Stewards Report

NEWCASTLE 24/04/2026

 

 

Stewards	D Westwood (Chairman), T Clarke, M Haddad (Cadet)
Starter	D Beevers
Veterinarian	Dr J Gallagher
Swab Official	H Waterlander
Track	Fast
Weather	Showery

 

 

RACE 1 – BONVILLA ESTATE WINES WARATAH HEAT – 1609 metres

THE CREEK – Checked as the field negotiated the final turn when trailing weakening runners.  When questioned regarding the tactics adopted driver A Bourke explained to Stewards that after making some use of his drive in the early stages of the event to maintain the lead. Shortly thereafter was again presented with a challenge racing into the home straight on the first occasion from LIMOUSINE CHEEKY and thought at that stage given the work that had already been subject to the best option was to take cover at that stage with SPUNKYS GOTSECRETS also progressing forward in a three wide position. Stewards noted his comments.  Held up for clear running in the early stages of the run to the finish.

TOPSIES BLING – Hampered as the field left the back straight and raced roughly for a short distance. 

SWEET ROCKY – Pre-race sample was taken.

LIMOUSINE CHEEKY – Gave ground over the concluding stages to be beaten some distance.  When questioned regarding the tactics adopted and overall performance driver M Formosa explained to Stewards that it was the intention in the early stages of the event to be positive and attempt for a position in the lead however was unsuccessful from that point had a tendency to over race to a degree and with SPUNKYS GOTSECRETS progressing forward three wide coming into the home straight on the first occasion looked to slide forward again in an attempt for the lead and was successful.  M Formosa further went on to explain that it travelled more genuine from that point however when asked for an effort over the concluding stages was disappointed in its efforts.  Stewards noted his comments.

BODYLINE – Hampered as the field negotiated the final turn.

LAURIE DEE – Checked rounding the final turn when trailing weakening runners.  Held up for clear running in the early stages of the run to the finish.

SPUNKYS GOTSECRETS – Post-race sample was taken.

 

RACE 2 – MEDOWIE LODGE PACE – 2030 metres

NIFTY STUDLEIGH – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian with no abnormalities reported.

MAGNETIC STORM – Post-race sample was taken.

KEILOR BABY SHARK – Pre-race sample was taken.

 

RACE 3 – NUTRIEN EQUINE STANDARDBRED SALES PACE – 1609 metres

MISS BLUE STORK – Pre-race sample was taken.

ERROL FIN – Examined pre-race by the veterinarian and passed fit to take its place in the event.

ONEHANDONEBOUNCE – Retired from the event racing down the back straight on the final occasion.  A post-race veterinary examination revealed it to have the thumps.  Connections were advised it would be stood down for a period of seven days and in addition to the completion of one requalifying trial.

FAZE OF GLORY NZ – Out of position when the start was affected.  A warning was issued.

PET KITTY – Post-race sample was taken.

 

RACE 4 – NSW HARNESS BREEDERS / REPRESENTING THE INDUSTRY PACE – 1609 metres

THRIPENNY – Held up for clear running in the early stages of the run to the finish.

GOODTIME BRAVO – Placed in restricted room entering the first turn and was checked and broke stride for a short distance.  When questioned regarding the tactics adopted driver S Grima explained that after settling further back than anticipated looked to move forward three wide in anticipation of ONETANGI GIRL NZ (J Gallagher) handing over the lead with ULTIMATE RHAPSODY racing outside of the leader however this did not occur and was left racing three wide for the remainder.  Stewards noted his comments.  A post-race veterinary examination could not reveal any abnormalities.

ALWAYS PROMISE ME – Pre-race sample was taken.  Driver C Formosa was reprimanded under rule 163(1)(a)(iii) in that when entering the first turn closed down the track then had a tendency to hang in which placed GOODTIME BRAVO in restricted room and was ultimately checked and broke stride in addition ULTIMATE RHAPSODY closed down the track and filled vacant space which left him unable to be steered up the track and relieve pressure. 

ULTIMATE RHAPSODY – Post-race sample was taken. 

 

RACE 5 – WOODLANDS STUD, SHUTTLING THE WORLDS BEST STALLIONS PACE – 1609 metres

KING HIT NZ – Pre-race sample was taken. 

CAPTAIN GROOVE – Held up for clear running in the latter stages of the run to the finish.

SPIRIT KING – Post-race sample was taken.

 

RACE 6 – INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH PACE – 1609 metres

LINE OF COURAGE – Post-race sample was taken.

SZWANEN – Pre-race sample was taken.  Weakened over the concluding stages to be beaten some distance.  When negotiating the final turn checked the running of PIXIEBELLE and locked wheels.  A post-race veterinary examination could not reveal any abnormalities.  Connections were advised it would be stood down until it can requalify on one occasion.

PIXIEBELLE – Checked and locked wheels as the field negotiated the final turn.

 

RACE 7 – GARRARDS HORSE AND HOUND PACE – 1609 metres

PAD THAI – Weakened over the concluding stages to be beaten a considerable distance.  A post-race veterinary examination could not reveal any abnormalities.  Driver M Grand could not offer any suitable explanation for the performance.  Connections were advised it would be stood down until it can requalify on one occasion.

DE LA RENTA NZ – Weakened over the concluding stages to be beaten some distance.  A post-race veterinary examination could not reveal any abnormalities.  Connections were advised a warning was issued against the performance.

TWO CRACKED CORN – Pre-race sample was taken.

SKY CITY NZ – Post-race sample was taken.

 

RACE 8 – THE TAB APP PACE – 1609 metres

SINBINNED – Post-race sample was taken.

BREXITT – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian with no abnormalities reported.

GLENN FORD NZ – Pre-race sample was taken.  Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian with no abnormalities reported.

WALLAROY BOY – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian with no abnormalities reported.  Driver D Carmody was reprimanded under rule 170(1)(a) in that when releasing deafeners rounding the final turn allowed his foot to drop below the foot rest of the sulky.

ROCKNROLL TONY – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian with no abnormalities reported.

 

 

SUMMARY
Reprimands	Race 4 – C Formosa – Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) – ALWAYS PROMISE ME Race 8 – D Carmody – Rule 170(1)(a) – WALLAROY BOY
Fines	Race 1 – J Hetherington – Rule 210 - $50 – LAURIE DEE
Suspensions	Nil
Barrier Information	Nil
Trials/Stand Down	Race 3 – ONEHANDONEBOUNCE – 1 trial & 7 days Race 6 – SZWANEN – 1 trial Race 7 – PAD THAI – 1 trial
Late Scratchings	Nil
Adjourned Inquiries	Nil
Medical Clearance	Nil
Follow up’s	Nil