Stewards Report
Shepparton 26/10/2022
HARNESS RACING VICTORIA
STEWARDS REPORT FOR SHEPPARTON
WEDNESDAY 26 OCTOBER 2022
Daniel Borg (Chairman) Track: Good |
Trainers with multiple horses engaged in any given race were questioned as to the intended driving tactics to be adopted.
RACE 1 – HUNTER RURAL MAIDEN PACE (1690 MS)
All Saints Beach was a late scratching at 1.37pm on veterinary advice.
Country Major was out of position when the start was effected and will continue to be placed outside the draw in future mobile start events.
Glenn Bull, trainer, and driver of Junkyard Gypsy ($51 and tired to be beaten 105.2m) was questioned regarding the overall performance of the mare. Mr. Bull explained that given the recent flood situation around the stable’s training premises that Junkyard Gypsy would derive benefit from the outing. Junkyard Gypsy will now be stood down pending the completion of one (1) satisfactory trial.
RACE 2 – THANK YOU JOHN BILLMAN PACE (1690 MS)
Olivia Weidenbach, driver of Goodlookin Rooster NZ was cautioned for tightening the racing room of Rocks Can Roll (Gary Pekin) at approx. the 950m.
True Grit Shadow (Mark Pitt) hung out under pressure at approx. the 100m and then overreacted to the corrective measures taken by driver Mark Pitt, veering inwards, contacting the sulky of Backwards First (Ken Tippet) which resulted in the gelding being checked and breaking gait. Ken Tippet was momentarily unseated. True Grit Shadow underwent a post-race veterinary examination which revealed a superficial mark to the near-fore heel, which did not require treatment or a stand down period. True Grit Shadow was issued with a warning for hanging out.
Kevin Jnr Weidenbach, driver of Stylish in Black ($34 and tired to be beaten 196.8m) was questioned regarding the overall performance of the mare. Mr. Weidenbach explained that the recent flood situation around the stable’s training premises had interrupted the preparation of stable runners and this may go some way to explaining the effort. Stylish in Black underwent a post-race veterinary examination which revealed mild dehydration. Stylish in Black will now be stood down pending the completion of one (1) satisfactory trial.
The Clock Winder was inconvenienced when Stylish in Black commenced to yield ground from approx. the 600m.
Stewards opened an inquiry, prior to the running of race two as to the reasons pertaining to the eight-year-old gelding Mach the Knife being presented to race in the place of the four-year-old gelding Steeven. After taking evidence from trainer Peter Chamouras and HRV Starter Jason Fino, Mr. Chamouras plead guilty to a charge pursuant to AHRR 45(5) which reads “a person shall ensure that the correct horse is presented to race”, with the particulars of the charge being that “as the trainer of four-year-old gelding Steeven, which was engaged to race in race two at Shepparton on 26 October 2022, Mr. Chamouras has presented the eight-year-old gelding Mach the Knife in error and by doing so failed to ensure the correct horse was presented to race”. In determining penalty, Stewards considered Mr. Chamouras’ guilty plea, forthright evidence in immediately admitting fault, the serious nature and potential consequences of the offence, relevant prior penalty precedents, deterrence factors; both general and specific and as such issued a fine the sum of $1,000. Mr. Chamouras was advised of his rights of appeal.
RACE 3 – PRYDES EASIFEED 2YO PACE (2190 MS)
David Miles, trainer of Mollys Line and Roseanne Ruby was cautioned for not advising of dual-runner tactics by the prescribed time.
Roseanne Ruby hung in during the score-up.
Country Rockstar was held up and unable to obtain clear running rounding the home turn on the final occasion before utilizing the sprint lane.
Nathan Jack, driver of Half Price Bride explained that at approx. the 100m, the filly was travelling strongly, ran out of racing room between Major Bert and Mollys Line, improving onto and contacting the sulky of Major Bert, with Half Price Bride then racing roughly as a result. Stewards verified the explanation of Mr. Jack via the official race replays and noted his comments. Half Price Bride underwent a post-race veterinary examination which failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities.
Mark Pitt, driver of Sweetgamblingrose was fined the sum of $200 pursuant to AHRR 156(2)(a) for applying the whip to the filly with more than a wrist-only flicking motion in an action which engaged the shoulder and/or elbow. In adopting this approach, Stewards noted that Mr. Pitt had a clear recent record under this rule.
