Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR MILDURA          

SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2024

	Grant Adams Daniel Borg Wayne Smith Wayne Preston Jason Fino (Starter) Dr Megan Ginnifer, Dr Greg Hargreaves (Vet)
	Track:    Good	Weather:	Showery

 

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

 

GENERAL

As a result of Race 2 being re-run following a race fall, all races were put back one time slot, with Race 9 being rescheduled to commence at 10:48pm.

Due to Jack Laugher being stood down for his remaining commitments, the following late driving changes were approved.

Race 3 – PIRATESOF ZANZIBAR – Alex Ashwood

Race 4 – SPORTY PHILTRA – Tayla French

Race 5 – TRIPLE ROCK SAINT NZ – Tayla French

Race 6 – EARL OF PEMBROKE NZ – Tayla French

Race 7 – VICTORY GEORGE – Liam Older

Race 8 – ALLURING TYRON NZ – Ellen Tormey

Race 9 – YOURSNMINE – Tayla French 

RACE 1 – ZILZIE WINES PACE FINAL (2190 MS)

WILLIEBILLIE – Checked and lost ground between the 500 and 250m when positioned behind the weakening WATCHING THE BOYS.

WATCHING THE BOYS – Trainer Naomi Kerr was fined $50 under Rule 210 for failing to notify Blake Jones as the driver by the prescribed time. Pre-race blood sample obtained. Paced roughly for a short distance near the 1200m. Gave ground over the final stages to finish in 9th position, beaten 36.8m. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to find any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver Blake Jones explained that his gelding struck its sulky wheel rounding the first turn and failed to settle proving disappointing.

ALWAYS THE SHOWMAN – Driver James Herbertson was fined $200 under Rule 156(2)(a) for applying his whip in more than a wrist only flicking motion in the home straight.

MISS BALLYMENA NZ – Gave ground over the final stages to finish in 10th position, beaten 38.9m.

IM FIELD MAJOR NZ – Driver Darby McGuigan was spoken to regarding the lack of vigour displayed over the final stages of the event and reminded of his obligations to ensure he fully tests his runners out to the finish of the event when in a position to place.

SHADOW TERROR – Post-race swab sample obtained.

MARTHA LAVINIA – Gave ground over the final stages to finish in 8th position, beaten 32.4m. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver Michelle Phillips was unable to offer any explanation other than noting her disappointment in the run.

RACE 2 – J & A MAZZETTI PACE (2190 MS)

GENERAL

Shortly after the start, the warning siren was activated following CLYMENUS NZ falling and its driver Jack Laugher and Driver Jordan Leedham (MAJOR MEISTER) both being dislodged from their sulkies.

Due to the delay to require both drivers and their respected horses examined and removed from the track, Stewards ordered that all races be put back one time slot with Race 2 being rescheduled to commence at 7:00pm.

As both CLYMENUS NZ and MAJOR MEISTER were withdrawn by Stewards at 6:41pm, Stewards ordered that all successful wagers placed prior to 6:41pm, be subject to the following deductions.

-         36c in the Win

-         30c in the Place 

Driver Jack Laugher was examined by the paramedics and not found to be suitable to complete his remaining driving commitments. Mr Laugher was stood down pending a medical clearance.   

Driver Jordan Leedham was cleared to fulfil his remaining driving commitments.

Prior to the re-run, all remaining runners were subject to a veterinarian examination and passed suitable to race.

CLYMENUS NZ – Shortly after the start, paced roughly and fell dislodging its driver Jack Laugher at which time was heavily struck from behind by the trailing MAJOR MEISTER NZ and shortly after, the race was pulled up. A veterinarian examination revealed superficial abrasions which required treatment. The gelding was stood down until a certificate of fitness is submitted. Stewards further ordered the gelding be stood down until it completes one requalifying trial and excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

HARRYHOO – Raced keenly throughout the event. Driver Michelle Phillips reported that her gelding failed to settle in the run following the early challenge, hung in from the 400m when placed under pressure and proved disappointing.

CAULONIA TERROR – Hung out after the start when slow to begin for which a warning was issued. Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight.

MAJOR MEISTER NZ – Shortly after the start, made heavy contact with CLYMENUS NZ which fell dislodging its driver Jordan Leedham and shortly after, the race was pulled up. A veterinarian examination revealed multiple lacerations which required treatment. The gelding was stood down until a certificate of fitness is submitted.

NATIONALDRAFT – Held up for clear running in the home straight on the final occasion.

SAHARA TIGER – Post-race swab sample obtained.

RACE 3 – PARK DOUGLAS PACE FINAL (2190 MS)

General

Trainer Tim McGuigan was cautioned for failing to notify Stewards of the intended driving tactics for his runners GIRLS VIEW and FULL MOON.

LESTER – Examined by the clubs veterinarian prior to the event due to the gelding competing the night prior at Mildura. The horse was passed fit to race. Pre-race blood sample obtained. Raced keenly throughout the event.

MACH HU NZ – Weakened over the final stages to finish in 10th position, beaten 92.0m. The gelding was placed on its last chance to race competitively.

