Stewards Report
Pinjarra 15/04/2024
Stewards: A Milne (MT), R Harrod (400), C Courtland (RR), P Webster (SR), E Stent (Cadet)(SR), L Austin (200), M Thomas (RR)
Assistants: K Bailey (Starter/Gear), G Van De Molan (Mobile/Brands)
Veterinary Surgeon: Dr M McGregor
Weather: Fine
Track: Good
Trainers with multiple runners in any one race were questioned in relation to their intended tactics.
Samples were taken from numerous drivers that will undergo analysis for prohibited substances.
RACE 1 – MANDURAH NIGHT & DAY CHEMIST TROT (2116SS)
Stewards interviewed Drivers G Johnson (THE BEAT NZ) and W Price (THE HONOURS NZ) in relation to the reasons for THE HONOURS NZ breaking gait racing in the back straight on the final occasion. Upon conclusion, Driver G Johnson pleaded guilty to a charge under AR163(1)(a)(iii) for causing interference in that when racing in the back straight on the final occasion he has shifted outwards when insufficiently clear of THE HONOURS NZ, who was tightened with NICKYS SON racing to his outside, and broke gait as a consequence. Mr Johnson’s reigns persons licence was suspended for a period of 9 days commencing midnight the 15th of April 2024 and concluding midnight 24th of April 2024. In determining penalty, Stewards considered the level of carelessness and interference to be both in the mid-level range with the consequences being one horse losing its opportunity in the event, Mr Johnson’s guilty plea and very good record under this rule with the last suspension being in December 2020.
RACE 2 – PRECISION MECHANICAL REPAIRS 2YO WESTRED PACE (1684MS)
Stewards help up All Clear to ascertain if POPPYS LAST DANCE (D Miller) gained an advantage when breaking gait over the concluding stages. Upon viewing the official footage, Stewards were satisfied that no advantage had been gained given the manner in which driver D Miller restrained the filly with no finishing positions being effected, and the proximity to the finish. All Clear was subsequently issued on the Judges numbers.
ALLIZEE (K Harper) – Trainer B Lovett reported the filly was in season prior to the event.
MAJOR TYPHOON (S Young) – Gave ground over the concluding stages. Driver S Young was questioned in regard to the tactics adopted in the event, in particular the reasons for shifting from a position with cover to race in a three wide position, before working forward to racing outside the leader in the front straight to receive the bell. Mr Young put forward the first quarter of the event had only a moderate tempo and when he moved to a three wide position the filly raced roughly delaying his advance forward. Mr Young also stated the tempo of the race then increased after the first quarter and suggested the filly maybe better suited to racing with cover in forthcoming events. Stewards noted the comments.
POPPYS LAST DANCE (D Miller) – Broke gait under pressure over the concluding stages. Trainer D Miller was advised that the filly will be stood down for a period of 6 days and until such time as the completion of 1 successful re-qualifying trial.
BEATITLIKEBECA (M Miller) – Raced greenly throughout the event. Driver M Miller reported when MAJOR TYPHOON (S Young) raced to his outside to receive the bell the filly hung inwards.
RACE 3 – HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY BOB BRUSE 3YO WESTBRED PACE (1684MS)
JOBESTAR (E Suvaljko) – Broke gait in the early stages of the score up and missed the start by several lengths. Trainer G Elson was advised the colt will be placed outside the draw in future mobile barrier events. Driver E Suvaljko was questioned in relation to tactics adopted in the event, in particular the reasons for shifting into a three wide position when racing into the front straight to receive the bell before giving ground over the concluding stages and finishing in last position. Ms Suvaljko put forward the pace in the event had steadied and was racing keenly and believing the colt to be more of a stayer than a sit sprinter elected to advance forward. Ms Suvaljko further stated that in hindsight, considering the time was more steady than anticipated and the work required advancing forward, it would have more beneficial to sit with cover until later in the event. Stewards concurred with Ms Suvaljko and advised in future events when issues arise to adopt a more considered approach thereafter.
ALTAR (A Cortopassi) – Driver A Cortopassi was reprimanded under the provisions of rule 156(2)(a) for applying the whip in more than a wrist only flicking motion.
RACE 4 – NK & J GRANT SMASH REPAIRS PACE (2185MS)
PLASTERED (A Cortopassi) – Broke gait shortly after the start was effected. Trainer B Howlett was advised the gelding will be placed outside the draw in future mobile barrier events.
RACE 5 – ROCKINGHAM RAM PACE (2185MS)
KABOCHON (J Young) – Had a tendency to race keenly when leading in the early and middle stages.
CAMS BOULDER (D Egerton-Green) – Broke gait shortly after the start was effected. Trainer R Eddy was advised the gelding will be placed outside the draw in future mobile barrier events. Gave ground over the concluding stages.