Stewards adjourned an inquiry into the whip use of David Moran, driver of Major Bert over the concluding stages.
At a subsequent inquiry at Melton on 29 October 2022, David Moran, driver of Major Bert was fined the sum of $200 pursuant to AHRR 156(2)(a) for applying the whip to the gelding with more than a wrist-only flicking motion in an action which engaged the shoulder and/or elbow. In adopting this approach, Stewards noted that Mr. Moran had a clear recent record under this rule.
RACE 4 – BOOK INTERDOM TICKETS PACE (2190 MS)
Sporty Frank was fractious in the score-up. Given the gelding was able to fulfil his position on the gate when the start was effected, a warning was issued.
Glenn Bull, driver of Shezabluechip was cautioned for tightening the racing room of Cheeki Philtra (Donna Castles) heading into the first turn.
Cheeki Philtra (Donna Castles) commenced to yield ground from approx. the 500m. Bundle of Notes (Leigh Sutton) who was trailing Cheeki Philtra at the time contacted the sulky of that runner, was checked, and raced roughly as a result. Sporty Frank, who was trailing Bundle of Notes was inconvenienced when having to navigate around that runner, wider on the track.
RACE 5 - TRENT COLE TROT (2190 MS)
Sebastians Boy was out of position when the start was effected and will continue to be placed right outside the draw in future mobile start events.
Bullpark Beno broke after the start and will continue to be placed outside the draw in future mobile start events. The gelding then broke twice in running and a warning was issued. Bullpark Beno underwent a post-race veterinary examination which revealed superficial graze on the off-hind cannon which did not require treatment or a stand-down period.
Benji Hall broke gait free of interference approaching the winning post with one lap to run and a warning was issued.
Starlight Red ($81) tired to be beaten 56.9m and a warning was issued.
Rodney Petroff, driver of Theyallendiny was cautioned for a lack of control for not taking sufficient corrective measures at the entrance of the home straight when the gelding shifted out under pressure. Itzfergietime, who was travelling to the outside of Theyallendiny was inconvenienced.
RACE 6 – NEATLINE HOMES VICBRED PACE (2190 MS)
Lifeinthebalance hung in under pressure momentarily at the entrance of the home straight. Rainbowsend, who was trailing that runner at the time was held up.
Mister Jimaringle ($7.50) pulled hard and then gave ground to be beaten 18.4m into last placing after leading the event. Our Christiano (Chris Alford), who was trailing Mister Jimaringle at the time was inconvenienced at the entrance of the sprint lane before racing inside the line of marker pegs. Stewards noted that Mr. Alford immediately took corrective measures in restraining Our Christiano and returning his drive to the inside of the peg line.
Ryan Sanderson, driver of Roll with Ron was cautioned for shifting ground at approx. the 600m inconveniencing Ashford Secret (Maddie Ray), who was positioned to the outside of that runner. In not acting further, Stewards noted that there was no contact between either runner, however reminded Mr. Sanderson of his obligations when shifting ground.
RACE 7 - VALE KEN GASH PACE (1690 MS)
Josh Aiken, driver of Patsy Valentine was fined the sum of $100 pursuant to AHRR 156(3) for unapproved whip use, applying the whip to his drive on more occasions than are permitted over the final 200m. In adopting this approach, Stewards noted that Mr. Aiken had a clear recent record under this rule.
Stewards adjourned an inquiry into the driving tactics and actions of Rodney Lakey (Mac Almighty NZ) over the concluding stages.
An inquiry was recommenced on 17 February 2023, pertaining to the actions of Rodney Lakey, driver of Mac Almighty NZ over the final 200m in race seven at the Shepparton harness meeting on 26 October 2022. During the adjournment, Stewards analysed the wagering data of the event in question and found there to be no areas of concern. Stewards subsequently found Mr Lakey guilty of a charge under AHRR 149 (2) which reads, a person shall not drive in a manner which in the opinion of Stewards is unacceptable, with the particulars of the charge being that “when driving the gelding out over the concluding stages, when passing the 100m, Mr Lakey placed restraint on Mac Almighty NZ at which point when in the opinion of Stewards, Mac Almighty NZ was still competing for a place position; given the positioning relative to other runners, and as such that restraint has resulted in Mac Almighty NZ losing ground to ultimately be beaten 12.2m into seventh and last position. This action, in the opinion of Stewards, was unacceptable. In determining penalty, in accordance with the HRV Minimum Penalty Guidelines, Stewards considered Mr Lakey’s not guilty plea, the degree of culpability which was deemed to be in the low-to-mid range, driving frequency, overall record under this rule, which was deemed to be a good record, and subsequently suspended Mr Lakey’s license to drive for a period of four (4) weeks. Mr Lakey was advised of his rights of appeal.