GIRLS VIEW – Pre-race blood sample obtained. A post-race veterinarian examination of the mare which failed to run on late in the event to finish in 7th position, beaten 28.4m, failed to find any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver Darby McGuigan explained that his mare felt flat in the run and may not have backed up from its run on the Tuesday. Mr McGuigan added that his mare was further disadvantaged when required to come wide from the 500m at which time the pace in the event quickened.

PIRATESOF ZANZIBAR – Weakened over the final stages to finish in 9th position, beaten 74.2m for which a warning was issued. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to find any significant findings other then the gelding displaying a slow recovery. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver Alex Ashwood explained that due to the tempo slackening in the early stages, he had elected to improve his drive but was required to work harder to find the position outside the leader. Mr Ashwood added that once finding his position, the pace in the event continued with the leader LESTER over racing and this not allowing his gelding an opportunity to gain respite.

OZZIE DAYBREAK – Driver Ellen Tormey was fined $100 under Rule 156(3) for applying her whip in excess of the amount permitted over the final 200m. Post-race swab sample obtained.

RACE 4 – THE GATEWAY TAVERN PACE (2190 MS)

HAVELOCK – Raced keenly during the event. Post-race swab sample obtained.

TOPZAVSKI – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Commenced to give ground with 500m to travel to finish in 7th position, beaten 21.6m. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to find any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver Steven Matson explained that his gelding had recovered well following its disappointing run on Tuesday and although it was not his plan to race without cover, he was unable to offer any explanation as to the run.

WOODY NIGHTSHADE – Paced roughly for a short distance racing into the first turn.

SOCIAL WRITER – Began badly when galloping away, trailed the field throughout and will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw. Prior to the all-clear Driver Michelle Phillips requested to review the start of the event. As it was determined the horse galloped free of interference, the all-clear was announced.  

WHITE STAR SAMMY – Broke gait free of interference near the 700m and will now be stood down until it completes one requalifying trial.

RACE 5 – EUSTON CLUB RESORT PACE FINAL (2190 MS)

ONLY ONCE BITTEN NZ – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight. Driver Michelle Phillips was found guilty to a charge under Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) for causing interference in that racing inside the final 100m, and after being held up for clear running, she has permitted her mare to shift out to then make contact with the wheel of SHADOW CELT, and when gaining an advantage, allowed her drive to shift further out and made contact with the legs of SHADOW CELT resulting in the gelding being checked and pacing roughly. Ms Phillips had her licence to drive in races suspended for a period of 10 days which was ordered to commence at midnight, Monday 15 April 2024 and to expire on Friday 26 April 2024 on which day she may drive. When considering penalty Stewards were mindful of Ms Phillips’ not guilty plea, driving and offence record in addition to the circumstances attached to this incident.

CREDULOUS – Driver James Herbertson was placed on notice as to the manner he applied his whip over the final stages.

ALLWOOD WIZARD – Raced keenly during the middle stages. Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight.

IM BLINGIN IT – Post-race swab sample obtained.

SHADOW CELT – Inside the final 100m, checked and paced roughly when making contact with the sulky of ONLY ONCE BITTEN NZ which shifted out. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to find any abnormalities.

KEAYANG MOROCCAN – Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight.

ARNIES ARMY NZ – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

RACE 6 – TASCO PETROLEUM MILDURA PACING CUP FINAL (2600 MS)

LITTLE LOUIE – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

MY ULTIMATE BILLY NZ – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Broke gait free of interference near the 2200m and was placed on its last chance to race truly.

JOHN MCLEAN NZ – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

DANGEROUS – Post-race swab sample obtained.

WESTERN SONADOR – Near the 2200m, taken wider to avoid the galloping MY ULTIMATE BILLY NZ.

EARL OF PEMBROKE NZ – Broke gait shortly after the start and will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

KOWALSKI ANALYSIS – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Gave ground near the 500m before having its sulky contacted by the trailing SERG BLANCO NZ resulting in a flat tyre. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver Jackie Barker explained that after settling in a good position in the run, she was then required to lead the three wide line forward which proved too much given the increased pace through this period. Ms Barker added that although not running on, once receiving the flat tyre she had allowed her drive to ease up which contributed to its overall margin.

OUR VINCENT CAN GOGH NZ – Near the 2200m, taken wider to avoid the galloping MY ULTIMATE BILLY NZ.

HELLUVA NZ – Near the 2200m, taken wider to avoid the galloping MY ULTIMATE BILLY NZ. Post-race swab sample obtained.

SERG BLANCO NZ – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Near the 2200m, taken wider to avoid the galloping MY ULTIMATE BILLY NZ. At the 500m, shifted in and contacted the sulky of KOWALSKI ANALYSIS causing a flat tyre. As that runner had been giving ground Stewards did not find that this incident was brought about by any careless actions of Driver Ryan Duffy and reported the incident.

RACE 7 – MCDONALDS PACE (2190 MS)

ROSCOS RESCUE – Gave ground over the final stages to finish in 8th position, beaten 49.0m. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to find any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver James Herbertson explained that although recording a strong lead-time, he was able to obtain respite during the first quarter but when challenged with 800m to travel, his mare failed to respond to driving and proved disappointing.