STORM THE BEACH NZ (C Voak) – A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
THE FALCON PRINCE (C Lewis) – Driver C Lewis was cautioned under R162(1)(j) for failing to maintain his position behind the mobile barrier until the start.
RACE 6 – RERAVISION PACE (2185MS)
Stewards delayed the announcement of All Clear to ascertain if runners starting on the second line were afforded a fair start after RATTLIN LILLY (D Roberts) broke gait. After doing so and under the provisions of rule 15(2) where ROCKIN THE TREND (J Suvaljko) has finished in fourth position, Stewards announced the All Clear on the Judges numbers.
RATTLIN LILLY (D Roberts) – Broke gait shortly before the start was effected. Trainers G and S Bond were advised the mare will be placed outside the draw in future mobile barrier events.
KOOLBARDI NAVAJO (S McDonald) – Tired over the concluding stages. When questioned regarding the performance, Driver S McDonald stated he was disappointed with the performance. Trainer T Stone put forward the mare maybe better suited to racing with cover in upcoming events and undertook to notify the Stewards should any health issue becomes apparent over the forthcoming days.
HEART OF SAHARA (R Warwick) – Gave ground over the concluding stages to be beaten approximately 80m. A warning was placed on the mare’s racing performance.
ROCKIN THE TREND (J Suvaljko) – Checked shortly before the start was effected.
RACE 7 – SOLID STATE WELDER REPAIRS PACE (2116SS)
GOV STARZZZ (R Warwick) – Raced roughly shortly after the start was effected.
GENERAL JOLT (C Voak) – Underwent a veterinary examination upon arrival on course and was found to have the onset of a virus and deemed unsuitable to start. Acting on this advice was declared a late withdrawal by order of Stewards at 2.56pm.
IDEALINGOLD NZ (K Harper) – Began slowly when the start was effected.
HOTFOOT IT NZ (B Edman) – Fractious prior to the start resulting in a delay. Galloped out when the start was effected and will remain right outside the draw in future standing start events.
RACE 8 – SIGNCRAFT PACE (2185MS)
INTERNAL WAVES (G Butler) – Over-raced during the early and middle stages of the event.
RUN STELLA RUN (H Charles) – Gave ground from the vicinity of the 400m. Driver H Charles was cautioned under the provisions of rule 162(1)(j) for failing to maintain position behind the mobile barrier until the start was effected.
AT THE POINTY END (D Roberts) – Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight before shifting outwards into clear running.
RACE 9 – SCAVENGER FIRE & SAFETY PACE (2185MS)
DAWSON SHARD NZ (G Johnson) – Hung outwards throughout the event. Gave ground over the concluding stages. Driver / Trainer G Johnson was advised the gelding will be stood down from racing for a period of 6 days and until such time as the completion of 1 satisfactory re-qualifying trial. Mr Johnson was further advised he must take greater action on his drives when hanging in future events. Mr Johnson advised the gelding will be spelled.
DEVILS COURAGE (B Giudice) – Inconvenienced shortly after the start was effected when tightened between runners.
HI SUGA RUSH NZ (D Roberts) – Inconvenienced shortly after the start was effected. Pulled hard in the early stages.
IM LIGHTNING BANNER NZ (D Egerton-Green) – Inconvenienced shortly after the start was effected.
RACEDAY SUMMARY
Swabs |
The following horses were selected for pre-race blood samples: GO MARIO, JOBESTAR, WHITBYS WORLD, PLASTERED, INTERNAL WAVES, TWELVE OCLOCK ROCK Post Race: NICKYS SON, GO MARIO, RIGGERS RIVER, RATTLIN LILLY, HI SUGA RUSH NZ |
Reprimands |
Race 3 – A Cortopassi – R156(2)(a) – Incorrect whip action |
Fines |
Race 4 – E Dewar – R273(6)(b) – Incorrect gear – $50 |
Suspensions |
Race 1 – G Johnson – R163(1)(a)(iii) – Caused interference – 9 days |
Stand Down/Trials |
Race 2 – POPPYS LAST DANCE – Broke gait – 6 days, 1 trial Race 9 – DAWSON SHARD NZ – Hung outwards – 6 days, 1 trial |
Barrier Information |
Race 3 – JOBESTAR – Broke score up – ODM x 2 Race 4 – PLASTERED – Broke after start – ODM x 2 Race 5 – CAMS BOULDER – Broke after start – ODM x 2 Race 6 – RATTLIN LILLY – Broke score up – ODM x 2 |
Scratchings |
Race 5 – KINGSEAT NZ – Injury: filling near side front knee Race 7 – HES ROYAL BLUE – Trained off – TBS Race 7 – GENERAL JOLT – Late scratching – Illness: nasal discharge |
Adjourned Inquiries |
Nil |
A Milne
Senior Steward – Thoroughbreds/Harness
This may not be the final report of the meeting as all races are reviewed.