Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR MILDURA          

TUESDAY 2 APRIL 2024

	Grant Adams Chris Simpson       Wayne Smith Wayne Preston Jason Fino (Starter) Dr Megan Ginnifer (Vet)
	Track:    Good	Weather:	Overcast

 

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

 

RACE 1 – ZILZIE WINES PACE (1ST HEAT) (2190 MS)

General

Stewards intend to review wagering on this event.

LE SPARTACUS – Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight.

MISS BALLYMENA NZ – Pre-race blood sample obtained.  

MAJOR ASSASSIN – A post-race veterinarian examination of the gelding which failed to run on over the final stages to finish in 7th position, beaten 15.4m, failed to find any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance and the tactics displayed, Driver Jack Laugher explained that pre-race he was provided no firm instructions however, given the lack of early speed drawn to his inside, a decision was made to drive the horse forward. Mr Laugher stated that after gaining the lead and withstanding a moderate challenge, he was able to record an easy 1st half of the last mile and proved disappointing when failing to respond to driving from the 600m. Trainer Reece Moore confirmed the views of Mr Laugher and felt the faster than average recorded lead time may have been a telling factor.

FERRIGNO – Trainer John Justice was cautioned for failing to have the gear form accurately recorded for the gelding. Held up for clear running until inside the final 100m. When questioned regarding the performance and the tactics adopted, in particular the decision to position the gelding 3 back on the marker pegs nearing the 1700m, Driver/Trainer John Justice explained that he had planned to drive his gelding forward at the start to lead but was a little slower to begin and after challenging for the lead for a short distance rounding the first turn, he elected to ease given that position was not available. Mr Justice stated that given FERRIGNO was first up, he was of the opinion his drive was not capable to maintain the position outside the leader and be competitive and therefore took a position with cover on the fence line. Mr Justice added that although held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight, once obtaining clear running, his gelding was only average to the line. Stewards noted the comments of Mr Justice. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to find any abnormalities.

OUR MASTER PLAY – Paced roughly for a short distance when entering the home straight on the final occasion.

IM FIELD MAJOR NZ – Trainer Tim McGuigan was cautioned for failing to have the gear form accurately recorded for the gelding. Driver Darby McGuigan was fined $100 under Rule 168(1)(a) for carelessly allowing his horse to shift wider after the start and strike the wheel of ROCKNROOSTA resulting in a flat tyre.

ROCKNROOSTA – Shortly after the start had its nearside tyre contacted by IM FIELD MAJOR NZ resulting in a flat tyre and the horse being retired from the event a short distance later.  

RACE 2 – ZILZIE WINES PACE (2ND HEAT) (2190 MS)

LOUIEVILLE – Commenced to give ground from the 600m and nearing the 500m, hung out and had its sulky contacted by the trailing MAJESTIC SUE resulting in a flat tyre. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to fine any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver Alex Ashwood explained that he had made use of his gelding in the early stages to maintain his position when challenged by DAYLIGHT but then failed to settle in the run and proved disappointing.

DAYLIGHT – Weakened over the final stages to finish in 7th position, beaten 55.6m for which a warning was issued.  

ALWAYS THE SHOWMAN – Gave ground over the final stages to finish in 5th position, beaten 44.5m. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to find any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver James Herbertson explained that the early use made of his gelding in the early stages was likely the telling factor when failing to run on over the final stages.

NIGHT SPIRIT – Post-race swab sample obtained.

MAJESTIC SUE – Nearing the 500m, inconvenienced when taken back by LOUIEVILLE which gave ground before striking its sulky when attempting to shift wider. In the circumstances Stewards did not find the actions of Driver Wayne Hill careless and reported the incident.  

RACE 3 – PARK DOUGLAS PRINTING PACE (1ST HEAT) (2190 MS)

FORTITUDO – Examined by the clubs veterinarian prior to and following the event due to the gelding having competed in excess of 200 race starts. Held up for clear running in the home straight and was not fully tested.

SUNSHINE WARRIOR – Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight and was not fully tested.

WHITE STAR SAMMY – Raced keenly during the middle stages. Broke gait free of interference near the 300m and was placed on its last chance to race truly.  

PETE MITCHELL – Driver James Herbertson explained that due to the 2nd line draw and the slow early pace, he was position well back in the run and elected to save ground rounding the final turn but when gaining clear running only found the line fairly.

