Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR YARRA VALLEY

THURSDAY 03 NOVEMBER 2022

	Nathan Moy Kylie Harrison Scott Gillespie Peter Lamb (Starter) Dr Nick Branson/ Dr Simon Bray (Vets)
	Track:    Good	Weather:	O’Cast/ Showery

 

Trainers with multiple horses engaged in any given race were questioned as to the intended driving tactics to be adopted. 

 

RACE 1 – IGA LIQUOR PACE (2150 MS)

Wattlebank Flyer NZ was examined before and after the race in accordance with the HRV Welfare Policy, due to the gelding having more than 200 race starts. No obvious abnormalities were detected.

Chubby Checker NZ pulled hard during the middle stages of the event.

Wattlebank Flyer NZ hung out when commencing to give ground racing down the back straight on the final occasion. The gelding then tired to be beaten 70m and was placed on its last chance to race competitive.

RACE 2 – YARRA VALLEY TOYOTA 3YO PACE (1650 MS)

Annalise Scott failed to appear in the racebook as the driver of Popcorn Friday.

The start of this event was delayed to allow a tongue tie on Popcorn Friday to be replaced.

Thats Art (Brad Hewitt) hung out during the score up and was out of position at the start. Thats Art was placed on its last chance in the mobile barrier draw.

Mary Austin paced roughly shortly after the start, before being restrained.

Glen Craven (Goodtime Bravo) barrier 7, was cautioned for failing to have his drive in position during the score up and at the start.

RACE 3 – HARGREAVES HILL BREWERY TROT (2150 MS)

The start of this race was delayed due to Hawkesbury Race 1 running behind schedule.

Michael Bellman (Carnera) and Greg Sugars (Mojito Madness) failed to appear in the racebook as the drivers of the respective runners.

Beratini was examined before the race in accordance with the HRV Horse Welfare Policy, due to not having started in a race since December 2021. No obvious abnormalities were detected in either examination.

Stevie Gee galloped in the score up and was out of position at the start. Stevie Gee was placed outside the mobile barrier draw.

Chris Alford (Beratini) was fined $100 under Rule 162(1)(j) for failing to maintain his position prior to the start being declared.

Chrisken Kiosk galloped racing into the first turn.

Sonnyboy, which raced outside of the leader commenced to give ground leaving the 400m and when doing so hung in. Hattie which was racing to the immediate inside of Sonnyboy was tightened over marker pegs for a short distance.

RACE 4 –IMAGINATION PLAY TROTTERS HANDICAP (2150 SS)

Brad Chisholm (Peak Luck NZ), Annalise Scott (Anywhere Hugo) and Nathan Jack (Gunning) failed to appear in the racebook as the drivers of the respective runners.

Whatwillbeewillbee NZ (Bernie Hackett) was fractious before the start, requiring the attention of the Clerk Of The Course. Whatwillbeewillbee was again assisted by the Clerk Of The Course prior to release. In assessing the barrier manners of the gelding, connections were advised Whatwillbeewillbee NZ will be required to compete in one satisfactory standing start trial. Whatwillbeewillbee NZ then galloped at the 200m and was stood down until the satisfactory completion of a trial, in taking this course of action the panel was mindful of the time elapsed since the gelding’s previous embargo.

One Apollo NZ galloped at the 1800m, inconveniencing Tennerson, which was trailing on the marker pegs.

Anywhere Hugo was inconvenienced at the 200m when Whatwillbeewillbee NZ galloped.

High In The Sky NZ galloped under pressure within the final 200m.

Bernie Hackett (Whatwillbeewillbee NZ) was questioned in relation to a brief challenge for the lead off Gunning approaching to and leaving the 1600m. Mr Hackett explained that the instructions from connections were, that if Whatwillbeewillbee NZ was able to begin well it would be in the best interests, if possible, to gain the lead with the gelding as in their opinion the horse performs best when leading. Mr Hackett further explained that after a brief challenge it appeared the lead would not be available off Gunning, therefore he resisted his challenge. Whatwillbeewillbee NZ then raced outside the leader for the remainder prior to galloping at the 200m mark.

 

RACE 5 -ASHMORES SMASH REPAIRS LILYDALE PACE (2150 MS)

Jack Laugher (Bettor Spirit) and James Herbertson (Illawong Jovial) failed to appear in the racebook as the drivers of these respective runners.

Bettor Sport was fractious when coming out of the pre-race circle and then hung in during the score up, resulting in the gelding being out of position at the start. Bettor Sport was placed on its last chance in the mobile barrier draw.

Lavender Dolly galloped in the score up and will continue to be placed outside the mobile barrier draw.

Bettor Sport (63m) and Lavender Dolly (59m) tired to be beaten the respective margins. However, in assessing the winning margin of 21.5 metres no action was taken.

RACE 6 – YARA GLEN BAKEHOUSE PACE (1650 MS)

The start of this race was delayed due to Hawkesbury Race 4 running behind schedule.

