Stewards Report

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA

STEWARDS REPORT FOR MILDURA          

TUESDAY 19 MARCH 2024

	Grant Adams Wayne Smith   Wayne Preston Emma Johnson (Starter) Dr Megan Ginnifer (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. 

 

GENERAL

Due to Ryan Sanderson being indisposed, the following late driving changes were approved. Mr Sanderson has been stood down from driving until a medical clearance is submitted.

Race 1, #1 HAVELOCK – Jack Laugher

Race 3, #9 RIVERGUM COUNTESS – Michelle Philips

Race 4, #8 HALF MOON BEACH – Ryan Backhouse

Race 5, #4 ONLY ONCE BITTEN NZ – Ryan Backhouse

Race 7, #2 ORBIE – Alex Ashwood

Race 8, #5 MAJESTIC SUE – Ryan Backhouse

Race 10, #2 ROBERT CROCKER – Liam Older

Race 11, #2 ULTIMATE TROUBLE – Michelle Phillips

Race 12, #7 TACT TORY NZ – Liam Older

RACE 1 – EUSTON CLUB PACE (2190 MS)

NO EMOTION – Weakened over the final stages to finish in 9th position, beaten 59.2m for which a warning was issued.

ART OF EVIL – Hung in during the score up.

RACE 2 – THE VERDE @ THE GATEWAY PACE (2190 MS)

SUGOI ALTO – Shifted ground when placed under pressure over the final stages. Driver Ryan Backhouse was placed on notice as to his lack of actions to maintain his correct line.  

PUNTO CALIENTE – Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight prior to obtaining a run to the inside of SUGOI ALTO which shifted out.

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. No abnormalities were found on either examination.  

SPORTY PHILTRA – Broke gait during the score up and was placed on its last chance in the mobile barrier draw.  

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

COTTON CANDY MAN – Broke gait shortly after the start and will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw. Raced keenly during the middle stages. Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight.  

RACE 3 – ZILZIE WINES PACE (1790 MS)

TREACHEROUS HEART – Post-race swab sample obtained.

ALIENFROMARMSTRONG – Broke gait shortly after the start, trailed the field throughout and will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

HELLOVAJOLT – Inconvenienced after the start due to ALLSOPP hanging in. Gave ground over the final stages to finish in 8th position, beaten 46.3m.

BETTERTHAN A KISS – Inconvenienced after the start due to ALLSOPP hanging in.

ALLSOPP – Hung in after the start causing interference and will now be placed on its last chance in the mobile barrier draw. Broke gait free of interference near the 1500m and was placed on its last chance to race truly.

LOUIEVILLE – Inconvenienced and lost ground near the 500m when taken back by ALLSOPP which gave ground. Driver Corey Johnson was questioned as to his decision to remain trailing ALLSOPP near the 500m prior to being covered and taken back as ALLSOPP gave ground. Mr Johnson explained that leading up to this position in the race, his filly was travelling well and was comfortable that ALLSOPP would take him into the race given it was down in class and further appeared to be still travelling strongly. Mr Johnson stated that soon after being covered, ALLSOPP commenced to give ground and he was then hampered when taken back but once obtaining clear running in the home straight his gelding found the line well. On review the explanation of Mr Johnson was supported by the vision and therefore his decision to remain in a trailing position was not considered unreasonable.

FLEXI BET – Trainer Scott Garrraway was cautioned for failing to have the gear form accurately recorded for the mare. Checked after the start due to the galloping ALIENFROMARMSTRONG. Weakened over the final stages to finish in 9th position, beaten 51.7m. No action was taken given the early interference suffered.

RACE 4 – MILDURA BOWLS CARNIVAL APRIL 26TH – MAY 6TH PACE (1790 MS)

LETS GO CRESCO – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Gave ground over the final stages to finish in 10th position, beaten 42.3m. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to find any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver Wayne Hill explained that his gelding failed to settle and over raced in the run and he was advised by a fellow driver that his gelding was making abnormal respiratory sounds. Trainer Aaron Coad explained that in his opinion LETS GO CRESCO is not genuine when unable to lead and had previously performed below expectations in similar circumstances.

Follow up report – Monday 25 March 2024

LETS GO CRESCO – Trainer Aaron Coad has today advised Stewards that following the disappointing performance, LETS GO CRESCO has now been sent for a spell.

RAYS DAUGHTER - Held up for clear running rounding the final turn and on straightening to the home straight.

ROCKNROLL RANGER – Held up for clear running in the home straight and was not fully tested.  

RACE 5 – MERBEIN CLUB PACE (2190 MS)

BETTOR STAR – Pre-race blood sample obtained.

RACE 6 – TASCO PETROLEUM PACE (1790 MS)

NEDS BEACH NZ – Weakened over the final stages to finish in 6th position, beaten 130.5m. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to find any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver Wayne Hill explained that his gelding was out classed and not suited by the fast pace. Given the performance Stewards ordered NEDS BEACH NZ be stood down until it completes one requalifying trial. In taking no further action Stewards were mindful of the class rise and the heavier track condition.

OZZIE PLAYBOY – Entering the first turn broke gait free of interference and was placed on its last chance to race truly. Weakened over the final stages to finish in 5th position, beaten 112.3m. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to find any significant findings other than a delayed recovery. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver Ellen Tormey explained that her gelding failed to handle the heavy track conditions and was not comfortable in its gait throughout. OZZIE PLAYBOY was placed on its last chance to race competitively. In taking no further actions Stewards were mindful of the early error and the heavier track conditions.

