Stewards Report

NEWCASTLE 22/04/2024

 

 

Stewards	E Turner (Chairman), D Westwood, S Cullen
Starter	D Beevers
Veterinarian	Dr J Gallagher
Swab Official	M Sizer
Track	Fast
Weather	Fine

 

GENERAL – Acting on a report received from HRNSW compliance officers following a stable inspection that had been conducted on Monday 22 April 2024, Stewards opened an inquiry with licensed trainer J Mordue regarding the maintenance and recording of treatment details in his logbook. After taking evidence from J Mordue, he pleaded guilty to a charge under AHRR 190B(1) in that, he had failed to accurately record treatment details and maintain his logbook. When assessing penalty consideration was given to, Mr Mordue’s guilty plea, record in relation to the rule and circumstances relevant to the incident. J Mordue was fined the sum of $200.

 

RACE 1 – SENIORS LUNCH @ THE TROTS PACE – 1609 metres

NAUGHTYINHEAVEN – Weakened inside the final 600 metres to be beaten 71.5 metres. When questioned, Trainer/Driver S Harmey could offer no explanation for the performance other than the mare was disappointing and failed to respond when placed under pressure near the 600 metres. A post-race veterinary exam failed to reveal any abnormalities. After considering the recent record of the mare, NAUGHTYINHEAVEN was stood down to one re-qualifying trial.

NOWORRIES – Slow to begin.

NOTMUCHUPTOP – Post-race swab sample.

WAITING FOR LOVE – Broke gait during the middle stages of the score up and consequently was out of position at the start. In view of the mare’s recent record connections were advised, WAITING FOR LOVE would now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

SPIKEY BOY NZ – When questioned in relation to the driving tactics adopted, principally regarding her decision to manoeuvre towards the marker pegs from a one-out one-back position near the 1200 metres, driver G Panella explained that, the gelding is better suited to racing along the marker pegs given her runner has had tendency to hang in and travels more genuinely when able to obtain a position on the marker pegs. Ms Panella added that, she believed that the runner which the gelding was trailing in the running line WAITING FOR LOVE was unsuited to racing outside of the leader and felt that runner would not have taken the gelding into the event during the latter stages and as such elected to shift to the inside. Stewards noted her explanation. Sustained contact to its near side sulky wheel from IM FREYJA near the 250 metres resulting in a puncture.

LONGWINDINGROAD – Pre-race blood sample. Fractious during the early stages of the score up.

IM FREYJA – Driver T Ison pleaded guilty to a charge under AHRR 168(1)(a) for careless driving in that, when approaching the 250 metres he allowed IM FREYJA to improve to the inside of SPIKEY BOY NZ when in there was insufficient room to do so, resulting in IM FREYJA contacting the near-side sulky wheel of SPIKEY BOY NZ and puncturing the tyre. When assessing penalty consideration was given to Mr Ison’s guilty plea, driving record in relation to the rule and circumstances surrounding the incident. T Ison was fined $200.

THE DUDE NZ – Checked behind the tiring NAUGHTYINHEVAEN between the 600 metres and the 400 metres.

 

RACE 2 – BARASTOC MAIDEN PACE – 1609 metres

REVELATION – Pre-race blood sample.

OUR LUCILLE – Trainer/Driver S Hickey was fined the sum of $200 under AHRR 156(2)(a) for unacceptable whip use in that, he applied the whip on no less than one occasion without holding a rein in each hand and in a manner that exceeded a wrist only flicking motion during the final 150 metres.

ULTIMATE DESTINY – Broke gait clear of interference passing the 1200 metres, causing LETTUCE GO MIKI to be checked and broke gait. After considering the recent record of the mare, ULTIMATE DESTINY was stood down to one re-qualifying trial.

EYES BEEN PATIENT – Over-raced throughout the early and middle stages.

LETTUCE GO MIKI – Checked and broke gait passing the 1200 metres when ULTIMATE DESTINY broke gait. Post-race swab sample.

 

RACE 3 – RARITY WHOLESALE PACE – 1609 metres

HAPPY AS – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian in accordance with HRNSW’s animal welfare policy. No abnormalities were reported.

MERCURIUS – ($2.30 Unplaced favourite) When questioned regarding the performance, driver J Gallagher stated that, when he urged the gelding to improve three wide near the 600 metres his runner responded well whilst under driving for some distance and improved its position however the gelding ultimately lacked the lasting stamina required and failed to run on over the final 200 metres. He said that, he believes the gelding is unsuited to making a long sustained run and is best performed when able to be driven for a sharp sprint over the final quarter of an event.

CONFUSE ME – Checked behind the weakening MOONLIGHT CRUISER between the 400 metres and the 200 metres.

LACHIES DELIGHT – Pre-race blood sample. Held up for clear running during the early stages of the run to the finish.

HIGHWAY WRITER – Jostled with WESTERN RICKI momentarily passing the 400 metres.

WESTERN RICKI – Jostled with HIGHWAY WRITER momentarily passing the 400 metres.

A LOT OF COST – Post-race swab sample.

 

RACE 4 – SLICK CHICKS PACE – 2030 metres

DRAKINA – Pre-race blood sample.

GOTTADOBETTOR – Inclined to hang in whilst under pressure between the 200 metres and the 100 metres.

NEVER KNOW BLAZE – Post-race swab sample.

