Stewards Report

NEWCASTLE 6/07/2020

NEWCASTLE HARNESS RACING CLUB

MONDAY, 6TH JULY 2020

STEWARDS REPORT

 

Stewards

C Paul (Chairman), T Clarke

Starter

M Parkes

Veterinarian

Dr L Ascoli

Swab Official

S McMaster

Track

Fast

Weather

Fine

 

RACE 1 – TAB ODDS & EVENS MAIDEN PACE – 1609 metres

 

This event was delayed significantly due to the track rectification as a result of a vehicle driving directly across the track shortly prior to the horse’s entering the course proper.

TAKEME TOTHE BEACH – Became unbalanced and broke gait shortly after the start.  Connections were advised that TAKEME TOTHE BEACH will now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

MILWAUKEE OUTLAW – Consideration was given to a protest lodged by second placed JACKS UP alleging interference against MILWAUKEE OUTLAW over the final 200 metres.  It was established that MILWAUKEE OUTLAW shifted ground significantly in the home straight resulting in JACKS UP having to be checked away near the 150 metres again leaving the 100 metres and finally JACKS UP had to be steadied inside the final 50 metres. Given the margin of a head, Stewards concluded that had MILWAUKEE OUTLAW not shifted ground and kept its true racing line, JACKS UP would have finished ahead of that runner and subsequently the protest was upheld with the all clear given on the new numbers of 4, 2, 10 and 6.  At a subsequent inquiry driver P Green Jnr pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 162(1)(www) in that he failed to make sufficient effort to prevent MILWAUKEE OUTLAW from shifting ground over the final 200 metres resulting in JACKS UP being impeded.  In assessing penalty consideration was given to P Green Jnr’s good driving record.  P Green Jnr was fined the sum of $200.  Post-race swab samples were obtained.

ANGELINA JULIE – Became unbalanced and broke gait shortly after the start.  A warning was issued

JACKS UP – Pre-race blood samples were obtained.  Lodged a protest against MILWAUKEE OUTLAW being declared the winner alleging interference over the final 200 metres.  After considering all available evidence it was established that JACKS UP was checked away from MILWAUKEE OUTLAW on no less than three occasions in the home straight and subsequently the protest was upheld.

FEELIN JOLLIE – Cast it’s near fore plate near the 600 metres.

TOOSHAY – Hung in and raced roughly after the start.  A warning was issued.  When questioned regarding the performance of TOOSHAY driver J Trainor explained that the gelding is very inexperienced and is still learning to race.  Mr Trainor added that he progressed forward in the early stages and briefly challenged for the lead near the 1100 metres however MILWAUKEE OUTLAW was keen to maintain its leading position therefore he steadied his runner. However, racing in the position outside of the leader at this stage of its career proved to be unsuitable and the gelding commenced to weaken over the concluding stages.  J Trainor’s explanation was noted.

IGOTCHA – Checked after the start by TAKEME TOTHE BEACH which broke gait.

 

RACE 2 – TAB LONG MAY WE PLAY MAIDEN PACE – 1609 metres

 

This event was delayed as a result of the protest and the initial delay with the track rectification that occurred prior to Race 1.

 

REFLECTION OF TIME – Passing the 1400 metres became unbalance and broke gait.  A warning was issued.

HASLER – Passing the 1400 metres was checked and broke gait when REFLECTION OF TIME interfered with that runner.

MANCHEGO – Leaving the 1400 metres hung in, raced roughly, became unbalanced and broke gait.  A warning was issued.

SUNDOWNER SHANNON – Had to be steadied away from REFLECTION OF TIME passing the 1400 metres.  Post-race swab samples were obtained.

SUMMER DREAMS – Pre-race blood samples were obtained.

OCEAN LANE – Caught wide during the early stages.

CARIBBEAN SUMMER – Caught wide during the early stages.

BANBURN – Out of position at the start and will be continued from the mobile barrier draw.  Passing the 1400 metres the mare broke gait.  A warning was issued.

SKYWALKER SHANNON – Had to be steadied away from REFLECTION OF TIME when that runner broke gait near the 1400 metres.

 

RACE 3 – SKY RACING ACTIVE PACE – 1609 metres

 

OFFICIALLY SHADY – Pre-race blood samples were obtained.

MAMMALS DESTINY – Had difficulty securing clear running until passing the 100 metres.

PAGE ANTRY – Raced three wide during the middle stages before working forward near the 1100 metres.

