Stewards Report

TABCORP PK MENANGLE 28/03/2023

 

 

Stewards	S Snudden (Chairman), T Sharwood, B Day
Starter	T Clarke
Veterinarian	Dr D Justus
Swab Official	H O’Rielly
Track	Fast
Weather	Overcast

 

The following late Driver changes were required as a result of Rickie Alchin failing to fulfil his engagements. 

Race 5 – VAN BASTEN – Blake Fitzpatrick

Race 9 – FREDDY SINGH – Will Rixon

 

Mr Alchin was fined $100 under rule 158(1) for failing to fulfil each engagement.

 

RACE 1 – HRNSW 3YO TROTTERS FOUNDATION HEAT TWO – 2300 metres

GOTTA GO BILL – Became unbalanced and broke passing the 2000 metres for which a warning was issued.

PEGASUS RAINBOW – Checked and broke passing the 2000 metres as a result of GOTTA GO BILL breaking gait.

BABY BOOM – Out of position at the start and in view of the filly having its first start it will be placed on its last chance in the draw. Commenced to tire passing the 600 metres to be beaten 96.6 metres for which a warning was issued.

MIDNIGHT SECRET – Held up in the early stages of the home straight.

BURKHARDT NZ – Pre-race blood sample. Commenced to tire passing the 200 metres to be beaten 59.4 metres. Driver Jack Callaghan was questioned in regards to the performance. Mr Callaghan could offer no explanation other than the gelding was disappointing today.

LONDON TO A BRICK – Worked forward to the lead passing the 1450 metres. Post-race swab sample.

ALDEBARAN JENSEN – Worked forward to the lead passing the 1250 metres. At the request of Trainer KerryAnn Morris ALDEBARAN JENSEN will now be re-included in the barrier draw.

 

RACE 2 – ACCESS ENGINEERING SYSTEMS TROTTERS MOBILE – 1609 metres

CROOKWELL EYES – Held up in the early stages of the home straight. Became unbalanced and broke gait passing the 175 metres. In view of the gelding’s recent record CROOKWELL EYES will be required to perform two requalifying trials and be stood down for a period of 10 days.

MY ULTIMATE EDDIE – Post-race swab sample.

SURPRISE TO ME – Pre-race blood sample.

MASCOTT – Raced roughly over the concluding stages of the event.

LAW LEGEND – A pre and post-race veterinary examination was conducted due to the horse being 12 years old. Both examinations failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities. Held up in the early stages of the home straight.

MELPARK MAJOR - A pre and post-race veterinary examination was conducted due to the horse having competed in excess of 200 race starts. Both examinations failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities.

 

RACE 3 – CONDELL PARK PRODUCE TROTTERS MOBILE – 1609 metres

LEOTARDANDLACE – Paced at various stages of the score up before breaking gait as the start was effected for which a warning was issued.

THEBESTBOURBON – Broke in the score up for which a warning was issued. Checked and broke shortly after the start as a result of LEOTARDANDLACE breaking gait.

QUEEN OF STRATHFIELD NZ – Driver Aleisha Bond was cautioned for her whip use over the concluding stages of the event.

FOX TROT HILL – Galloped out as the start was effected. In view of the mare’s recent record FOX TROT HILL will be excluded from the mobile barrier draw.

VALLEY STAR NZ – Passing the 300 metres dropped a bell boot.

PHOEBE ONYX NZ – Pre-race blood sample. Post-race swab sample.

SUNNY GEE – Worked forward to the lead passing the 1100 metres.

 

RACE 4 – PRYDE’S STAMINA PACE – 1609 metres

SPOT ON CHIC – Had a tendency to hang out throughout the event. Passing the 550 metres hung out and as a result forced NAPOLI NIGHTS wider on the track. In view of the racing manners of the mare SPOT ON CHIC will be required to perform one requalifying trial.

CASTELLA DELLACQUA – Driver Blake Fitzpatrick was fined $200 under Rule 156(2)(a) for applying the whip with a free hand over the concluding stages of the event. Passing the 300 metres Driver Blake Fitzpatrick dropped his foot whilst releasing deafeners for which he was cautioned.

NAPOLI NIGHTS – Forced wide passing the 550 metres as a result of SPOT ON CHIC hanging out.

RAZOR SHARP NZ – Inconvenienced and raced roughly upon entry to the home straight as a result of SPOT ON CHIC hanging up the track.

WILL I AM – Pre-race blood sample. Caught wide in the early stages before working forward to find the position outside the leader passing the 1200 metres.

HIGHVIEW SADLER NZ - A pre and post-race veterinary examination was conducted due to the horse having competed in excess of 200 race starts. Both examinations failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities. Worked forward to the lead passing the 1400 metres. Post-race swab sample.

 

RACE 5 – SUCCESS STUD YEARLING PREP PACE – 1609 metres

VAN BASTEN – Trainer Rickie Alchin was fined $50 under Rule 268A(1) for failing to notify gear for the gelding. Driver Blake Fitzpatrick was cautioned for allowing his foot to drop from the sulky rest when activating gear passing the 350 metres.

