
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General |
P Hodgson |
248 |
$500 ($250 susp 2 years) |
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Cautions |
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Race 7 |
J Aiken |
D/CT |
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Horse Actions |
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Race 3 |
Serengeti Sunrise |
CODM |
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Race 3 |
Classic Mix Up |
SDVC |
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Race 5 |
Write About Angus |
ODM |
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Race 5 |
Gilty By The Beach |
TRCODM |
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Race 7 |
Super Service |
CODM |
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Race 8 |
Malava Miss |
SDVC |
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Race 9 |
Yoee |
ODM |
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Late Scratchings |
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Race 2 |
Cabo Cruz |
Stewards permission |
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4:48pm |
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