SHEZLIKEROYALTY – Unable to secure clear running at any stage in the home straight and was not fully tested.

MISS SONIC BOOM – Raced three wide during the middle stages to improve its position and ultimately find the lead near the 1100 metres.  Post-race swab samples were obtained.

 

RACE 4 – SKY SPORTS RADIO PACE – 2030 metres

 

BELLA BLONDIE – Broke during the score up however quickly resumed its correct gait and then as the start was affected became unbalanced and broke gait resulting in MISTA TAPTOE LOMBO being checked.  A warning was issued.  The mare then raced three wide during the middle stages to find the positon outside of the leader.  Leaving the 600 metres BELLA BLONDIE commenced to weaken and tired significantly over the concluding stages.  A post-race veterinary examination revealed no obvious abnormalities.  When questioned regarding the tactics employed on BELLA BLONDIE in particular the decision to improve three wide after losing ground at the start driver J Osborn explained that BELLA BLONDIE is one paced and although he did gallop at the start he did not believe he lost significant ground.  He added that once the tempo slowed noticeably during the middle stages he elected to improve three wide whilst he had his momentum.  J Osborn explained that leaving the 600 metres his runner was failing to respond to his driving and in his opinion her performance was less than satisfactory.  J Osborn’s explanation was noted. Furthermore, he was advised to ensure he drives in a manner that displays the required level of judgement.

DON KEE – Post-race swab samples were obtained.

LETTUCEFIREHARVEY – Unable to secure clear running until passing the 50 metres

ALWAYS IVY – Pre-race blood samples were obtained. 

MOONLIGHT CRUISER – Inclined to over race during the event.  Wil now re-included in the mobile barrier draw.

MISTA TAPTOE LOMBO – Checked at the start when BELLA BLONDIE broke gait.  Unable to secure clear running at any stage in the home straight and was not fully tested.

 

RACE 5 – SHARP ELECTRONICS PACE – 2030 metres

 

The all clear was delayed in order to afford Stewards an opportunity to view the start of particular concern was an incident involving ROUSEY and ROCLEA STAR with both runners engaging sulky wheels which in turn caused both runners to dislodge their drivers shortly after the start.  It was established that in the latter stages of the home straight ROCLEA STAR hung in and broke gait however did not lock wheels with ROUSEY and check that runner until the start was affected and the green light was clearly activated.  Therefore both ROUSEY and ROCLEA STAR were declared runners and the all clear was given on the judge’s numbers of 3, 2, 8 and 10.

 

SWEET CREATION – Pre-race blood samples were obtained.  DOLLARSIGN – Post-race swab samples were obtained.

ROUSEY – As the start was affected ROCLEA STAR hung in and locked wheels with ROUSEY resulting in that runner being severely checked and turned sideways and subsequently dislodging driver S Lippiatt.  A post-race veterinary examination of ROUSEY revealed superficial abrasion to its near fore leg however the club’s veterinarian explained that no action was required. S Lippiatt was examined by on-course medical personnel and passed fit to continue with her engagements.

ROCLEA STAR – Hung in in the latter stages of the score up and as the start was affected, broke gait and shifted in and locked wheels with ROUSEY resulting in both sulkies being turned sideways and consequently driver G Chapple was dislodged from the sulky.  A post-race veterinary examination revealed no obvious abnormalities.  A warning was placed on ROCLEA STAR.

ROLL WITH ANNIE – Passing the 200 metres raced up into restricted racing room and brushed the sulky of DYNAMITE BEACH and subsequently the gelding broke gait.  Driver T Ferrier was issued with a reprimand under Rule 168(1)(a) for careless driving.  In issuing the reprimand Stewards were mindful that driver T Ferrier was relatively inexperienced.

DYNAMITE BEACH – Passing the 200 metres had its off side wheel contacted by ROLL WITH ANNIE which was trailing.

 

RACE 6 – NBN NEWS PACE – 2030 metres

 

FANTASIZE NZ – Unable to secure clear running until passing the 50 metres.

NEW YORK RAIN NZ – Pre-race blood samples were obtained. 

CHOISIR DAMOUR – Caught wide during the early stages before being restrained. In the process of attempting to find a trailing position passing the 1800 metres, CHOISIR DAMOUR shifted in, momentarily placing SHANACON NZ in restricted room at the same time SHANACON NZ hung out toward CHOISIR DAMOUR resulting in both runners bumping.  Driver L Sutton was advised to exercise care in similar circumstances.

