Stewards Report

TAMWORTH HARNESS RACING CLUB

28 NOVEMBER 2024

STEWARDS REPORT

 

 

Stewards	S Cullen (Chairman), D Westwood
Starter	A Yates
Veterinarian	Dr C Richardson
Swab Official	A Freeman
Track	Fast
Weather	Overcast

 

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT – NEWCASTLE - Race 1 - 9 September 2024

The inquiry into the tactics adopted throughout by the driver of IRE OF THE DRAGON, Mr R Vernon was resumed. A transcript of evidence taken 9/9/24 prior to Mr Vernon absenting himself was provided and the trainer of IRE OF THE DRAGON Mrs J Vernon was in attendance. Upon review of the race footage and examination of the evidence taken previously, Mr Vernon conceded that the evidence he provided on the day of the race was inconsistent with the running of the race and incidents that he cited that led to him driving in the manner that he did, were not apparent. Mr Vernon conceded that he had not been properly aware of opportunities in the early stages that were reasonable and permissible for him to pursue which would have afforded IRE OF THE DRAGON a more favourable passage throughout. Mr and Mrs Vernon explained personal circumstances in the days subsequent to this race and provided detailed medical evidence of Mr Vernon’s hospitalisation for the removal of a brain tumour. Mr Vernon stated that symptoms of this had led to perception and recognition problems for an undetermined period before and in the days subsequent to this race prior to his hospitalisation. Taking into account all the circumstances Mr Vernon was advised that his driving of IRE OF THE DRAGON absent the medical advice provided, was blameworthy to the point of being unacceptable and his hindrance to the initial stages of the inquiry would normally lead to a penalty being applied under the relevant rules, however it was accepted that he was impaired to the point of being unable to conduct himself in a manner that would normally be expected. Mr Vernon was advised that prior to driving in races again he must provide a specialist neurological clearance and be observed to be competent in driving, in an unspecified number of qualifying trials.   

 

RACE 1 – THE TAB APP MAIDEN PACE – 1609 metres

SYNCOPATED SHUFFLE– Post-race swab sample.

GERRYS JEWEL– When questioned in relation to the performance Driver T Callaghan explained the filly failed to travel at any stage, was unbalanced throughout and weakened inside the 500 metres. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. Connections were advised that prior to racing again GERRYS JEWEL must perform competitively in an official qualifying trial.

WHENS LUNCH– Pre-race blood sample.

BRADNESS BRANDRISI– Slow to begin.

LITTLE WHIPPET– Raced roughly for some distance passing the 600 metres, then broke stride free of any external factors near the 400 metres. Connections were advised a warning would be placed on the colt’s racing record.

BELLA LOU– Following required satisfactory performance connections were advised the mare is now eligible to be placed in the mobile barrier draw.

 

RACE 2 – JOHNS AUTO SERVICE PACE – 1980 metres

TASMANS DELIGHT– J Coney, the driver of LISASPANGLEDSTAR pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 163(1)(a)(iii), stating near the 300 metres, she allowed LISASPANGLEDSTAR to shift in whilst driving it along when insufficiently clear of TASMANS DELIGHT, resulting in that runner being crowded onto marker pegs, being steadied and racing roughly for a short distance. J Coney’s licence to drive in races was suspended for 10 days to commence midnight 1 December 2024 and expire 12 December 2024 on which day she may drive.

LISASPANGLEDSTAR– Pre-race blood sample.

IMLIKA– Post-race swab sample.

 

RACE 3 – BP RACING WISHES MEL A HAPPY 40TH TODAY PACE – 1980 metres

PRINCE OF PAYNE– Broke stride free of any external factors. Galloped for a short distance rounding the turn after the start. Trainer/Driver Mr T Varga was advised a warning would be placed on the gelding’s racing record.

IDEAL HEAVEN– Unable to obtain clear running at any stage inside the 400 metres and went to the finish without being tested.

SAN SABA– Post-race swab sample.

MISS OUT– Pre-race blood sample.

