Stewards Report

TAMWORTH 21/03/2024

 

 

Stewards	E Turner (Chairman), D Westwood, S Cullen
Starter	A Yates
Veterinarian	Dr C Richardson
Swab Official	B Vincent
Track	Fast
Weather	Fine

 

RACE 1 – THE TAB APP PACE – 1609 metres

SWEET SUNSHINE – Post-race swab sample.

IAM THE JOKER – Pre-race blood sample. ($2.90) When questioned regarding the performance, driver G Panella explained that the gelding was unsuited to racing outside of the leader throughout and when placed under pressure near the 500 metres her runner failed to accelerate with the field and proved disappointing over the concluding stages. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.

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

DARK SIDE NZ – Examined pre and post-race by the veterinarian in accordance with HRNSW’s animal welfare policy. No abnormalities were reported. Driver M Simon was cautioned for the manner in which she applied the whip over the concluding stages.

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

NAUGHTYINHEAVEN – Broke gait shortly after the start. A warning was issued.

 

RACE 2 – MULTIQUIP POULTRY PACE – 1609 metres

LADY PEBBLES – Pre-race blood sample.

DEVELSTIX – Post-race swab sample.

IM LOKI – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after driver C McElhinney raised concerns with the condition of the gelding during the preliminary. The examination revealed the gelding to be lame in the near-hind leg and consequently IM LOKI was declared a late withdrawal at 12:50pm on veterinary advice. Further, IM LOKI will be stood down for a period of 14 days, in addition to requiring a veterinary clearance prior to racing or trialling again.

TARIFA GIRL – Weakened inside the final 500 metres to be beaten 53.1 metres. When questioned regarding the performance, driver L Whittaker could not provide any reasoning for the performance other than the mare was disappointing in today’s event. After considering the recent record of the mare, TARIFA GIRL was stood down to one re-qualifying trial. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.

THREE CHORD RIFF – Weakened over the concluding stages to be beaten some distance.

 

RACE 3 – THE PUB – GUNNEDAH ROAD PACE – 1980 metres

TASMANS DELIGHT – Driver L Whittaker was cautioned for the manner in which he applied the whip over the concluding stages.

SHEZA TIGRESS – Hampered and had to be steadied away from the tiring TINTENBAR leaving the 400 metres.

WHERESTHESTORM – Broke gait during the early stages of the score up, was out of position at the start and took no competitive part in the event. A warning was issued.

TINTENBAR – Hung out at various stages and most noticeably near the 1100 metres. Weakened inside the final 500 metres to be beaten 68.3 metres. When questioned regarding the performance, driver E Ison stated that after crossing the field to lead in the early stages her runner then failed to travel genuinely throughout the early and middle stages and attributed the racing manners of the entire for it weakening from the 500 metres and being uncompetitive. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. After considering the recent poor record of the entire, TINTENBAR was stood down for a period of 14 days, in addition to the completion of two re-qualifying trials prior to returning to race.

CARMALITE NZ – Pre-race blood sample. Post-race swab sample.

MICK SHANNON – Weakened inside the final 750 metres to be beaten 77.2 metres. When questioned regarding the performance, trainer/driver S Rushbrook could not provide any tangible explanation for the performance other than the gelding was very disappointing given the run it was afforded and she would have expected her runner to be more competitive under the circumstances. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. After consideration, MICK SHANNON was stood down to one re-qualifying trial.

 

RACE 4 – TAMWORTH VETERINARY HOSPITAL PACE – 1609 metres

REDS GOOD TO GO – Post-race swab sample.

TAFL MOVE – Approaching the 150 metres was momentarily placed awkwardly to the outside of EYEJNOWTHEFACE when that runner shifted out.

EYEKNOWTHEFACE – Approaching the 150 metres shifted out when not clear of TAFL MOVE, resulting in that runner being placed awkwardly momentarily. Subsequently, driver C Shepherdson was notified to exercise greater care when shifting ground.

SEVEN RIPPIN ACES – Pre-race blood sample.

STILTON – Hung in and contacted a number of marker pegs rounding the final turn.