RACE 8 - VALE KEN GASH PACE (1690 MS)
Jordan Chibnall, driver of Sinister was fined the sum of $100 pursuant to AHRR 156(3) for unapproved whip use, applying the whip to her drive on more occasions than are permitted over the final 200m. In adopting this approach, Stewards noted that Ms. Chibnall had a clear recent record under this rule.
RACE 9 - THANK YOU JOHN NISSEN PACE (1690 MS)
Semiramide NZ was held up and unable to obtain clear running in the early part of the home straight and over the concluding stages.
Bailey Duck, driver of Heavens Hurricane was fined the sum of $100 pursuant to AHRR 156(3) for unapproved whip use, applying the whip to his drive on more occasions than are permitted over the final 200m. In adopting this approach, Stewards noted that Mr. Duck had a clear recent record under this rule.
RACE 10 - SADDLEWORLD SHEPPARTON 3YO PACE (1690 MS)
Hey Goyougoodthing NZ hung out in the score up.
Roll The Aces commenced to pull hard in the home straight with one lap to run when travelling on the marker pegs.
Sonic Express hung in under pressure over the concluding stages. Our Bright Light, who was improving behind Sonic Express was momentarily inconvenienced by that runner.
Sassiness ($6) underwent a post-race veterinary examination after being beaten 29.2m into last placing which failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities. Connections reported that given the filly was having her first run since April 2022, that she would derive benefit from the outing.
RACE 11 - SADDLEWORLD SHEPPARTON 3YO PACE (1690 MS)
Always Locksley was out of position when the start was effected and will continue to be placed outside the draw in future mobile start events. The gelding then pulled hard at various stages of the event.
Very Tempting broke gait in the back straight on the final occasion and will now be placed on his last chance to race truly.
Secret Wish ($17 and beaten 46.7m) underwent a post-race veterinary examination at the request of connections after driver Mark Pitt reported the filly to be displaying respiratory noises. The examination failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities however it was noted that the filly had undergone surgery to correct epiglottic entrapment eight weeks prior to the event.
Daniel Borg
Chairman
‘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.’
Swabs:
Pre-Race:
Race 1: Cmonbabylitemyfire
Race 2: True Grit Shadow
Race 7: El Boston
Race 9: Heavens Hurricane
Race 11: Secret Wish
Post-Race:
Race 1: Cmonbabylitemyfire
Race 2: Goodlookin Rooster NZ
Race 5: Itzfergietime
Race 6: Rainbowsend
Race 7: El Boston
Race 9: Lils Nightmare NZ
Suspensions: | NIL | ||
Fines: | |||
Race 2: | P. Chamouras | 45(5) | $1,000 |
Race 3: | M. Pitt | 156(2)(a) | $200 |
Race 7: | J. Aiken | 156(3) | $100 |
Race 8: | J. Chibnall | 156(3) | $100 |
Race 9: | Bayley Duck | 156(3) | $100 |
Cautions: | |||
Race 2: | O. Weidenbach | D/CT | |
Race 3: | D. Miles | T/CT | |
Race 4: | G. Bull | D/CT | |
Race 5: | R. Petroff | D/CLC | |
Race 6: | R. Sanderson | D/CSG | |
Horse Actions: | |||
Race 1: | Junkyard Gypsy | SD1T | |
Race 1: | Country Major | CODM | |
Race 2: | Stylish In Black | SD1T | |
Race 5: | Bullpark Beno | CODM | |
Race 5: | Sebastians Boy | CRODM | |
Race 11: | Always Locksley | CODM | |
Late Scratchings: | |||
Race 1: | All Saints Beach | Vet's advice | 1.37pm |
Race 2: | Steeven | Order of Stewards | 5.21pm |
Adjourned Inquiries: | |||
Race 3: | D. Moran | ||
Race 7: | R. Lakey | ||
Follow Ups: | NIL | ||
Sulky Fund Claims: | NIL |