TAKE A BOW NZ – Driver Chris Geary was questioned in relation to the driving tactics employed in today’s event and also the overall performance of the mare. Mr Geary explained that in the mare’s previous start where TAKE A BOW NZ was able to lead, the mare received significant pressure in fast first half before tiring to be beaten 96.5 metres and was subsequently found to have an upper respiratory tract infection. Mr Geary added that in view of the veterinary findings the mare had missed some work whilst being treated for the illness and although had worked well since recovering, he was of the opinion that providing the mare with a more economical run in an endeavour to allow the mare finish the race off strongly would be beneficial to the mare in today’s event. Mr Geary explained he was happy with the run of the mare given the moderate first half (59.5) and fast last half (56.6) to be beaten 14.8 metres.

PARALLEL – Held up in the early stages of the home straight.

MAGIC MATTEO – Driver David Morris was questioned in relation to the seemingly above market expectation of the gelding. Mr Morris could offer no explanation other than noting that it was the gelding’s first start for Trainer Mr Leon Jurd. Post-race swab sample.

THE MALDIVES - A pre and post-race veterinary examination was conducted due to the horse having competed in excess of 200 race starts. Both examinations failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities.

DOROTHYS DELIGHT – Pre-race blood sample.

BROOKESSMARTDANCER – Driver Ashleigh Delosa was cautioned in relation to delaying the start while adjusting foot pegs before the event. Caught wide in the early stages before working forward to find a position outside the leader passing the 1000 metres.

SWEET PARIS NZ – Commenced to improve three wide passing the 1100 metres before finding the position outside the leader passing the 750 metres.

BARA RILEY – Had a tendency to hang out rounding the final turn.

 

RACE 6 – WARDS ACCOUNTING GROUP PACE – 1609 metres

GAME SET MAJOR – Commenced to tire passing the 400 metres to be beaten 53.3 metres. In view of the gelding’s performance GAME SET MAJOR will be required to perform one requalifying trial. Trainer Dean Cernovskis reported GAME SET MAJOR would be retired from future racing engagements. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities.

PUMP THE BRAKES – Pre-race blood sample.

WESTERN STYLE – Approaching the 75 metres hung in under pressure resulting in TITIAN RAIDER being inconvenienced and raced roughly. Post-race swab sample.

TITIAN RAIDER – Hung out under pressure and contacted the sulky of WESTERN STYLE and as a result was inconvenienced and raced roughly. The all clear was delayed to allow Driver Glenn McElhinney the opportunity to view the films of the concluding stages. After reviewing the films Mr McElhinney decided not to proceed with a protest and all clear was given on the number 5 – 6 – 8 – 1.

ZAHVEN BANNER NZ – Trainer Allan Ellul was fined the sum of $50 under Rule 210 for failing to advise Chris Geary as the Driver of the gelding by the prescribed time.

 

RACE 7 – HYLAND HARNESS FULL SUITS LADYSHIP PACE – 1609 metres

ALL NIGHT LONG NZ - A pre and post-race veterinary examination was conducted due to the mare not having competed for 12 months. Both examinations failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities. Commenced to tire from the 200 metres before being beaten 42.2 metres. Driver Glenn McElhinney reported the near side sulky tire of ALL NIGHT LONG NZ became flat over the concluding stages of the event.

HEAVENLY BELLE – Pre-race blood sample.

JANNALI – Passing the 550 metres hung in and raced roughly.

PRINCESS LEIA NZ – Trainer Jason Grimson was fined $50 under Rule 268A(1) for failing to notify any gear for the mare. Post-race swab sample.

 

RACE 8 – WOODLANDS STUD STALLIONS – THE MARKET LEADER PACE – 1609 metres

BLAZING SHANNON - A pre and post-race veterinary examination was conducted due to the horse having started at Bankstown yesterday. Both examinations failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities. Pre-race blood sample.

JUST AS WELL NZ – Post-race swab sample.

SCOTTS RAIN – Held up in the early stages of the home straight.

SMALTESE - A pre and post-race veterinary examination was conducted due to the horse not having competed for almost 12 months. Both examinations failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities. Caught wide in the early stages and had a tendency to hang in when being driven forward to obtain the position outside the leader passing the 800 metres.

 

RACE 9 – ALLIED EXPRESS SPECIALISED LOGISTICS PACE – 1609 metres

BRIDWOOD BELLA – Worked forward to the lead passing the 1150 metres. Commenced to tire from the 200 metres before being beaten 33 metres. Driver Jack Brown was questioned in regards to the overall performance of BRIDWOOD BELLA. Mr Brown believed that the mare is possibly better driven with cover but overall was disappointed in today’s performance. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities.

MAJOR STATEMENT – Held up in the early stages of the home straight.

FREDDY SINGH – Broke after the start for which a warning was issued. Approaching the 200 metres was tightened, checked and raced roughly as a result of FATHER BOB shifting wider on the track.

ARDENS ACE NZ – Pre-race blood sample. Worked forward to the lead passing the 1300 metres. Held up in the early stages of the home straight.