 

RACE 5 – RADIO 88.9FM NEW ENGLAND NORTHWEST PACE – 1609 metres

All wagering in this event will be subject to post-race analysis.

VAN NIEKERK NZ – When questioned in relation to her driving tactics during the early stages, driver E Ison explained that she received pre-race instructions to drive the gelding urgently after the start and ideally lead throughout in today’s event. She said that after beginning well the gelding was able to utilise its favourable barrier draw and maintain the lead approaching the first turn however her runner then received a challenge from ZACHAROONI for the lead at which point she placed the gelding under pressure to maintain that position which caused the tempo in the event to increase at that point. She added that, when approaching the 1300 metres ZACHAROONI then yielded in its challenge for the lead and as a result of her making significant use of the gelding during the early stages her runner begun to race keenly at that stage. Ms Ison said that, additionally due the quick tempo during the early stages as evidenced by the first quarter being recorded in 27.6 seconds, she elected to restrain her runner in order to give the gelding some respite and settle her runner. Ms Ison said that, when racing down the back straight on the first occasion KARALTA COURAGE then improved to the position outside of the leader rapidly and when considering the work her runner had already endured during the early stages she believed that engaging in another challenge for the lead would have been excessive and her runner would have been unable to sustain that amount of pressure given its recent form and therefore elected to allow KARALTA COURAGE to cross down to the lead. She said that, once obtaining cover the gelding settled and raced more genuinely through the middle stages and when placed under pressure near the 500 metres the gelding worked to the finish fairly and stated that in her opinion had the gelding not endured the unexpected early pressure the gelding would have finished the race off slightly better however thought the performance was credible under the circumstances. After consideration, Stewards in the circumstances did not feel Ms Ison’s tactics were entirely unreasonable however she was advised to ensure she always drives in a manner that does not leave herself open to query and further Stewards would expect VAN NIEKERK NZ to be driven in a consistent manner in its future starts.

ZACHAROONI – ($4.40) When questioned regarding the performance, driver J Coney explained that after unsuccessfully challenging for the lead during the early stages her runner was caught in an unfavourable position racing outside of the leader. She said that, during the middle stages she made a concerted effort to allow FAR OUT RINGO to cross down forward of her runner however she felt that runner was reluctant to improve wider on the track and once FAR OUT RINGO eventually improved to the position outside of the leader passing the 800 metres she said that the gelding had ultimately raced in unfavourable position for a considerable distance and believed that was the main contributing factor for the gelding failing to run from the 400 metres and proving disappointing at the finish. Ms Coney notified Stewards that should the gelding recover satisfactorily in the days subsequent, the stable would look to nominate for Tamworth on the 28/04/23. A post-race veterinary exam failed to reveal any abnormalities.

KARALTA COURAGE – When questioned in relation to his driving tactics during the early stages, driver L Whittaker explained that he received pre-race instructions to begin positively on the gelding and ideally obtain a forward position without cover. He said that, his runner began well from barrier four however was unable to cross ZACHAROONI and VAN NIEKERK NZ approaching the first turn causing the gelding to be caught racing three wide at that point. He said that, as a result of the tempo during the early stages his runner was not under pressure rounding the first turn however was allowed to stride freely in order to ascertain whether a forward position would be available for his runner then near the 1300 metres when ZACHAROONI restrained he elected to place his runner under pressure in an endeavour to improve to the position outside of the leader. He said that, upon entering the back straight on the first occasion his runner had generated superior speed to the runners to its inside and after improving quickly to the position outside of the leader it became apparent that his runner would be able to cross down to the lead and as such obtained that position passing the 1100 metres. He said that whilst the first quarter being recorded in 27.6 seconds was quicker than average in his opinion, he stated that he had little involvement in the recorded sectional and although his runner was racing three wide for a majority of the first quarter he said that after obtaining the lead he was able to slacken the tempo to best suit his runner. Mr Whittaker added that, when placed under pressure near the 450 metres the gelding ultimately failed to accelerate with the runners that had obtained cover throughout however believed the gelding performed well under the circumstances. After consideration, Stewards did not feel that Mr Whittaker’s tactics were unreasonable in the circumstances however he was advised that Stewards would expect KARALTA COURAGE to be driven consistently in its future starts.