ZACHAROONI– Hampered and had to be shifted wider rounding the turn after the start when racing behind COBLA ROYALE. Raced in restricted room rounding the home turn and was unable to be placed under pressure over the concluding stages.

COBLA ROYALE– Hampered slightly rounding the turn after the start when racing tight inside HEY DUDE, then broke stride and galloped for some distance and during this time, both front hopples broke and the gelding was restrained out of the race. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. Connections were advised, taking into account of all the circumstances the provision of last chance to race truly would be placed on the mares racing record.

ROCKNROLL CLARRY– Hampered and had to be shifted wider rounding the turn after the start when racing outside COBLA ROYALE.

 

RACE 4 – FARRER SECURITY SERVICE PACE – 1980 metres

CAESARS ROCKSTAR– When questioned in relation to the performance Driver E Ison explained that in accordance with the geldings established racing pattern she drove forward and obtained the lead and travelled comfortably during the middle stages despite a moderate challenge from NIGHTWATCH STAR. She said that passing the 500m she attempted to go forward however the gelding was unresponsive and its condition gave out. She stated that in her opinion CAESARS ROCKSTAR was more suited to shorter distance races and leading without challenge. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. Trainer Mr T Ison stated the gelding’s recovery would be monitored prior to making a decision on a future racing program.

NIGHTWATCH STAR– Passed required pre-race veterinary examination.

MAJOR GENERALJUJON– Passed required pre-race veterinary examination.

BOOKER BAY– Checked for some distance approaching the 400 metres when racing behind CAESARS ROCKSTAR which was tiring.

BEE SEVENTEEN– Pre-race blood sample. Post-race swab sample.

 

RACE 5 – HYGAIN EQUINE FEED SPECIALISTS PACE – 1980 metres

HEAVENLY SONG– Pulled hard for some distance during the middle stages and was unable to be properly restrained.

QUEENHIGH FLUSH NZ– Pre-race blood sample. When being shifted around OUTLOOK near the 900 metres, broke stride and galloped excessively. During this time the murphy blind which had been attached to the near side became loose and added to the difficulty the driver had in restraining the filly to a pace. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. Taking into account all the circumstances connections were advised the provision of last chance to race truly would be placed on the filly’s racing record.

OUTLOOK– Weakened noticeably from the 1100 metres and was restrained out of the race approaching the 600 metres. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare displayed signs of colic. Connections were advised a stand down period of 7 days would be applied and prior to racing again OUTLOOK must perform satisfactorily in an official qualifying trial.

CATCHINGCONFIDENCE– Post-race swab sample.

 

RACE 6 – HRNSW GUARANTEED LADYSHIP PACE – 1609 metres.

ZOEMAGIC- Passed required pre-race veterinary examination.

CELEBRITY PRINCESS– Fractious in the score up and reluctant to pace off the mark. Connections were advised a warning would be placed on the filly’s racing record.

WEREGOINGTOGETCHA– Pre-race blood sample. Raced roughly for a short distance rounding the turn after the start. Trainer/Driver Mr M Formosa was advised a warning would be placed on the filly’s racing record.

DIDSHEDOIT NZ– Post-race swab sample.

 

RACE 7 – FM96.3 IS NOW FM99.5 LIVERPOOL PLAINS PACE – 1609 metres.

FOUR FEATHERS– Pre-race blood sample.

ROSE NOIRE NZ– Trainer/Driver G Panella was reprimanded under Rule 170(1)(a), for allowing her left foot to drop below the sulky rest momentarily at the entrance to the home straight when driving with vigour.

TERROR FLYING– When questioned in relation to the performance Trainer/Driver Mr D Mackney explained, that after being unable to establish a forward position which was his pre-race intention, he was obliged to race wide for a considerable distance and restrain to the rear of the field. He said after this the gelding failed to travel at any stage and was unresponsive when placed under pressure inside the 500 metres. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.

ADRENALINE RUSH– Post-race swab sample.

