Stewards Report

NEWCASTLE 14/08/2026

 

 

Stewards	D Westwood (Chairman), S Cullen, G Rudolph
Starter	D Beevers
Veterinarian	Dr J Gallagher
Swab Official	H Waterlander
Track	Fast
Weather	Fine

 

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT

 

NEWCASTLE – FRIDAY, 31 JULY 2026

Race 6 – CARMER STANDARDBREDS PACE – 2030 METRES

 

Stewards concluded an inquiry into the reasons for ULTRA BLISS moving away from a marker peg position entering the home straight on the final occasion which provided clear passage for STEALTH BOMBA NZ to progress through and ultimately was successful in the event. Driver J Daskalovski pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 162(1)(www)(iii) for allowing her runner to shift ground up the track and ultimately advantaged another runner. Driver J Daskalovski was fined the sum of $200. When considering stewards took into account her relative inexperience, her plea of guilt and forthright evidence.

 

RACE 1 – SKY RACING ACTIVE HBNSW SAPPHIRE STAKES LADYSHIP PACE – 1609 metres      

RESERVE BANK NZ – Had a tendency to hang out throughout various stages of the event.

TWO CRACKED CORN – Pre-race sample was taken.  Post-race sample was taken.

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

 

RACE 2 – GARRARDS HORSE AND HOUND PACE – 1609 metres

THE IRISH EAGLE – Had a tendency to hang out whilst under pressure over the concluding stages.  Post-race sample was taken.

RAINBOWSEND – Had a tendency to over race in the early and middle stages of the event whilst leading.

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

SURF ACE – Had a tendency to over race in the early stages of the event and was obliged to move forward and eventually found the position outside of the leader.  When questioned regarding the performance driver V Duncan explained to Stewards that it was the intention to be driven further back in the event however having a tendency to over race forced him to work forward in the event and when asked for an effort over the concluding stages failed to respond. 

 

RACE 3 – MODWOOD – AUSTRALIAN MADE FOR AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS PACE – 2030 metres

CHEDDAR VALLEY NZ – Pre-race sample was taken. 

MANHATTEN CHICK – When questioned regarding the tactics adopted driver D Murphy explained to Stewards that initial instructions were to be forward in the event with cover.  He further added that with HEAVENLY REASON moving three wide from approximately the 1000 metres was unable to manoeuvre that runner wider and felt that given the distance remaining would not have suited.  He further added that was not able to gain clear running throughout any stage of the event and when looking to push forward prior to entering the home straight locked wheels with BAT MATSON which shifted up the track marginally and at that stage lost all momentum.  A post-race veterinary examination could not reveal any abnormalities. 

BAT MATSON – Driver T Miles was reprimanded under rule 163(1)(c) in that when racing down the home straight on the final occasion contacted a number of marker pegs whilst under driving.

ROCKIN BULL – Post-race sample was taken.

 

RACE 4 – AVE TECHNOLOGIES PACE – 1609 metres

STITCHED UP DAN – Pre-race sample was taken. 

SAN SEBASTIAN – Post-race sample was taken.

 

RACE 5 – HAPPY 80^TH BILL BUCKLEY 3YO PACE – 1609 metres

DUBLIN CITY RAMBLA – Pre-race sample was taken.  Post-race sample was taken.

MY MCLAREN – Had a tendency to hang in rounding the final turn and somewhat lost under pressure over the concluding stages.

 

RACE 6 – TRUCK AND FLEET MAINTENANCE 2YO PACE – 1609 metres

AMERICAN HOLD UP – Weakened over the concluding stages to be beaten some distance.  A post-race veterinary examination could not reveal any abnormalities.  Connections advised that it would be the intention for the colt to now be spelled. 

MCWEAPON – Post-race sample was taken.

GORDONS GHOST – Raced greenly and had a tendency to hang in throughout various stages of the event.  Driver R Morris explained to Stewards that it would be the intention from connections for the filly to now be spelled.

 

RACE 7 – SOMERSET MEATS PACE – 1609 metres

RIPPIN GOOD FEELIN – Pre-race sample was taken.

ULTRA BLISS – Post-race sample was taken.

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

 

RACE 8 – THE TAB APP PACE – 1609 metres

APACHE BART – Pre-race sample was taken.  Broke stride prior to entering the first turn.  A warning was issued.  Broke stride as the field entered the home straight on the first occasion free of interference.  Connections were advised given its recent record it would be stood down until the completion of one requalifying trial.

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

TEN GALLON – Driver J Coney was reprimanded under rule 168(1)(a) in that when negotiating the final turn attempted a run to the inside of ELETE GEROGE where in the opinion of the Stewards there was insufficient room to do so and as a result struck the near side wheel and raced roughly for a short distance.  Post-race sample was taken.

ELITE GEORGE – tended to hang out whilst under pressure over the concluding stages.  When questioned regarding the reasons for racing wide rounding the final turn Driver J Coney explained to Stewards that he was racing some distance away from the marker pegs leaving the back straight and when negotiating the final turn continued to hang out whilst under pressure over the concluding stages despite his best efforts.  Driver J Coney was advised that greater effort needs to be shown to maintain a marker peg position throughout that stage of the event.  A post-race veterinary examination could not reveal any abnormalities. 

REASONABLY SWEET – Held up for clear running over the concluding stages and not fully tested.

SPOOKY ART – Checked as the field entered the first turn.

 

RACE 9 – KIRKWOODS PRODUCE PACE – 1609 metres

NEVER KNOW BLAZE – Pre-race sample was taken. 

A LITTLE DILEMMA – Post-race sample was taken.

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

EYES BEEN PATIENT – Placed in restricted room prior to entering the home straight on the first occasion when racing to the inside of HEAVENLY TURBO and in turn that runner to the inside of CHLOBRO which shifted down the track marginally.

 

 

SUMMARY
Reprimands	Race 3 – T Miles – Rule 163(1)(c) – BAT MATSON Race 8 – J Coney – Rule 168(1)(a) – TEN GALLON
Fines	Race 1 – G Panella – Rule 210 - $50 – PHAR LUME NZ
Suspensions	Nil
Barrier Information	Nil
Trials/Stand Down	Race 6 – APACHE BART – 1 trial
Late Scratchings	Nil
Adjourned Inquiries	Nil
Medical Clearance	Nil
Follow up’s	Nil