Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR SHEPPARTON

TUESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2022

	Grant Adams Nick Murray Nathan Moy Des Benger Peter Lamb (Starter) Dr R Cust, Dr L Hawson, Dr C 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. 

 

RACE 1 – THE BIG SCREEN COMPANY PACE (2190 MS)

Miss Hattie (barrier 1) paced roughly in the early stages of the score up.

Dalvey Robyn NZ hung in on the entry to the home straight and nearing the 100m, paced roughly when placed under pressure.

Jets Art was held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight prior to utilising the sprint lane.

Bee Gee Cee was held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight.

David Moran, the driver of Reckless Dream ($14) which gave ground over the final stages to finish in 8th position, beaten 34.8m explained that given the good run in transit, he was disappointed in the run and considers the gelding may be coming down with a virus. A post-race veterinarian examination revealed the gelding to be displaying a nasal discharge with no significant findings. Stewards will follow up with connections in the coming days.

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT - 8 DECEMBER 2022

Greg Fleming, trainer of Reckless Dream reported subsequent to the meeting, that the gelding had recovered well.  Mr.Fleming stated Reckless Dream remains in work and will continue with the current preparation.

RACE 2 – IRT AUSTRALIA PACE (1690 MS)

Lisa Bartley, the trainer of The Wolf NZ was cautioned for failing to ensure the gear form for the mare was accurately recorded.

Roslyn Gaye tired over the final stages to finish in 6th position, beaten 51.4m.

No action was taken against Mark Pitt, the driver of The Wolf NZ for failing to adhere to the sectional time requirements when recording the 2nd quarter in 32.2 seconds. In taking no action Stewards were mindful of the minimal breach and the limited pressure applied during the event. Notwithstanding the decision, Mr Pitt was reminded of his obligations.

RACE 3 – TAB PACE (2190 MS)

Heavenly Charm raced keenly during the middle stages when positioned outside of the leader.

Urus NZ was held up for clear running for the entire length of the home straight and was not fully tested. It was noted that the removable deafeners were not activated on the gelding.

Nathan Jack, the driver of Mauries Bonus ($6.5) which finished in 8th position, beaten 22.6m explained that he was disappointed in the gelding’s efforts and although improving three wide rounding the final turn, his drive failed to run on as expected. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.

RACE 4 –SADDLEWORLD SHEPPARTON TROT (2190 MS)

Near the 400m, Rules Dont Apply broke gait free of interference for which a warning was issued.

Passing the 400m, Aldebaran Zeus hung in, locked wheels with Whos the Man for a short distance and lost ground.

Approaching the home straight, Whos The Man hung in and contacted a number of marker pegs when placed under pressure.

Kyvalley Clichy hung in and tired over the final stages to finish in 7th position, beaten 53.1m.

RACE 5 -SENTrack INTER DOMINION PACING CHAMPIONSHIP (2ND ROUND QUALIFYING HEAT 1) (GROUP 3) (1690 MS)

The Mona Mia was examined by the club’s veterinarian prior to the event when it was reported the mare had slipped in the Raceday stalls. The mare was passed fit to take its place in the event.

Huli Nien (barrier 7) hung in during the score up, was out of position at the start for which a warning was issued.

Like A Wildfire NZ (barrier 9) was out of position at the start for which a warning was issued.

Mona Mia (barrier 12) was out of position at the start and will continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

Near the 300m, Huli Nien improved onto the back and contacted the wheel of Act Now resulting in the gelding breaking gait for a short distance. At a subsequent inquiry, John Justice, the driver of Huli Nien was fined $200 under Rule 168(1)(a) for careless driving.

Ryan Sanderson, the driver of Mona Mia was fined $100 under Rule 163(1)(c)(i) for allowing his mare to shift in and race to the inside of marker pegs on approach to the home straight.

Like A Wildfire NZ was held up for clear running in the early and latter stages of the event.

Zeuss Bromac NZ was held up for clear running in the latter stages of the event. Gavin Fitzpatrick, the driver of Zeuss Bromac NZ was questioned as to his decision in the home straight on the first occasion to leave a running line position to be placed 5 back on the marker pegs. Mr Fitzpatrick explained that given the history of his runner which in his opinion doesn’t appreciate being wide, he elected to shift back to the inside where he was able to trail runners who he considered will provide a better run into the race.

KerryAnn Morris, the driver of Petes Said So NZ was fined $300 under Rule 156(2)(a) for applying her whip in the home straight in more than a wrist only flicking motion. Mrs Morris was fined a further $200 under Rule 156(3) for applying her whip in an excessive manner over the final 200m.

Emma Stewart, the trainer of Mach Dan, Like A Wildfire NZ and Act Now was fined $100 under Rule 238 for failing to notify Stewards of the intended driving tactics for the respective runners.

A post-race veterinarian examination of I Cast No Shadow NZ failed to reveal any abnormalities.

