Stewards Report

BATHURST 3/12/2025

Stewards	M Ross (Chairman), T Quick
Starter	N Moy
Veterinarian	Dr A Norton
Swab Official	G Jasprizza
Track	Good
Weather	Fine

 

RACE 1 – STUART VALENTINE PACE – 1730 metres

CAPTAIN BART – Pre-race swab.

SPEED DIAL – ($11.00) Driver Justin Reynolds was queried into the seemingly poor performance of the mare which finished in 10^th and last position beaten 31.4m after racing in a favourable one -one position for majority of the event. Mr Reynolds advised the mare to be disappointing and could offer no tangible explanation for the performance of SPEED DIAL & the stable would monitor the progress of SPEED DIAL subsequently from the event and would report any finding which would explain the performance of the mare to the stewards. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.

EL FRANCO DE – ($2.10 Fav) Driver Jett Turnbull was queried into the tactics adopted upon the entire during the early & middle stages of the event when improving forward prior to being restrained to the rear of the field and the overall performance of EL FRANCO DE which finished in 9^th position beaten 22.2m. Mr Turnbull advised it was intentions to improve forward from the start and race in forward leading position however due to the quick speed set during the first quarter EL FRANCO DE was exposed longer than anticipated racing three (3) wide and when progressing to obtain a position outside the leader passing the 1300m when it became apparent the leader INDASKY NZ & SEASIDE DELIGHT which racing outside the leader were not going to relinquish their positions passing the 1200m Mr Turnbull advised he took immediate hold of EL FRANCO DE and restrained to the rear of the field to allow the gelding some respite and manoeuvred EL FRANCO DE to the marker line in an endeavour to obtain inside runs from passing the 1000m. Mr Turnbull added due to EL FRANCO DE being caught racing three (3) wide during the early & middle stages of the event in a quick section this was the main contributing factor the entire was unable to finish off in a desired manner.  After viewing the available replays which supported the comment of Mr Turnbull stewards noted his comments.

TERRYRAMA – Underwent pre and post-race veterinary examinations due to the gelding having started in excess of 200 starts. Neither examination revealed any significant abnormalities. 

INDASKY NZ – ($13.00) Trainer/driver Nathan Turnbull was queried into the tactics adopted upon the gelding in particular if he gave consideration to surrender his position during the middle section of the event when challenged by SEASIDE DELIGHT & EL FRANCO DE along with the overall performance of the gelding which finished in 8^th position beaten 12.4m after leading. Mr Turnbull advised he did not give consideration to surrendering the lead at any stage as he was confident of a forward performance from INDASKY NZ. Mr Turnbull advised he could see SEASIDE DELIGHT was not going to surrender the position outside the leader and EL FRANCO DE which was racing three (3) wide was unable to process sufficient speed to cross both runners prior to be restrained. Mr Turnbull added INDASKY NZ had beaten SEASIDE DELIGHT at its most recent start. Mr Turnbull explained he was slightly disappointed in the overall performance of INDASKY NZ as he was able to obtain easer sectionals during the second & third quarters as the gelding only weakened inside the final 100m and contribute the performance to a combination of the quick first quarter & INDASKY NZ being second up from an extended spell. Mr Turnbull added INDASKY NZ would derive benefit from the performance. After viewing the available replays which supported the comment of Mr Turnbull stewards noted his comments.

SEASIDE DELIGHT – ($8.50) Driver George Lee was queried into the tactics adopted upon the gelding in particular during the middle stages of the event & if he gave consideration to surrender the position outside the leader when challenged by EL FRANCO DE and the overall performance of the gelding which finished in 6^th position beaten 10.6m. Mr Lee advised he was instructed drive the gelding forward from the start and maintain a forward position in the event. Mr Lee explained after obtaining the position outside the leader shortly after the start he was satisfied to hold that position as it was within the normal racing pattern of the SEASIDE DELIGHT. Mr Lee added when EL FRNCO DE improved to his outside passing the 1200m he could see the leader INDASKY NZ was not going relinquish that position & EL FRANCO DE had not pressured sufficiently enough to progress past SEASIDE DELIGHT as he never had urged his runner forward to maintain his position. Mr Lee advised he was satisfied in the overall performance of the gelding as the SEASIDE DELIGHT was always in a competitive position. After viewing the available replays which supported the comments of Mr Lee stewards felt the tactics adopted were not unreasonable in the circumstances and noted his comments.