RIPPIN GOOD FEELIN – Post-race swab sample.

 

RACE 6 – GOLDEN GUITAR PACEWAY HRNSW GUARANTEED LADYSHIP PACE – 1609 metres

LILLY SHANNON – Trainer/Driver J Enks was fined the sum of $200 under AHRR 156(2)(a) for applying the whip on multiple occasions that exceeded a wrist only flicking motion after the start. Weakened noticeably inside the final 800 metres to be beaten 77.4 metres. Hung in and contacted a number of marker pegs whilst tailed away from the field rounding the final turn. Trainer/Driver J Enks reported post-race that the mare was unsuited to racing outside of the leader in today’s event however was still disappointed with the performance of the mare. Mr Enks notified Stewards that it would be the immediate intention to have his stable veterinarian collect blood from the mare in the days subsequent to analyse whether there may be an underlying issue. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities. After consideration, LILLY SHANNON was stood down to one re-qualifying trial. Stewards will follow up with the stable in the days subsequent.

LOOKAT MEE – Pre-race blood sample.

FOREVER MOMENTS – Hung in and contacted a number of marker pegs rounding the final turn.

NIGHT TO REMEMBER – Post-race swab sample.

SAFE JEWELS – Checked behind the tiring LILLY SHANNON between the 700 metres and the 500 metres.

 

RACE 7 – VALE NORMA MILLS – 1609 metres

AMERICAN MANDY – Pre-race blood sample.

ZOEMAGIC – Raced roughly momentarily upon leaving the pre-race formation circle.

BODYLINE – Leaving the 400 metres over-raced onto the sulky of ROCKS ARNT PETS and raced roughly momentarily.

RAINBOW JET – Improved three wide from the 1200 metres however was unable to cross ROCKS ARNT PETS and raced three wide for a majority of the event thereafter. When questioned, driver P Grima explained that he received pre-race instructions to improve to the position outside of the leader during the event as in the opinion of connections the gelding best form is when settling in a position without cover as his runner appreciates dictating its own tempo and is one-paced. He said that, when racing down the back straight on the first occasion he believed the position outside of the leader would have been available given ROCKS ARNT PETS recent form however when he urged his runner to improve forward the gelding failed to muster the required speed in order to challenge for that position. He said that once it became apparent that his runner would be unable to obtain that position near the 900 metres he ceased driving his runner, however given the remaining distance in the event he elected not to restrain towards the rear of the field. He said that, the gelding continued to work to the finish inside the final lap and given the circumstances he was pleased with the performance. Upon review of the available patrol footage Mr Grima conceded that with the benefit of hindsight he would not have made the decision to improve three wide at the 1200 metres and would have maintained a position with cover in the running line. After consideration, Stewards were mindful of the previous form of RAINBOW JET in addition to the instructions provided, however advised Mr Grima that he must always drive in a manner that displays that the requisite level of acumen and judgement.

BOOKER BAY – Over-raced throughout the early and middle stages. Post-race swab sample.

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

 

RACE 8 – THRC RACEDAY WORKERS APRECIATION PACE – 1980 metres

RACING PAULA – Driver C McElhinney was fined the sum of $200 under AHRR 156(2)(a) for applying the whip on multiple occasions inside the final 200 metres that exceeded a wrist only flicking motion.

MISS MARAVU – Out of position at the start. When questioned, driver J Coney explained that during the middle stages of the score-up the near side hopple shortener released prematurely and as a result she stated that given the mare’s poor record in relation to the start she elected to not place the mare under pressure in order to fulfil its position behind the mobile barrier. Upon review of the available patrol footage which wholly supported Ms Coney’s explanation no action was taken.

MISTER ARTIKULATE – Galloped away as the start was effected. A warning was issued.

HE SAID SHE SAID – Over-race throughout the early and middle stages.

ASHLEYS BLUE CHIP – Post-race swab sample.