RACE 6 – SENTrack INTER DOMINION PACING CHAMPIONSHIP (2ND ROUND QUALIFYING HEAT 2) (GROUP 3) (1690 MS)

Prior to the declaration of all-clear, Stewards considered a protest lodged by Mark Pitt, the driver of the 2nd placed Beyond Delight against the 1st placed Spirit Of St Louis NZ (Jack Callaghan) with the grounds of the protest being interference in the early stages of the home straight. On review it was established that on the entry to the home straight, Spirit Of St Louis NZ had been racing wider than a true position at which point Beyond Delight was still racing behind but as that runner improved to the outside, Beyond Delight was taken slightly wider as a result of a movement out by Spirit Of St Louis NZ. In view of the minimal movement and low level of impediment, the manner that both runners had finished off the event and the margin of 1.2m, Stewards did not find that this incident had effected the result of the event and therefore the protest was dismissed and all-clear announced on the judges placings 6-4-3-1. At a subsequent inquiry, Jack Callaghan was cautioned for shifting ground.

Crime Writer was held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight prior to utilising the sprint lane.

Narutac Prince was held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight prior to shifting wider, inconveniencing To Fast To Serious which was taken wider towards the running of A Gs White Socks NZ which was hampered. David Moran, the driver of Narutac Prince was cautioned for shifting ground.

Triple Eight NZ was held up for clear running for the entire length of the home straight and was not fully tested.

Jack Callaghan, the driver of Spirit Of St Louis NZ was cautioned for allowing his whip to project outside of the confines of his sulky in the early stages of the home straight and in addition Mr Callaghan was cautioned for allowing his right foot to leave the sulky foot rest when driving the gelding out to the line.

RACE 7 – SENTrack INTER DOMINION PACING CHAMPIONSHIP (2ND ROUND QUALIFYING HEAT 3) (GROUP 3) (1690 MS)

Alta Orlando NZ (barrier 7) hung in during the score up.

Near the 1300m, Majestic Cruiser was tightened when positioned to the inside of Honolua Bay which shifted in slightly.

Bettor Call Me was held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight prior to utilising the sprint lane.

Bulletproof Boy was held up for clear running in the early and latter stages of the home straight.

Amanda Turnbull, the driver of Bundoran NZ was fined $200 under rule 156(3) for applying her whip in an excessive manner over the final 200m.

RACE 8 – SENTrack INTER DOMINION TROTTING CHAMPIONSHIP (2ND ROUND QUALIFYING HEAT 1) (GROUP 3) (1690 MS)

Cuchulainn NZ (barrier 10) broke gait during the score up and was placed on its last chance in the mobile barrier draw.

Powderkeg (barrier 1) began badly when galloping away inconveniencing the trailing Royal Charlotte. The horse trailed the field throughout and will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

Swiss Miss NZ (barrier 9) broke gait during the score up, was out of position at the start and will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

John Justice, the driver of Hatchback was fined $200 under rule 156(3) for applying his whip in an excessive manner over the final 200m.

RACE 9– SENTrack INTER DOMINION TROTTING CHAMPIONSHIP (2ND ROUND QUALIFYING HEAT 2) (GROUP 3) (1690 MS)

Nearing the 1400m, Vacation Hill NZ was placed in restricted room when improving onto the back of Queen Elida NZ and to the inside of Majestic Harry NZ. It was at this same point Illawong Stardust had improved with pace and to the inside of Vacation Hill NZ. Stewards found that this incident was not as a result of careless driving and noted the leader Queen Elida NZ, had been racing some distance off the marker pegs which provided a false line for trailing runners.

At the 350m, Lotamuscle NZ broke gait free of interference.

Sleepee was held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight prior to utilising the sprint lane.

RACE 10 – SENTrack INTER DOMINION TROTTING CHAMPIONSHIP (2ND ROUND QUALIFYING HEAT 3) (GROUP 3) (1690 MS)

Chinese Whisper NZ (barrier 12) was out of position at the start and will continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

Greg Sugars, the driver of One Over All NZ (barrier 10) was fined $100 under Rule 162(1)(j) for failing to maintain his position on the mobile barrier by the starting point.

Near the 400m, Bolt For Brilliance NZ which was improving three wide, shifted in slightly locking wheels with Zarem and lost momentum. Driver Tony Herlihy reported that the activation cord broke during the event resulting in the deafeners and blinds not being activated.

On the entry to the home straight, Chinese Whisper NZ improved quickly to the inside of One Over All NZ as that runner was directed inwards with clearance and shortly after Chinese Whisper NZ contacted and was taken to the inside of marker pegs before breaking gait. At a subsequent inquiry Stewards found that both drivers were permitted to take the run to the inside and were both further hampered as a result of the weakening Leanne Leeann. Consequently, Stewards found the incident was not caused by careless driving and noted the circumstances. 