STUDLEIGH MELISE – Post-race swab.

RACE 2 – THE TAB APP PACE – 2260 metres

BETTING RANGER – Held up passing the 400m when ALWAYSBMINNIE was yielding ground.

ALWAYSBMINNIE – ($5.00) Driver Justin Reynolds was found guilty to a charge under AHR Rule 149(2) which reads; A person shall not drive in a manner which in the opinion of the Stewards is unacceptable. The particulars of the charge being that from the start to passing the 1600m Mr Reynolds drove in an unacceptable manner in making sufficient use of ALWAYSBMINNIE in obtaining the lead & withstanding a challenge from HES CHIMING to passing the 1800m where it was a clear opportunity to surrender the lead an obtain a trail on HES CHIMING during that section in particularly as ALWAYSBMINNIE was racing much stronger opposition compared to recent starts it was further unacceptable in that Mr Reynolds allowed ALWAYSBMINNIE to continually stride freely and set a quick speed whilst leading in recording a lead time of 45.6 seconds which was 2.3 seconds faster than the average lead time for races over the 2260m distances which was in the opinion of stewards beyond the capabilities of ALWAYSBMINNIE & the main contributing factor in ALWAYSBMINNIE being placed under pressure and yielding ground from the 600m to finish in 8^th and last position beaten 48.1m prior to surrendering the lead to HES CHIMING passing the 1400m. In determining penalty Stewards were mindful of the relevant considerations as outlined within the HRNSW Penalty Guidelines, the degree of culpability which was assessed in the mid-range Mr Reynolds overall record under this rule which indicated only one (1) prior offence a reprimand in February 2025 and Mr Reynolds having over 2144 drives in his career over a 9 year period of driving. Stewards accordingly imposed a four (4) week suspension of his license to drive in races which was ordered to commence at midnight on 12^th December 2025. A post-race veterinary examination of ALWAYSBMINNIE failed to reveal any abnormalities. Mr Reynolds was reminded of his obligation in the manner he contacted himself during the inquiry and any further conduct matters a charge under AHR Rule 231(2) would be persuaded.

HES CHIMING – Post-race swab. No Claims lodged.

TAIRLAW TOLL NZ – Pre-race swab. No Claims lodged.

FIRESTONE RED – Underwent pre and post-race veterinary examinations due to the gelding having started in excess of 200 starts. Neither examination revealed any significant abnormalities. 

RACE 3 – THANK YOU BATHURST MERINO ASSOCIATION WARATAH HEAT – 1730 metres

LETTUCE GO MIKI – Post-race swab.

TULHURST TIMMY – Pre-race swab.

CLASSIC ARC – Underwent pre and post-race veterinary examinations due to the gelding having started in excess of 200 starts. Neither examination revealed any significant abnormalities. 

RACE 4– HORSE QUEENED WHERE SHINY WEARS THE CROWN PACE – 1730 metres

HEZ DUSTY – Post-race swab.

BETTER SHUSH – Pre-race swab.

RACE 5 – BARKERS BUTCHERY MEAT RAFFLE TONIGHT PACE – 1730 metres

CHELSEAS GIRL – Post-race swab.

SHE MAYBE BETTOR – Pre-race swab.

FOLLOW THE ECLIPSE – Driver Jett Turnbull reported the gelding had dropped both knee boots during the event placing the gelding a disadvantage.