HIGH LINE NZ – Approaching the 1800 metres had to be steadied away from SHANACON NZ and subsequently raced roughly.  Post-race swab samples were obtained.

AZUR EXPRESS – Out of position at the start.  A warning was issued.

SHANOCON NZ – Approaching the 1800 metres was momentarily placed in restricted room when CHOISIR DAMOUR shifted in however as SHANACON NZ entered the first turn it was inclined to hang out and shifted out towards CHOISIR DAMOUR resulting in both runners bumping slightly. 

 

RACE 7 – NEWCASTLE HERALD PACE – 2030 metres

 

IMFEELINGIT – Post-race swab samples were obtained.

GOLD REACTOR – Slow to begin.  Inclined to over race during the middle stages.

MAJOR MUCHA – Raced three wide during the early stages before working forward.

HELIX NZ – Raced three wide during the early stages before working forward.

HUEY LEWIS NZ – Pre-race blood samples were obtained.

A PASSION FOR ACES – Improved three wide during the middle stages to find the position outside the leader near the 1200 metres.  The gelding failed to run on over the concluding stages.  A post-race veterinary examination revealed no obvious abnormalities.  When questioned regarding the performance of A PASSION FOR ACES driver J Trainor was at a loss to explain the performance however did state that the gelding likes to be able to impose himself on the race and particularly likes to be able to dictate the tempo.  He added that when he was unable to do so in the middle stages the gelding switched off and once he does so, given his experience, he is difficult to get to respond to his driving.  J Trainor’s explanation was noted.

 

RACE 8 – WWW.NEWCASTLEHARNESS.COM.AU PACE – 2030 metres

 

PRINCE SYNTAX – Leaving the 100 metres was held up for clear running and then shifted out when not quite clear of HES THE WARRIOR NZ resulting in that runner being placed in restricted room and taken out towards ITS GEORGIAONMYMIND NZ which in turn had to be checked and raced roughly.  Driver L Green was issued with a reprimand under Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) for causing interference.

SHANWAY NZ – Post-race swab samples were obtained.

HES THE WARRIOR NZ – Approaching the 50 metres was placed in restricted room when PRINCE SYNTAX shifted out resulting in HES THE WARRIOR NZ being carried out towards ITS GEORGIAONMYMIND NZ.

SUPERBASS NZ – Pre-race blood samples were obtained.

ITS GEORGIAONMYMIND NZ – Approaching the 50 metres had to be checked away from HES THE WARRIOR NZ which shifted out resulting in the mare racing roughly.

KANYE CRUSADER – Passing the 1900 metres became unbalanced and broke gait.  In view of its recent record connections were advised that KANYE CRUSADER would now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.  The gelding had a tendency to strike its off side sulky wheel with its off hind leg during the event and near the 900 metres became unbalanced and broke gait.  A warning was issued.

OFFTHETOPOFMYHEAD – Raced roughly after the start.  Passing the 900 metres had to be steadied away from KANYE CRUSADER when that runner broke gait.

 

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT – NEWCASTLE FRIDAY 3RD JULY 2020- RACE 8 – TROTS TV PACE

Driver B Greenwood was interviewed regarding the conduct he displayed in the Stewards inquiry into the circumstances surrounding WITHOUTDOUT breaking gait near the 1800 metres. Of particular concern was B Greenwood's lack of compliance with the process, coupled with his tone during the inquiry. In view of his long standing good record and obvious contrition, B Greenwood was issued with a reprimand under Rule 231(2) for misconduct.

 

SUMMARY

Reprimands

Race 5 – T Ferrier – Rule 168(1)(a) – ROLL WITH ANNIE

Race 8 – L Green – Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) – PRICE SYNTAX

B Greenwood – Rule 231(2) – NOWORRIES – Newcastle 03.07.20

Fines

Race 1 – P Green Jnr – Rule 162(1)(www) - $200 – MILWAUKEE OUTLAW

Race 6 – C Harmey – Rule 210 - $50 – AZUR EXPRESS

Race 6 – C Harmey – Rule 210 - $50 – CHOISIR DAMOUR

Rule 7 – C Harmey – Rule 210 - $50 – GOLD REACTOR

Suspensions

 

Barrier Information

Race 1 – TAKEME TO THE BEACH – ODM

Race 4 – MOONLIGHT CRUISER – BDM

Race 8 – KANYE CRUSADER - ODM

Trials/Stand Down

 

Late Scratchings

Adjourned Inquiries

Medical Clearance

 

Follow up’s