Michael Bellman (Four Star Saint), Ellen Tormey (Roll With Ron) and Nathan Jack (Wendys Wish) all failed to appear in the racebook as the drivers of these respective runners.

Machane Said (Jack Laugher) galloped clear of interference at the 1300m. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be suffering soreness throughout the chest area and across the girth region. Acting upon veterinary advice Machane Said was stood down until the completion of a satisfactory veterinary clearance.

Stewards refrained from taking action against Jackie Barker (Sunstar) leader of the event for completing the second quarter in 32.2 seconds. In taking this action the panel was mindful of the first quarter which was completed in 26.8 seconds.

Nathan Jack (Wendys Wish) explained that the filly racing off the back straight on the final occasion was under pressure to remain racing behind Do Not Surrender and was unable to follow that horse three wide when it improved forward. Mr Jack then added that the filly remained under pressure when racing at the rear of the field over the final 200m. Mr Jack advised that it may be the intentions of connections to give the filly a short break from racing prior to resuming.

RACE 7 – DE BORTOLI YARRA VALLEY TROTTERS CUP (GROUP 2) (2650 SS)

Chris Alford (Robbie Royale NZ) and Anthony Crossland (Brandlo Prince) failed to appear in the racebook as the drivers of these respective runners.

A false start was declared at the first attempt when driver Greg Sugars (One Over All NZ) notified the starter that in his opinion the gelding had been denied a fair start, due to it contacting the barrier strand. Following a delay to the start due to the manners of Well Define NZ, at the second attempt Well Define NZ began badly and was placed outside the standing start barrier draw.

At the second attempt Brandlo Prince was fractious immediately prior to the start being affected, rushed the barrier strand, making contact. Brandlo Prince due to its own barrier manners began badly. In assessing the starting manners of Brandlo Prince NZ and its previous standing start barrier history, the gelding will continue to be placed outside the standing start barrier draw.

Racing into the first turn Locksley Lover galloped clear of interference.

Brad Chisholm (Havehorsewilltravel NZ) stated that the contributing factor of the 30 metre handicap and that the race was recorded in track record time this resulted in the gelding failing to run on over the concluding stages.

Havehorsewilltravel NZ tired to be beaten 58m, in assessing that the gelding began off the 30m mark and the track record time recorded, no action was taken against the competitive manner of this performance. A post-race veterinary examination of Havehorsewilltravel NZ revealed a good recovery.

Hopeful Beauty FRA recorded a new track record when winning this event.

RACE 8– UNITED PETROLEUM YARRA VALLEY PACING CUP (GROUP 3) (2650 MS)

Bailey McDonough (Cherokee Joe) and Rhys Nicholson (Sebs Choice) failed to appear in the racebook as the driver of these respective runners.

Hes Ideal galloped after the start and was placed outside the mobile barrier draw.

Greg Sugars (Triple Eight NZ) which finished into 7th position beaten 14m, explained that his drive failed to feel comfortable throughout the event and appeared not to be racing on the bit. Mr Sugars added that Triple Eight NZ appeared to have recovered well, however stated that connections would monitor the gelding’s recovery in the subsequent days after the event. A post-race veterinary examination of Triple Eight NZ failed to reveal any abnormalities. Stewards will follow up with trainer Jess Tubbs in relation to the recovery of the gelding.

Inquiries were adjourned into matters relating to Rhys Nicholson (Sebs Choice) during the running of this event and subsequent the race.

Supplementary Report - 

Rhys Nicholson (Sebs Choice) pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 156(2)(a) the particulars of the charge being that in the vicinity of the 2000m, when progressing forward to the lead position, Mr Nicholson applied the whip to his drive on numerous occasions with more than a wrist only flicking action. When doing so Stewards allege that Mr Nicholson raised his forearm beyond forty-five-degrees relative to the racing surface and applied the whip with overt force. The second part of the charge issued to Mr Nicholson being that over the final 400m he has applied the whip to his drive on numerous occasions with more than a wrist only flicking action. When doing so Stewards allege the Mr Nicholson has raised his forearm beyond forty-five-degrees relative to the racing surface and applied the whip with overt force. In assessing penalty, the panel was mindful of Mr Nicholson’s guilty plea, the fourth applicable offence under Rule 156(2)(a) within a 28-day reset period, his first drive in a race since the previous offence under Rule 156(2)(a) occurred and the group race status of the event (Group 3). In taking all those factors into account Stewards applied a 3-week suspension of Mr Nicholson’s licence to drive in races and imposed a fine of $300. In assessing that Mr Nicholson had not driven in a race since this event, Stewards ordered the suspension be backdated to commence Midnight 3 November 2022.   

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT - 10 NOVEMBER 2022

Jess Tubbs, trainer of Triple Eight NZ reported subsequent to the meeting, that the gelding had recovered well.  Ms.Tubbs could offer no explanation for the below par performance and stated Triple Eight NZ would continue with the current preparation.