RACE 6 – VALE WUSH HARRIS PACE – 1730 metres

GET UP BETTY – Fractious leaving the pre-race circle and broke gait clear of interference. A false start was declared at the first attempt when driver Ella Turnbull signalled to the starter. GET UP BETTY took charge and made contact to the mobile barrier arm. GET UP BETTY underwent a pre-race veterinary examination at the start and was passed fit to start. A warning was issued against the barrier manners of GET UP BETTY. Slow to begin. Held up over the latter stages of the event. Driver Ella Turnbull was fined the sum of $100 under AHR Rule 162(1)(d) for delaying the start when signalling to the starter for a false start being declared for unacceptable reasons. In not taking more action against Ms Turnbull stewards were mindful of her inexperience. Trainer Josh Turnbull advised he would seek to have a more senior driver upon the mare going forward due to its tractability.

NASHVILLE BART – Underwent pre and post-race veterinary examinations due to the gelding having not started in the preceding 12 months. Neither examination revealed any significant abnormalities. Hung outwards contacting the sulky of HOPPALONGPOG & racing roughly when reluctant to being directed into the sprint lane simultaneously as Ms Sapio was activating removeable gear. Ms Sapio was cautioned for her lack of control. Inconvenienced inside the final 100m when HOPPALONGPOG hung inwards and broke gait.

FUNDA – Pre-race swab.

TRUE LOGIC – Post-race swab.

HOOKED ON WINNING NZ – Tightened for racing room & contacted marker pegs when HOPPALONGPOG hung inwards and broke gait inside the final 100m.

HOPPALONGPOG – Sulky contacted passing the 200m when NASHVILLE BART hung outwards. Hung inwards despite the drive’s efforts inside the final 100m and broke gait under pressure. Inconveniencing NASHVILLE BART & HOOKED ON WINNING NZ which were both progressing to its inside. A warning was issued against the racing manners of HOPPALONGPOG.

RACE 7 – BEDWELL FEEDBARN MAIDEN PACE – 1730 metres

MOVES LIKE MIKI – Pre-race swab. Hung outwards racing ungenerously & broke gait momentarily approaching the 1000m. Again, raced ungenerously & broke gait clear of interference passing the 700m. MOVES LIKE MIKI will now be stood down from racing until trialling to the satisfaction od stewards on one (1) occasion.

EMERGING DEAL – Post-race swab. 

CALM FRANCO – Inconvenienced passing the 700m when MOVES LIKE MIKI broke gait.

WEE BIT BETTOR – Underwent pre and post-race veterinary examinations due to the gelding having not started in the preceding 12 months. Neither examination revealed any significant abnormalities. Inconvenienced passing the 700m when MOVES LIKE MIKI broke gait.

STAY STRONG – Inconvenienced approaching the 1000m & passing the 700m when MOVES LIKE MIKI broke gait.

BETTER BE SWIFT – Trainer Mitch Turnbull was fined the sum of $50 under AHR Rule 268A(1) for presenting the gelding in gear which was not correctly declared.

RACE 8 – BLUEPRINT SIGNS PACE – 1730 metres

STAR CONNECTION – Slow to begin.

SHES NO HONEY – ($23.00) Driver Blake Medlyn was queried into the seemingly poor performance of the mare which finished in 8^th position beaten 87.9m after leading. Mr Medlyn attributed the performance to SHES NO HONEY pulling extremely hard during the middle stages of the event in which the mare to have choked down in the event. A post-race veterinary failed to reveal any abnormalities. SHES NO HONEY will now be stood down from racing until trialling to the satisfaction of stewards on one (1) occasion.

LIVE VANCE – Pre-race swab.

THE SAMURAI – Pre-race swab.

GIFTED BRIGADE NZ – Post-race swab

 

SUMMARY
Reprimands	Nil
Fines	Race 6 – E Turnbull – Rule 162(1)(d) – $100 Race 7 – M Turnbull – Rule 268A(1) – $50
Suspensions	Race 2 – J Reynolds – Rule 149(2) – 4 Weeks
Barrier Information	Nil
Trials/Stand Down	Race 7 – MOVES LIKE MIKI – SD1T Race 7 – SHES NO HONEY – SD1T
Late Scratching	Nil
Adjourned Inquiries	Nil
Medical Clearance	Nil
Follow up’s	Nil