THREE RIVERS NZ – Trainer Belinda McCarthy was fined $50 under Rule 210 for failing to advise Ashleigh Delosa as the Driver of the gelding by the prescribed time.

FATHER BOB – Driver Dean Cernovskis was issued a reprimand under Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) for causing interference, in that passing the 200 metres he has allowed FATHER BOB to shift wider on the track when not sufficiently clear of FREDDY SINGH resulting in that gelding being checked and racing roughly. As a result FATHER BOB’S offside sulky tyre contacted the hind leg of FREDDY SINGH and was flattened. Driver Dean Cernovskis was fined $200 under Rule 156(2)(a) for applying the whip in more than a wrist only flicking motion over the concluding stages.

MOSSMAN NZ – At the request of Trainer Belinda McCarthy will now be re-included into the mobile barrier draw.

 

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT – PENRITH 09/03/2023

RACE 1 – TAB VENUE MODE GO GIRLFRIEND HEAT

Inquiry Concluded – Menangle 24 February 2023

Stewards have concluded an inquiry into the tactics adopted by driver Chris Geary in particular during the early and middle stages.  After taking initial evidence from Mr Geary this inquiry was adjourned so as to enable Stewards the opportunity to consider the evidence tendered and further investigate any other relevant matter, including but not limited to, wagering on the event.

When initially questioned Mr Geary explained that he drove the mare forward at the start to lead as this proved successful at the most recent start of TAKE A BOW NZ at Penrith on 23 February 2023. Mr Geary added passing the 1400 metres he was challenged strongly by PRINCESS LEIA NZ, however elected to maintain the lead as he felt this was his best chance of beating that runner. Mr Geary added he did not surrender the lead thereafter as he felt he had already made significant use of TAKE A BOW NZ to maintain the lead. Mr Geary finally added that the fact the mare commenced to tire at such an early stage prior to the finish (approaching the 800 metres) was indicative of the mare suffering from an underlying issue.

During the adjournment a veterinary report was submitted from Wollondilly Equine Veterinary Services which detailed that an endoscopic examination had been conducted the day following the race which revealed TAKE A BOW NZ to be displaying severe inflammation of the pharynx with concurrent exudate in the trachea, findings consistent with an upper respiratory tract infection, requiring treatment with antibiotics.

Wagering analysis of the race did not reveal any significant findings.

Upon consideration of the available evidence Stewards took the matter no further, however Mr Geary was advised that his drive, in the opinion of the Stewards, significantly lacked judgement and but for the veterinary findings Stewards would have issued a charge under Rule 149(2) for driving in an unacceptable manner. Connections were advised that a veterinary clearance must be provided prior to racing again.

 

Inquiry Concluded – Menangle 24 February 2023

Stewards have concluded an inquiry into the tactics adopted by driver Will Rixon in particular during the early and middle stages.  After taking initial evidence from Mr Rixon this inquiry was adjourned so as to enable Stewards the opportunity to consider the evidence tendered and further investigate any other relevant matter, including but not limited to, wagering on the event.

When initially questioned Mr Rixon explained that he drove the mare forward at the start to lead as this proved successful at the most recent start of PRINCESS LEIA NZ at Menangle on 28 February 2023 where the mare performed extremely impressively. Mr Rixon explained he continued to pressure for the lead as he felt PRINCESS LEIA NZ was of superior ability to TAKE A BOW NZ which was evidenced by the mare finishing in 4^th placing beaten 8 metres.

Wagering analysis of the race failed to reveal any significant findings.

Upon consideration of the available evidence Stewards took the matter no further placing particular weight on the favourable performance of PRINCESS LEIA NZ the start prior and that the mare finished the race off competitively. 

 

SUMMARY
Reprimands	Race 9 – Dean Cernovskis – Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) – FATHER BOB
Fines	Race 4 – Blake Fitzpatrick – Rule 156(2)(a) - $200 – CASTELLA DELLACQUA Race 5 – Rickie Alchin – Rule 268A(1) - $50 – VAN BASTEN Race 6 – Allan Ellul – Rule 210 - $50 – ZAHVEN BANNER NZ Race 7 – Jason Grimson – Rule 268A(1) - $50 – PRINCESS LEIA NZ Race 9 – Belinda McCarthy – Rule 210 - $50 – THREE RIVERS NZ Race 9 – Dean Cernovskis – Rule 156(2)(a) - $200 - FATHER BOB
Suspensions	Nil
Barrier Information	Race 3 – FOX TROT HILL – ODM Race 1 – ALDEBARAN JENSEN – BMD Race 9 – MOSSMAN NZ - BMD
Trials/Stand Down	Race 2 – CROOKWELL EYES – Rule 63(2) – 2 trials and 10 days Race 4 – SPOT ON CHIC – Rule 63(2) – 1 trial Race 6 – GAME SET MAJOR – Rule 63(2) – 1 trial
Late Scratching	Nil
Adjourned Inquiries	Nil
Medical Clearance	Race 5 – Rickie Alchin
Follow up’s	Nil