Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR SHEPPARTON

WEDNESDAY 25 MAY 2022

	Adrian Crowther Michael Ross Daniel Borg Peter Lamb (Starter) Dr Clare Williams-Patterson (Vet)
	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

Shepparton – 8 May 2022 – Race 6

 Stewards inquired into the reasons for Lottie Moon racing four wide after passing the winning post with a lap to travel . After viewing the official race replays and  taking evidence from Juanita Breen (Lottie Moon NZ) and Shannon O’Sullivan (Ace Montana),  Ms O’Sullivan pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to Rule 163(1)(b)(i). The particulars of the were  that after racing past the winning post with a lap to travel she directed her drive to a three wide position when Lottie Moon was racing with its front legs to the outside of her outside sulky wheel, causing that runner to race four wide for some distance.  Ms O’Sullivan’s licence to drive in races was suspended for a period of 7 days to commence at midnight 3 June 2022. In determining penalty stewards considered Ms O’Sullivan’s good record under the rule with no prior offences over the previous  two years, her guilty plea, the circumstances of the incident and the HRV Minimum Penalty Guidelines.

Mildura – 13 May 2022 – Race 7

Stewards queried the driving tactics adopted by driver Taylor Youl (Stormont Star). Ms Youl explained that instructions had been, if possible, put the gelding into the race and toward the 1400m mark when the tempo of the race slowed noticeably and with the horse racing outside the leader racing back at that leader’s wheel she believed the position outside the leader may be available and thus elected to put her drive into the race. Ms Youl added that  as she raced up on closer terms to the leader Loyola Rocknrolla, which was racing outside  the leader began to pull hard resulting in her being unable to progress forward and gain a position in the running line. Stewards were satisfied  that Ms Youl’s  actions  were not so  unreasonable as to warrant any action against her licence.

RACE 1 – ROBERT & HEATHER SMITH 3YO PACE (1690 MS)

The start of this race was briefly delayed due to Richmond greyhound Race 8 running behind schedule.

No Neigh Philtra had a tendency to shift out under pressure and a warning has been placed on the gelding’s racing manners.

Stewards queried trainer Colin Godden,  (Mahindi NZ - $2.80 - 2nd fav - beaten 28m) as to the below market expectation performance of that filly. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant findings and a normal recovery.  Mr Godden was at a loss to explain the poor performance explaining  that the filly,  whilst first up since 12 March 2022 and  not having trialled whilst in his care  had worked well in good company and as such  connections were confident of a forward showing. Stewards will follow up with Mr Godden in the days following the race as to the filly’s recovery and progress. 

Miki Mahoney contacted its own sulky with its hind legs whilst racing keenly  during the middle stages of the event.

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT - 1/6/2022

Colin Godden, trainer of Mahindi NZ advised subsequent to the poor performance at Shepparton on May 25 2022, that the filly had recovered well and would continue with the current preparation.  Mr.Godden advised Mahindi NZ is engaged at Kilmore 2/6/2022. 

RACE 2 – BARRY & HELEN MASON PACE (1690 MS)

Amber Alert raced roughly in the latter part of the score up and was out of position with a warning being placed on its starting manners. Amber Alert also  raced roughly near the 1200m mark.

Driver John Caldow (Azterian) was cautioned for failing to have his runner adequately in position as the start was affected.

RACE 3 – JOHN & CHRISTINE PADMAN TROT (2190 MS)

The all clear  was delayed at the request of driver Josh Duggan (Hammer Son - 2nd placed by the judge). After viewing the photo finish Mr Duggan was satisfied and all clear was given on the judge’s numbers.

Yoee broke in the early part of the score up, was out of position at the start was affected and will continue out of the mobile barrier draw.

Ask No Questions broke free of interference toward the 300m. Given the gelding’s  recent racing history it has been placed on its last chance to race truly.

Hammer Son raced roughly under pressure approaching the finish.

Berriesandcherries was held up for clear racing rounding the home turn and in the early part of the home straight before utilising the sprint lane.

Driver Carmel Belot (Yoee) was cautioned for loose  reining when driving out in the home straight.

RACE 4 – MAC & JENNY McCALLUM PACE (2190 MS)

Renko NZ ($2.80 – 8th placing – beaten 11.4m) underwent a post-race veterinary examination which revealed no apparent abnormalities. Stewards queried driver Jack Laugher as to the performance of the gelding. Mr Laugher stated that in his view the gelding is better suited when racing over shorter distances,  as there had been  other recent instances when  the gelding had been unable to finish off its races  over longer distances.

RACE 5 - DON & BARBARA COLLINS TROT (2190 MS)

Sonnyboy pulled hard and hung in whilst racing outside the leader before then giving ground from the 400m to be beaten 30m.

Stewards inquired into the reasons for Trixy Nixie breaking racing at the 500m mark on the final occasion. After taking evidence from driver Eddie Tappe (Im Bobby) and Josh Duggan (Trixy Nixie) it was established that when activating gear Im Bobby had shifted marginally up the track at the same time as  Trixy Nixie had hung in contributing to the runners then locking wheels and when  separating from the locked wheels Trixy Nixie then broke. Mr Tappe was cautioned for a lack of control for permitting his drive to shift ground when activating removable gear.