LOSEASHOE – Raced keenly during the event.

NIFTY STUDLEIGH – Examined by the clubs veterinarian prior to and following the event due to the gelding having competed in excess of 200 race starts. No abnormalities were found on either examination.

VICTORY GEORGE – Examined by the clubs veterinarian prior to the event due to the gelding competing the night prior at Mildura. The horse was passed fit to race. Pre-race blood sample obtained. Driver Liam Older was fined $200 under Rule 156(2)(a) for applying his whip in more than a wrist only flicking motion in the home straight. Mr Older was further cautioned for allowing his body to protrude beyond his sulky in the home straight.

QUARTZITE – Trainer Naomi Kerr was cautioned for failing to ensure her gelding was presented in the parade yard by the prescribed time. Driver Michelle Phillips was fined $200 under Rule 156(3) for applying her whip in excess of the amount permitted over the final 200m.

GOODTIME MADDIE – Post-race swab sample obtained.

ORBIE – Gave ground over the final stages to finish in 7th position, beaten 46.1m.

RACE 8 – CLUB MERBEIN MILDURA TROTTERS CUP (2600 SS)

KYVALLEY HEIST NZ – Raced keenly during the event. Post-race swab sample obtained.

ANDOVER SUN – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Broke gait free of interference near the 1650m.

HATCHBACK – Driver Ewa Justice pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 156(3) for applying her whip in excess of the amount permitted over the final 200m. Ms Justice had her licence to drive in races suspended for a period of 7 days which was ordered to commence at midnight, Monday 15 April 2024 and to expire on Tuesday 23 April 2024 on which day she may drive. When considering penalty Stewards were mindful of Ms Justice’s guilty plea and offence record.

MERCENARY – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

RACE 9 – PRESTIGE EQUINE VETERINARY PACE (2190 MS)

MY LINE OF FIRE – Broke gait during the score up and was placed on its last chance to race truly. Broke gait on the entry to the final turn when contacting a marker peg. An inquiry into the incident has been adjourned to allow Stewards an opportunity to further interview Driver Michelle Phillips and Ellen Tormey (LETSGO MATILDA).

LOUIEVILLE – Checked and broke gait near the 1650m when the pace eased in the running line.

YOURSNMINE – Gave ground over the final stages to finish in 8th position, beaten 41.3m. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver Tayla French explained that after beginning well, she had made her intension clear to hold the lead, and although recording a fast lead-time, her gelding was comfortable and travelled well up until the 700m. Trainer Reece Moore explained that he was disappointed in the run as the gelding had previously been successful when running similar times. 

LETSGO MATILDA – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Checked and broke gait near the 1650m when the pace eased in the running line.

MAJOR ASSASSIN – Post-race swab sample obtained.

HAWAIIANBEACH – Examined by the clubs veterinarian prior to the event due to the gelding competing the night prior at Mildura. The horse was passed fit to race. Pre-race blood sample obtained.

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 – Watching The Boys; Race 3 – Lester, Girls View; Race 4 – Topzavski; Race 5 – Only Once Bitten NZ, Arnies Army NZ; Race 6 – Little Louie, My Ultimate Billy NZ, John Mclean NZ, Kowalski Analysis, Serg Blanco NZ; Race 7 – Victory George; Race 8 – Andover Sun, Mercenary; Race 9 – Letsgo Matilda, Hawaiianbeach.
		Post-Race: Race 1 – Shadow Terror; Race 2 – Sahara Tiger;Race 3 – Ozzie Daybreak; Race 4 – Havelock; Race 5 – Im Blingin It; Race 6 – Dangerous, Helluva NZ; Race 7 – Goodtime Maddie; Race 8 – Kyvalley Heist NZ; Race 9 – Major Assassin.
Suspensions
Race 5	Michelle Phillips		163(1)(a)(iii)	10 Days
Race 8	Ewa Justice		156(3)	7 Days
Fines
Race 1	Naomi Kerr		210	$50
Race 1	James Herbertson		156(2)(a)	$200
Race 3	Ellen Tormey		156(3)	$100
Race 7	Liam Older		156(2)(a)	$200
Race 7	Michelle Phillips		156(3)	$200
Cautions
Race 3	Tim McGuigan		T/CT
Race 7	Liam Older		D/CBOC
Race 7	Naomi Kerr		T/CPR
Horse Actions
Race 2	Clymenus NZ		SDVC, SD1T, ODM
Race 2	Major Meister NZ		SDVC
Race 4	Social Writer		ODM
Race 4	White Star Sammy		SD1T
Race 6	Earl Of Pembroke NZ		ODM
Late Scratchings
Race 2	Clymenus NZ		6:41pm	Vets
Race 2	Major Meister NZ		6:41pm	Vets

Follow Ups

Nil

Adjourned Inquiries

Race 9 – Michelle Phillips (My Line Of Fire) & Ellen Tormey (Letsgo Matilda) – circumstances surrounding My Line Of Fire galloping on the entry to the final turn.

Sulky Fund Claims

Race 2 – Jack Laugher (Clymenus NZ)

Medical Stand Down

Driver Jack Laugher