 

RACE 5 – SOMERSET MEATS PACE – 1609 metres

GENERAL: Prior to the declaration of All clear trainer/driver G Panella on behalf of connections of DOUBLE LINES (Sixth past the post) requested to review the official film regarding the final 200 metres. G Panella then on behalf of connections lodged an objection against TELL ME THIS NZ (Second past the post) alleging interference over the final 200 metres. After considering all evidence provided by trainer/driver G Panella (DOUBLE LINES) and driver C Formosa and trainer J Fenech (TELL ME THIS NZ) and also reviewing the available patrol footage. It was established that shortly after entering the home straight for the run to the finish TELL ME THIS NZ had shifted approximately three quarters of a sulky’s width away from the marker pegs at which point DOUBLE LINES had attempted to improve to its inside near the 150 metres however a full run had not presented at that stage. It was further ascertained that, TELL ME THIS NZ remained in the same position for some distance thereafter whilst DOUBLE LINES continued to be driven forward to the inside, until at a point passing the 50 metres when TELL ME THIS NZ shifted back down the track marginally which further restricted the racing room of DOUBLE LINES and consequently that runner had to be checked, raced roughly and lost ground. Stewards found that whilst DOUBLE LINES had to be checked passing the 50 metres that runner had not established rightful running nor was not entitled to a position to the inside of TELL ME THIS NZ due to there being insufficient racing room to its inside throughout the run to the finish. With such a view the objection was dismissed and the All clear was given on the judge’s numbers 7-3-6-8. Further, G Panella was cautioned for lodging an objection that was bordering on frivolous grounds.

DOUBLE LINES – Pre-race blood sample. Trainer/Driver G Panella pleaded guilty to a charge under AHRR 168(1)(a) for careless driving in that, approaching the 150 metres she permitted her runner to improve to the inside of TELL ME THIS NZ when there was insufficient racing room to do so. G Panella then continued to drive DOUBLE LINES forward whilst racing in restricted room for some distance prior to DOUBLE LINES ultimately being checked and racing roughly passing the 50 metres. When assessing penalty consideration was given to, Ms Panella’s guilty plea, driving record in relation to the rule and that TELL ME THIS NZ had contributed to the incident by shifting in marginally passing the 50 metres. Accordingly, G Panella was fined the sum of $200.

HASLER – Held up for clear running over the concluding stages and was not fully tested.

TELL ME THIS NZ – Stewards withheld the declaration of All clear for an opportunity to review TELL ME THIS NZ breaking gait over the final 20 metres and whether that runner had gained an advantage whilst galloping. Upon review it was established that whilst TELL ME THIS NZ had broke gait over the final 20 metres, Stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that it had gained an advantage nor had it interfered with any other runner and therefore took no further action. The All clear was announced subsequent to another protest in the event on the Judge’s numbers 7-3-6-8. Connections were advised, a warning would be issued against TELL ME THIS NZ for breaking gait at that point.

TRUE STEPPER – Post-race swab sample.

 

RACE 6 – THOMPSON PIES PACE – 1609 metres

HOT JIVING – Over-raced throughout the early and middle stages.

MAGIC SHOOS – Post-race swab sample.

GLITTER STRIP – Dropped its off-side knee boot during the event.

SWEET CREATION – Broke gait clear of interference leaving the 1300 metres. In view of the mare’s poor recent record, SWEET CREATION was stood down for a period of 14 days, in addition to the completion of two re-qualifying trials prior to returning to race.

WOTNOW SWANEE – Pre-race blood sample.

 

RACE 7 – PFD FOOD SERVICES PACE – 1609 metres

COLBY NZ – Post-race swab sample.

OUR IDEAL DREAM NZ – Pre-race blood sample. Driver A Delosa was fined the sum of $50 under AHRR 162(1)(j) for failing to maintain her position behind the mobile barrier until the start was effected.

WAYOUTWEST – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian in accordance with HRNSW’s animal welfare policy. No abnormalities were reported. Held up for clear running during the early stages of the run to the finish.

ABDICATE NZ – Broke gait clear of interference leaving the 200 metres, then consequently broke its near-side hopple loop. After considering the recent record of the gelding, ABDICATE NZ was stood down to one re-qualifying trial.

 

RACE 8 – DOWNLOAD THE TAB APP TODAY PACE – 2030 metres

LOCHINVAR LORENZO – Trainer/Driver M Formosa reported post-race that the gelding did not appreciate racing without cover over the longer distance of today’s event and was slightly disappointed with performance, he said as such connections will look to drive the gelding more conservatively when competing over a similar distance going forward. Mr Formosa notified Stewards that the stable will endeavour to nominate the gelding for the Newcastle meeting on the 06/05/24 to continue with its preparation.

PARADISE POINT – Post-race swab sample.

SPORTING ROBYN NZ – Over-raced throughout the early stages.

LOVE LOU – Pre-race blood sample.

SHIRALEE – Over-raced throughout the early and middle stages.

 

 

 

SUMMARY
Reprimands	Nil
Fines	Race 1 – T Ison– Rule 168(1)(a) – $200 – IM FREYJA Race 2 – S Hickey – Rule 156(2)(a) – $200 – OUR LUCILLE Race 5 – G Panella – Rule 168(1)(a) – $200 – DOUBLE LINES Race 7 – A Delosa – Rule 162(1)(j) – $50 – OUR IDEAL DREAM NZ General – J Mordue – Rule 190B(1) – $200 – Stable inspection 22/04/24
Suspensions	Nil
Barrier Information	Race 1 – WAITING FOR LOVE – ODM
Trials/Stand Down	Race 1 – NAUGHTYINHEAVEN – Rule 63(2) – 1 trial Race 2 – ULTIMATE DESTINY – Rule 63(2) – 1 trial Race 6 – SWEET CREATION – Rule 63(2) – 14 days + 2 trials Race 7 – ABDICATE NZ – Rule 63(2) – 1 trial
Late Scratching	Nil
Adjourned Inquiries	Nil
Medical Clearance	Nil
Follow up’s	Nil