RACE 6 – GRAEME & BARBARA THOMSON PACE (2190 MS)

Abbey Turnbull (Made To Rock) was cautioned for failing to have her runner adequately in position as the start was affected.

Miss Artemis was out of position at the start despite the efforts of driver Ellen Tormey and a warning has been placed on the starting manners of that runner.

Changeover Girl was inconvenienced behind Beach Time rounding the home turn and was then held up and unable to obtain clear running in the home straight.

RACE 7 – DAVID & MARIANNE JEMMISON PACE (1690 MS)

Little Demon underwent a pre-race veterinary examination upon arrival at the course at the request of trainer Greg Lewis which revealed a high resting respiratory rate,  and increased lung and tracheal sounds indicative of a respiratory  infection. Little Demon was then subsequently declared a late scratching at 6.50 pm acting on vets advice and has been stood down from racing for a period of 14 days.

Stewards inquired into the reasons for El Boston breaking racing into the first turn and after taking evidence from drivers Cody Crossland (El Boston) and Glenn Bull (Sweet Creation) it was established that El Boston had raced forward between runners from the second row draw and had raced greenly hanging in before then contacting the sulky of Sweet Creation and breaking,  severely checking Casting Shadow which then broke as a result. Casting Shadow underwent a post-race veterinary examination and was found to have a minor abrasion to its near fore leg. Stewards were satisfied that the racing manners of El Boston had  significantly contributed to the incident and given the gelding’s recent racing record that runner has been stood down from racing for 14 days and until the completion of two satisfactory trials. Driver Cody Crossland was  cautioned for his use of the whip when out of contention nearing the finish.

RACE 8 – REG & GRACE COLEMAN PACE (2190 MS)

Fullofmischief pulled hard when leading and then surrendered the lead with a lap to travel before  then tiring  from the 600m mark at which point Simon, which was trailing, was inconvenienced and contacted the sulky wheel of Fullofmischief resulting in a flat tyre. A post-race veterinary examination of Fullofmischief revealed the gelding was suffering from the thumps. Fullofmischief has been stood down from racing pending a veterinary certificate of fitness to race.

Driver Sean O’Sullivan (Simon) was cautioned for a lack of control for permitting his drive to shift up the track near the 300m mark and he was further cautioned for shifting down the track contacting marker pegs prior to the entrance to the sprint lane.

Driver Rebecca Bartley (Nomorelying) was fined $100 pursuant to Rule 162(1)(h) for failing to have that mare in position as the start was affected.

RACE 9 – DEL & GERALD BROWN PACE (1690 MS)

Driver Jack Laugher (Platinum Prince NZ) and Mel Thackeray (Hancocks Hero) were both cautioned for failing to have their drives adequately  in position at the start.

Arebee broke free of interference rounding the first turn and has been placed on its last chance to race truly.

Rockin In Memphis broke free of interference after passing the 400m and has been placed on its last chance to race truly.

Stewards queried driver Leigh Sutton (Reddy Major) as to the below market expectations of that runner. Mr Sutton explained that after  his drive  endured some work in the early stages he elected to hand up the lead to  Lasting Bond which  was travelling strongly to his outside,  affording his drive a favourable trail behind that runner however his drive proved disappointing coming under pressure from the 500m.  A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities. Stewards will follow up with trainer Colin Godden in the days following the race.

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT - 1/6/2022

Colin Godden, trainer of Reddy Major advised subsequent to the poor performance at Shepparton on May 25 2022, that the gelding had pulled up with some soreness in the front feet.  Mr.Godden stated the stable is awaiting results of a full veterinary examination before making a decision on the current preparation. 

RACE 10 – GEOFF & JUDY HOLLAND PACE (1690 MS)

The Clock Winder, after racing three wide to the position outside the leader, then hung in at various stages before giving ground from the 400m.

Reckon Im Smart NZ was held up and inconvenienced rounding the home turn behind The Clock Winder.

 

Adrian Crowther

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 2 – Alice On The Beach; Race 3 – Lucky Serina; Race 4 – Okinawa Beach; Race 7 – El Boston; Race 9 – Lasting Bond
		Post-Race: Race 1 – Inside Leg; Race 2 – Alice On The Beach; Race 5 – Appearfromnowhere; Race 6 – Made To Rock; Race 9 – Platinum Prince NZ;
Suspensions
Nil
Fines
Race 8	R Bartley		R162(1)(h)	$100
Cautions
Race 2	J Caldow		D/CSU
Race 3	C Belot		D/CLR
Race 5	E Tappe		D/CLC
Race 6	A Turnbull		D/CSU
Race 7	C Crossland		D/COOC
Race 8	S O’Sullivan		D/CLC
Race 8	S O’Sullivan		D/CCMP
Race 9	J Laugher		D/CSU
Race 9	M Thackeray		D/CSU
Horse Actions
Race 3	Yoee		CODM
Race 7	El Boston		SD14D/SD1T
Race 8	Fullofmischief		SDVC
Late Scratchings
Race 7	Little Demon		6.50 pm	Vets