MY ULTIMATE BILLY NZ – Pre-race blood sample obtained.  

IAMBECAUSEOFYOU – When questioned regarding the tactics displayed, in particular the positioning of the gelding when racing in close proximity to the leader in fast time, Driver Ryan Backhouse explained that his gelding is known and has previously demonstrated that it over races and once unable to obtain the lead, he allowed his gelding to stride forward to maintain a comfortable pace. Mr Backhouse added that given the class of his runner he was comfortable in the pace in the race but did find wanting late after being required to race outside the leader. Stewards noted his comments however did advise Mr Backhouse that in similar circumstances, he would be required to demonstrate some effort in easing the pace allowing his drive its best opportunity to finish off the event.

ALL DA RAGE – Post-race swab sample obtained.

RACE 7 – MCDONALDS IRYMPLE & MILDURA PACE (2190 MS)

ALLWOOD WIZARD – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Raced keenly throughout the event. Held up for clear running in the home straight and was not fully tested.

BETA THAN LOVE NZ – Hung out when placed under pressure on the entry to the home straight for which a warning was issued.

RACE 8 – LASER SIGNS & PRINT PACE (1790 MS)

UNETHICAL – Weakened over the final stages to finish in 9th position, beaten 89.2m. A post-race veterinarian examination failed to find any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver Wayne Hill offered no explanation other than noting his mare was out classed. The mare was placed on its last chance to race competitively.

MAJESTIC SUE – Pre-race blood sample obtained. Held up for clear running in the early stags of the home straight.

RACE 9 – ATTARD STABLES PACE (1790 MS)

HONOLULU LULU – Pre-race blood sample obtained.  

BRUISED EGO – Post-race swab sample obtained.  

SIR VINCENT – Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight.  

RACE 10 – PARK DOUGLAS PACE (1790 MS)

WATCH THE ATTITUDE – Entering the first turn paced roughly before galloping a short distance later. The mare will now be placed on its last chance to race truly.  

THISWAYTOTHEBEACH – Out of position at the start for which a warning was issued. Rounding the first turn inconvenienced when taken wider and away from WATCH THE ATTITUDE which galloped.

DAYLIGHT – Examined by the clubs veterinarian prior to the event and passed fit. Post-race swab sample obtained.

SOCIAL WRITER – Rounding the first turn checked and galloped when positioned behind WATCH THE ATTITUDE which galloped.

OUR ART CHRISTIAN NZ – Rounding the first turn checked when taken wider and away from WATCH THE ATTITUDE which galloped.

MIRAMANEE – pre-race blood sample obtained. Rounding the first turn checked when taken wider and away from WATCH THE ATTITUDE which galloped. 

RACE 11 – OUYEN CUP 24/3/24 PACE (1790 MS)

MACH HU NZ – Weakened over the final stages to finish in 8th position, beaten 51.8m for which a warning was issued.  

LE SPARTACUS – Driver Liam Older was cautioned for allowing his whip to protrude outside the confines of his sulky in the home straight. Post-race swab sample obtained.

MIDNIGHT PIRATE – Driver Alex Ashwood was cautioned for failing to take reasonable effort to maintain his position on the mobile prior to the starting point.  

COULDNT RECOMMEND – Weakened over the final stages to finish in 9th position, beaten 56.3m for which a warning was issued.  

RACE 12 – PFD SUPPORTS TEAL PACE (1790 MS)

ROCKNFURY – Weakened over the final stages to finish in 8th position, beaten 78.1m for which a warning was issued.

VILLAGE LOVER – Inconvenienced on the entry to the first turn when avoiding the galloping PUMPT NZ. Gave ground over the final stages to finish in 7th position, beaten 48.0m.

PUMPT NZ – Approaching the 1600m, broke gait free of interference, trailed the field throughout and was placed on its last chance to race truly.  

GUYS BETTOR BET – 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. Gave ground over the final stages to finish in 6th position, beaten 46.3m.

MAGGACIS – Pre-Race blood sample obtained. Inconvenienced on the entry to the first turn when avoiding the galloping PUMPT NZ.

THE TOOTH FAIRY – Inconvenienced on the entry to the first turn when avoiding the galloping PUMPT NZ.

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 4 – Lets Go Cresco; Race 5 – Bettor Star; Race 6 – My Ultimate Billy NZ; Race 7 – Allwood Wizard; Race 8 – Majestic Sue; Race 9 – Honolulu Lulu; Race 10 – Miramanee; Race 12 – Maggacis.
		Post-Race: Race 3 – Treacherous Heart; Race 6 – All Da Rage; Race 9 – Bruised Ego; Race 10 – Daylight; Race 11 – Le Spartacus.
Suspensions
Nil
Fines
Nil
Cautions
Race 3	Scott Garraway		T/CG
Race 11	Liam Older		D/CWOC
Race 11	Alex Ashwood		D/CSU
Horse Actions
Race 2	Cotton Candy Man		ODM
Race 3	Alienformarmstrong		ODM
Race 6	Neds Beach NZ		SD1T
Late Scratchings
Nil

Follow Ups

Nil

Adjourned Inquiries

Nil

Sulky Fund Claims

Nil

Medical Stand Down

Driver Ryan Sanderson