RACE 9 – T. FERDINAND LEATHER CO. PACE (1650 MS)

Corey Bell (Metro Man), Nathan Jack (Classie American NZ), Bailey McDonough (Denstown NZ), Jordon Chibnall (Southern GNP NZ) and Jack Laugher (Mach Charm) all failed to appear in the racebook as the drivers of these respective runners.

Southern GNP NZ and Mach Charm were examined before and after the race in accordance with the HRV Horse Welfare Policy, due to both having in excess of 200 race starts. No obvious abnormalities were detected.

It was reported after the event that Southern GNP NZ had broken a hopple connecting strap when the gelding galloped after the finish line.

Stewards refrained from taking action against Glen Craven (Teddy Runkle) leader of the event for recording the second quarter in 32.5 seconds. In not taking the matter further the panel was mindful that the first quarter of the event was recorded in 28.6 seconds.  

RACE 10 – EASTERN GENERATOR HIRE 2YO PACE (1650 MS)

Anthony Butt (Shoobees Spirit) and Josh Duggan (Haveyoumetted) both failed to appear in the racebook as the drivers of these respective runners.

Black Tuxedo galloped after the start and will continue to be placed outside the mobile barrier draw. Black Tuxedo then galloped at the 600m and was placed on its last chance to race truly. In assessing this action, the panel was mindful that the gelding’s recent occurrence of similar manners was in April 2022.

Haveyoumetted galloped after the start and was placed outside the mobile barrier draw. The gelding then paced roughly on separate occasions and a warning was issued.

Vee Em Gee Macray hung in under pressure when being driven out to the finish. John Vincent which was racing to the immediate inside of Vee Em Gee Macray over the concluding stages, was inconvenienced momentarily.

Kenley (winner) hung in a contacted the final marker peg prior to using the sprint lane.

Better Brother hung out at various stages when racing along the marker pegs.

Chris Svanosio (Better Brother) explained that over the final 200m his drive had no clear run in the run to finish and was unable to be fully tested.

RACE 11 – YARRA VALLEY PARTY HIRE 3YO TROT (2150 MS)

Greg Sugars failed to appear in the racebook as the driver of Mista Walker.

Outside Wire was examined before and after the race in accordance with the HRV Horse Welfare Policy, due to this filly not having started in a race since September 2021. Neither examination revealed any abnormalities.

Blanco Canyon was out of position during the score up and at the start and will continue to be placed outside the mobile barrier draw.

When being restrained shortly after the start Inmydreams contacted the outside sulky wheel disc of Bacardi Spirit.

Mister Walker galloped free of interference leaving the 400m and a warning was issued against the racing manners of the gelding.

 

RACE 12 – BARRY PLANT CROYDON MAIDEN PACE (2150 MS)

The start time to this race was amended to 6:37pm.

David Miles failed to appear in the racebook as the driver of Yering Rose.

Giglio galloped after the start and was placed outside the mobile barrier draw.

Racing into the first turn Imangry galloped free of interference when racing along the marker pegs. Sparkling Sue and Yering Rose were checked with Sheffield Peak being inconvenienced. Imangry was placed on its last chance to race truly.

Sheffield Peak pulled hard during the early and middle stages.   

 

Nathan Moy

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 – Urus NZ; Race 2 – Pappa Leo NZ; Race 3 – Beratini; Race 4 – Gunning; Race 5 – Blazing Banner NZ; Race 6 – Wendys Watching; Race 7 – Victree Hill, Havhorsewilltravel NZ; Race 8 – Kosimo, Hes Ideal, Cherokee Joe; Race 9 – Metro Man; Race 10 – Shoobees Spirit; Race 11 – Blanco Canyon; Race 12 – Sheffield Peak
		Post-Race: Race 1 – Giveitatry; Race 2 – Thats Art; Race 3 – Beratini; Race 4 – Whos The Man; Race 5 – Blazing Banner NZ; Race 6 – Sunstar; Race 7 -Hopeful Beauty FRA; Race 8 – Torrid Saint; Race 9 –Teddy Runkle; Race 10 – Kenley; Race 11 – Good Heart; Race 12 – Midnightmagic
Suspensions
Nil
Fines
Race 3	Chris Alford		162(1)(j)	$100
Cautions
Race 2	Glen Craven		D/CSU
Horse Actions
Race 3	Stevie Gee		ODM
Race 4	Whatwillbeewillbee NZ		CRODS/ SD1SST/ SD1T
Race 5	Lavender Dolly		CODM
Race 6	Machane Said		SDVETS
Race 7	Brandlo Prince		CODS
Race 7	Well Defined NZ		ODS
Race 8	Hes Ideal		ODM
Race 10	Haveyoumetted		ODM
Race 10	Black Tuxedo		CODM
Race 11	Blanco Canyon		CODM
Race 12	Giglio		ODM
Late Scratchings
Nil

Follow Ups

Triple Eight NZ – Jess Tubbs

Adjourned Inquiries

Race 7 – Rhys Nicholson

Sulky Claims – Nil