AMILLION PROMISES– Trainer/Driver G Panella was found guilty to a charge under Rule 163(1)(b)(i), stating prior to the designated marker peg, when shifting out she obliged AMILLION PROMISES which had established a run to its outside, to shift wider on the track thereby covering more ground than necessary. Taking into account all the circumstances G Panella’s licence to drive in races was suspended for a period of 7 days to commence at midnight 1 December 2024 and expire on 9 December 2024 on which day she may drive.

 

RACE 8 – WEDDING DAY WISHES BRENDAN & EMILY PACE – 1980 metres

THE IRISH EAGLE– Pre-race blood sample.

PRINCESS REMI– Post-race swab sample.

ASHLEYS BLUE CHIP– Had to be checked and shifted wider rounding the turn after the start when racing outside CARMELITE NZ.

MY ULTIMATE COSIE– Had to be checked and shifted in abruptly rounding the turn after the start when racing behind THOMAS ROYAL.

ROCK FISHERMAN– When questioned in relation to the tactics adopted Driver K Hepworth explained that she had been instructed to lead if possible and therefore she drove with vigour to achieve this. She said that after obtaining the lead and shifting to the marker peg line she attempted to restrain, however the gelding raced fiercely, took charge and after racing at a tempo which was considerably faster than had been intended, weakened inside the 400m.  

THOMAS ROYAL– Had to be checked and shifted wider rounding the turn after the Start when racing behind STICK MAN NZ.

CARMELITE NZ- Broke stride free of any external factors rounding the turn after the start and galloped. Connections were advised a warning would be placed on the mare’s racing record.

STICK MAN NZ– Had to be checked severely, broke stride and galloped for some distance rounding the turn after the start when racing behind CARMELITE NZ.

 

RACE 9 – EVENTBRITE FOR JANUARY CARNIVAL GATE TICKETS PACE – 1609 metres

HAVEYOUCHECKEDIN– Post-race swab sample.

UNSULLY– Pre-race blood sample.

PARATROUPER– When questioned in relation to the tactics adopted C McElhinney explained that she drove with vigour after the start in an effort to obtain a forward position behind FAR OUT RINGO which would have afforded her a position behind the lead. she said that passing the winning post she was hampered when racing tight inside RACING PAULA which shifted in marginally and stopped her forward momentum. She said that after this she was obliged to trail UNSULLY in the marker peg line and despite being able to improve behind that runner entering the back straight on the first occasion, she raced in restricted room. She stated that she was unable to manoeuvre COLBY (NZ) wider inside the 300m and despite travelling strongly was unable to obtain clear running from that point and went to the finish without being tested.

BOYZHAVTIME NZ– When questioned in relation to the performance Driver K Hepworth explained the horse failed to travel at any stage, was unbalanced throughout and unresponsive when placed under pressure from the 500 metres. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the remnants of an abscess on the heel bulb of the off foreleg, however there was no pain on palpitation, nor was there any lameness. Trainer Mr J Donovan stated that the abscess which had been apparent and had caused some discomfort, had burst 17/11/24 and BOYZHAVTIME had worked as normal from that time and had pleased the stable. Mr Donovan said that whilst he held no concerns with the horses’ condition its recovery would be monitored as normal. Mr Donovan was advised that a poor performance warning would be placed on the horses’ racing record and a 7 day stand down would be applied.

 

 

 

SUMMARY
Reprimands	Race 7 – Grace Panella – Rule 170(1)(a) – ROSE NOIRE NZ
Fines
Suspensions	Race 2 – Jemma Coney – Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) – 10 days – LISASPANGLEDSTAR – to commence midnight 1/12/2024 Race 7 – Grace Panella – Rule 163(1)(b)(i) – 7 days – ROSE NOIRE NZ – to commence midnight 1/12/2024
Barrier Information	Race 1 – BELLA LOU - BMD
Trials/Stand Down	Race 1 – GERRY JEWEL – Rule 63(2) – 1 trial Race 5 – OUTLOOK – Rule 63(2) – 1 trial and 7 days Race 9 – BOYZHAVTIME NZ – Rule 63(2) – stood down 7 days
Late Scratchings
Adjourned Inquiries
Medical Clearance
Follow up’s