DAYSIE BROWN – Driver Shane Smith was cautioned for failing to maintain his position on the 2nd line by the starting point.  

RACE 4 – PARK DOUGLAS PRINTING PACE (2ND HEAT) (2190 MS)

MACH HU NZ – Trainer Shane Osborn was cautioned for failing to notify Jacob Kerridge as the driver by the prescribed time. Withstood a protest lodged by the 9th placed driver Michelle Phillips (SOCIAL WRITER).

TOPZAVSKI – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Gave ground over the final stages to finish in 10th position, beaten 38.2m. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to find any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance, Trainer Maryanne Laffan explained that connections were disappointed in the run given the good run in transit and felt the horse may not have settled in after the trip to Mildura. Ms Laffan added that subsequent to the race, TOPZAVSKI has pulled up well and connections are expecting a more forward showing this Saturday evening. Promoted to 9th position given the relegation of SOCIAL WRITER subject to Rule VLR 155A(1). 

GIRLS VIEW – Pre-race blood sample obtained.  

SOCIAL WRITER – Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight prior to breaking gait and will now be placed on its last chance to race truly. Galloped over the line and in accordance with VLR 155A(1), relegated into 10th position. Prior to the all-clear, Stewards considered a protest lodged by Driver Michelle Phillips against the 3rd placed MACH HU NZ(Jacob Kerridge), claiming interference by the use of its whip when striking SOCIAL WRITER causing it to gallop in the home straight. After considering all submissions and available evidence, Stewards did not find evidence to support that the whip of Driver Jacob Kerridge had made contact with SOCIAL WRITER and the protest was dismissed with the all-clear subsequently announced. Stewards cautioned Ms Phillips as to her protest which was considered bordering on frivolous.

WATCH THE ATTITUDE – Post-race swab sample obtained.

RACE 5 – TASCO PETROLEUM MILDURA CUP (1ST HEAT) (2190 MS)

MODERN GINGER – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Near the 700m, checked and galloped when contacting the wheel of HELLUVA NZ which hung in to its outside.

DANGEROUS – Paced roughly for a short distance when rounding the first turn. Post-race swab sample obtained.

GLENLEDI ELVIS NZ – Inconvenienced passing the 1000m when shifting wider to avoid HELLUVA NZ which paced roughly. A post-race veterinarian examination of the gelding which finished in 7th position, beaten 21.1m, failed to find any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver Blake Jones explained that his gelding was not suited when unable to find the fence in this grade and he had made further use of his horse in an attempt to find the lead which proved detrimental.

MAJOR MEISTER NZ – Passing the 700m, checked when taken wider to avoid the galloping MODERN GINGER.

OUR VINCENT CAN GOGH NZ – Passing the 700m, inconvenienced when taken wider to avoid the galloping MODERN GINGER.

ALL DA RAGE – Passing the 700m, inconvenienced when taken wider to avoid the galloping MODERN GINGER. Unable to obtain clear running in the home straight.

HELLUVA NZ – Near the 1000m, checked and paced roughly when contacting the sulky of SERG BLANCO NZ which shifted in to its outside. Hung in passing the 700m. Prior to the all-clear, Stewards considered a protest lodged by Driver John Justice against the 2nd placed SERG BLANCO NZ, claiming interference near the 1000m. After considering all submissions and available evidence, Stewards found that interference had been sustained however, given the degree of interference, the proximity of this to the finish, the runs afforded thereafter and the manner that both runners finished off the event, Stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that had this interference not occurred, HELLUVA NZ would have finished forward of SERG BLANCO NZ and therefore the protest was dismissed with the all-clear subsequently announced.

SERG BLANCO NZ – Withstood a protest lodged by the 4th placed driver John Justice (HELLUVA NZ ). Driver Ryan Duffy pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) for causing interference in that racing to the 1000m, he has failed to take all reasonable effort to prevent his runner from shifting in and making contact with HELLUVA NZ causing that horse to be checked and pace roughly. Mr Duffy had his licence to drive in races suspended for a period of 10 days which was ordered to commence at midnight, Thursday 11 April 2024 and to expire on Monday 22 April 2024 on which day he may drive. When considering penalty Stewards took into account Mr Duffy’s guilty plea, driving and offence record and the circumstances attached to this incident.