NOR WESTA – Pre-race blood sample. Hampered during the score-up and was out of position at the start due to MISS MARAVU not fulfilling its position behind the mobile barrier. In view of the provision of rule 15(2), whilst it was determined that NOR WESTA had been denied a fair start, due to the mare placing second at the finish, Stewards were unable to declare NOR WESTA a non-runner and declared All clear on the Judge’s numbers 7-8-1-5.

 

RACE 9 – SKY RACING ACTIVE PACE – 1980 metres

GENERAL: Stewards inquired into the circumstances surrounding BETTOR WATCH ARDEN NZ and IMPERIAL SNAPPER locking wheels approaching the 200 metres. After taking evidence from drivers G Panella (BETTOR WATCH ARDEN NZ), S Rushbrook (IMPERIAL SNAPPER), D Chapple (DASHNDOT) and E Ison (ARCTIC BEAST). It was established that, when rounding the final turn BETTOR WATCH ARDEN NZ was yielding ground quickly at which point IMPERIAL SNAPPER endeavoured to improve to its outside to gain clear running at which point DASHNODT which was wider on the track shifted towards the inside of ARCTIC BEAST to a three wide position. It was further established that, at a point near the 250 metres when IMPERIAL SNAPPER progressed to the outside of BETTOR WATCH ARDEN NZ, DASHNDOT hung in slightly which restricted the racing room of all runners and as IMPERIAL SNAPPER continued to improve between BETTOR WATCH ARDEN NZ and DASHNDOT, IMPERIAL SNAPPER NZ and BETTOR WATCH ARDEN NZ locked wheels for some distance. After consideration, Stewards could not solely blame any one driver or horse however advised both Ms Rushbrook and Mr Chapple to exercise greater care in similar circumstnaces.

ENABLE ME NZ – Broke gait clear of interference rounding the first turn causing BENJIMAGEE to be checked whilst CLASSICMAJOR was hampered. A warning was issued. Post-race swab sample.

BENJIMAGEE – Checked rounding the first turn when ENABLE ME NZ broke gait. Weakened inside the final 500 metres to be beaten 71.7 metres. After consideration, BENJIMAGEE was placed on its last chance to race truly.

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

IMPERIAL SNAPPER – Locked wheels with BETTOR WATCH ARDEN NZ approaching the 200 metres when attempting to progress to the outside of that runner at which point DASHNDOT hung in slightly.

BETTOR WATCH ARDEN NZ – Locked wheels with IMPERIAL SNAPPER approaching the 200 metres when that runner attempted to progress to its outside. ($4.60) When questioned regarding the performance, driver G Panella explained that the gelding had to be placed under unexpected pressure to obtain the lead during the early stages and the 25.4 second lead time was quicker than she would have preferred. She said that, notwithstanding the gelding was able to slacken the tempo during the middle stages and when urged to increase the tempo during the third quarter the gelding failed to respond and was disappointing in her opinion.

DASHNDOT – Approaching the 200 metres hung in slightly when racing to the outside of IMPERIAL SNAPPER and BETTOR WATCH ARDEN NZ which were placed in restricted room and locked wheels.

CLASSICMAJOR – Hampered rounding then first turn when ENABLE ME NZ broke gait. Hampered approaching the 200 metres when trailing IMPERIAL SNAPPER and BETTOR WATCH ARDEN NZ which locked wheels.

 

 

 

SUMMARY
Reprimands	Nil
Fines	Race 6 – L Enks – Rule 156(2)(a) – $200 – LILLY SHANNON Race 8 – C McElhinney – Rule 156(2)(a) – $200 – RACING PAULA
Suspensions	Nil
Barrier Information	Nil
Trials/Stand Down	Race 2 – IM LOKI – Rule 63(2) – 14 Days + Vet cert Race 2 – TARIFA GIRL – Rule 63(2) – 1 trial Race 3 – TINTENBAR – Rule 63(2) – 1 trial Race 3 – MICK SHANNON – Rule 63(2) – 1 trial Race 6 – LILLY SHANNON – Rule 63(2) – 1 trial
Late Scratching	Race 2 – IM LOKI - @ 12:50pm – Veterinary advice
Adjourned Inquiries	Nil
Medical Clearance	Nil
Follow up’s	Race 6 – LILLY SHANNON