James Herbertson, the driver of Nephew Of Sonoko was fined $300 under rule 156(3) for applying his whip in an excessive manner over the final 200m.

Nathan Jack, the driver of Always Ready was reminded of his obligations regarding his whip use displayed in the home straight.

Bob Kuchenmeister, the driver and trainer of Leanne Leeann was questioned as to his decision to improve his mare forward in the early stages when positioned three wide and his decision to apply pressure to Nephew Of Sonoko passing the 1200m. Mr Kuchenmeister explained that when caught wide early, he elected to progress forward given his mare resents any significant restraint and once obtaining the position outside the leader, he made a brief challenge for the lead but was unsuccessful. Mr Kuchenmeister stated that following the early use his mare failed to settle and the early work had contributed into the performance although noting his mare is out classed. Stewards noted his explanation however, Mr Kuchenmeister was advised that his decision passing the 1200m to challenge for the lead, although briefly, was not a reasonable one given the unlikely event the lead would be available and the use already made but in all of the circumstances this challenge was not excessive and not to the extent that would warrant action to be taken against Mr Kuchenmeister under the Rules. Mr Kuchenmeister was reminded of his obligations to ensure he drives his runners within their capabilities and not leave himself open to questioning.

RACE 11 – NEATLINE HOMES 3YO PACE (2190 MS)

Beach Memories (barrier 7) broke gait during the score up, was out of position at the start and will continue to be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

Blake Jones, the driver of Miss Chantilly NZ was fined $200 under Rule 156(2)(a) for applying his whip in more than a wrist only flicking motion in the early stages of the event.

Anthony Butt, the driver of Relentless Me was cautioned for tightening the racing room of Miss Chantilly NZ on the entry to the first turn when challenging for the leading position.

Championne weakened over the final stages to finish in 6th position, beaten 96.3m. A post-race veterinarian examination revealed the filly to be displaying lameness in its L/H limb. Acting under veterinarian advice, Championne was stood down from racing until a certificate of fitness is submitted. Driver James Herbertson reported that his filly was not comfortable during the event.

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT - 8 DECEMBER 2022

Matthew Higgins, trainer of Lilnova reported subsequent to the meeting, that the mare had recovered well but was showing signs of being in season. 

 

Grant Adams

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 1 – Miss Ex; Race 2 – The Wolf NZ; Race 3 – Muries Bonus; Race 4 – Whos The Man; Race 5 – I Cast No Shadow NZ, Petes Said So NZ, Like A Wildfire NZ, Act Now; Race 6 – Bettor Be The Bomb, Triple Eight NZ, Sprit Of St Louis NZ, A Gs White Socks NZ; Race 7 – Bundoran NZ, Longfellow, Max Delight, Bettor Call Me NZ; Race 8 – Powderkeg, Teetreetommy, Majestuoso NZ, Adelle NZ; Race 9 – Mufasa Metro NZ, Majestic Harry NZ, Phoebe Onyx NZ, Illawong Stardust; Race 10 – Always Ready, Bolt For Brilliance NZ, One Over All NZ, Robbie Royale NZ; Race 11 – Beach Memories
		Post-Race: Race 1 – Miss Ex; Race 2 – The Wolf NZ; Race 3 – Its Ebonynivory; Race 4 – Hopeful Beauty FRA; Race 5 – Mach Dan, Expensive Ego; Race 6 – Spirit Of St Louis NZ, Beyond Delight; Race 7 – Honolua Bay, Bundoran NZ; Race 8 – Just Believe, Hatchback; Race 9 – Queen Elida NZ, Mufasa Metro NZ; Race 10 – Nephew Of Sonoko, Bolt For Brilliance NZ; Race 11 – Relentless Me
Suspensions
Nil
Fines
Race 5	E Stewart		238	$100
Race 5	J Justice		168(1)(a)	$200
Race 5	R Sanderson		163(1)(c)(i)	$100
Race 5	K Morris		156(2)(a)	$300
Race 5	K Morris		156(3)	$200
Race 7	A Turnbull		156(3)	$200
Race 8	J Justice		156(3)	$200
Race 10	G Sugars		162(1)(j)	$100
Race 10	J Herbertson		156(3)	$200
Race 11	B Jones		156(2)(a)	$200
Cautions
Race 2	L Bartley		T/CG
Race 6	J Callaghan		D/CSG
Race 6	J Callaghan		D/CWOC
Race 6	J Callaghan		D/CDF
Race 6	D Moran		D/CSG
Race 11	A Butt		D/CT
Horse Actions
Race 5	Mona Mia		CODM
Race 8	Powderkeg		ODM
Race 8	Swiss Miss NZ		ODM
Race 10	Chinese Whisper NZ		CODM
Race 11	Beach Memories		CODM
Race 11	Championne		SDVC
Late Scratchings
Nil

Follow Ups

Race 1 – Reckless Dream

Adjourned Inquiries

Nil

Sulky Fund Claims

Nil