RACE 6 – THE EUSTON CLUB PACE (1ST HEAT) (2190 MS)

I BET YOU – Trainer Naomi Kerr was cautioned for failing to notify Darby McGuigan as the driver by the prescribed time. Gave ground over the final stages to finish in 8th position, beaten 33.4m. A post-race veterinarian examination revealed the gelding to be displaying a mild case of the thumps with no stand down required. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver Darby McGuigan explained that although making use of the gelding early, I BET YOU was under pressure from the 800m and proved disappointing. Trainer Naomi Kerr reported that given the disappointing run, she will take blood samples from the gelding for further analysis. Stewards will follow up with connections in the coming days. 

Follow up report – Tuesday 16 April 2024

I BET YOU – Trainer Naomi Kerr has today reported that following the above-mentioned race, I BET YOU pulled up with a significantly delayed recovery, however, has since been recovering and training on well. Ms Kerr added that given issues with transportation, blood samples had not yet been analysed.

RACE 7 – TASCO PETROLEUM MILDURA CUP (2ND HEAT) (2190 MS)

LITTLE LOUIE – Driver Aaron Dunn pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 163(1)(b)(ii) in that racing into the first turn after being crossed, he has permitted his gelding to shift out as CLYMENUS NZ improved to his outside forcing that runner wider and impeding its forward progress. Mr Dunn had his licence to drive in races suspended for a period of 7 days which was ordered to commence at midnight, Monday 8 April 2024 and to expire on Tuesday 16 April 2024 on which day he may drive. When considering penalty Stewards took into account Mr Dunn’s guilty plea, driving and offence record and the circumstances attached to this incident.

CLYMENUS NZ – Entering the first turn taken wider and impeded by LITTLE LOUIE which shifted out. Raced keenly during the middle stages.

HARRYHOO – Pre-race blood sample obtained.  

RACE 8 – THE EUSTON CLUB PACE (2ND HEAT) (2190 MS)

IM ALRIGHT JACK – Inconvenienced when taken back at the 300m by MAXY WANTS TO PLAY.

IM BLINGIN IT – Post-race swab sample obtained.

ORBIE – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Broke gait shortly after the start and will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

TRIPLE ROCK SAINT NZ – Pre-race blood sample obtained.  

MAXY WANTS TO PLAY – Gave ground from the 300m to finish in 9th position, beaten 36.2m. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to find any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver/Trainer Aaron Dunn explained that when making his three wide move, the tempo had increased and he was required to work to the position outside the leader. Mr Dunn added that his gelding would appear to have come to the end of its preparation and will now be sent to spell.

OZZIE BATTLER – Raced keenly during the middle stages.

RACE 9 – PARK DOUGLAS PRINTING PACE (3RD HEAT) (2190 MS)

LESTER – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight.

STONEBRIDGE STAR – Examined by the clubs veterinarian prior to and following the event due to the gelding having competed in excess of 200 race starts.

BETTERTHAN A KISS – Raced keenly throughout.

YOU LITTLE TERROR – Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight.  

BEARTASTIC WRITER – Inconvenienced near the 500m when avoiding the galloping MAGGACIS.

MAGGACIS – Broke gait free of interference near the 500m and was placed on its last chance to race truly.

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 Ballymena NZ; Race 4 – Topzavski, Girls View; Race 5 – Modern Ginger; Race 7 – Harryhoo; Race 8 – Orbie, Triple Rock Saint NZ; Race 9 – Lester.
		Post-Race: Race 2 – Night Spirit;Race 4 – Watch The Attitude; Race 5 – Dangerous; Race 7 – Little Louie; Race 8 – Im Blingin It.
Suspensions
Race 5	Ryan Duffy		163(1)(a)(iii)	10 Days
Race 7	Aaron Dunn		163(1)(b)(ii)	7 Days
Fines
Race 1	Darby McGuigan		168(1)(a)	$100
Cautions
Race 1	John Justice		T/CG
Race 1	Tim McGuigan		T/CG
Race 3	Shane Smith		D/CSU
Race 4	Shane Osborn		T/CLDC
Race 6	Naomi Kerr		T/CLCD
Horse Actions
Race 8	Orbie		ODM
Late Scratchings
Nil

Follow Ups

Race 6 – I Bet You (Naomi Kerr)

Adjourned Inquiries

Nil

Sulky Fund Claims

Nil

Medical Stand Down

Nil