Stewards Report

TABCORP PK MENANGLE 6/04/2024

 

 

Stewards	C Paul (Chairman), T Sharwood, C Jasprizza, M Ross
Starter	T Clarke
Veterinarian	Dr A Knox & Dr D Justus
Swab Official	L Flynn & E Malcolm
Track	Fast
Weather	Fine

 

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT

MENANGLE – 24 FEBRUARY 2024 – Race 7 Trotters Hcp -2300 metres

Stewards tonight concluded an inquiry into circumstances surrounding MAJESTIC TRIO NZ racing three wide leaving the 1000 metres.  It was established that MAJESTIC TRIO NZ commenced to improve two wide near the 1000 metres and as it improved quickly toward ON ADVICE (B Fitzpatrick,) that runner shifted out causing MAJESTIC TRIO NZ to be taken wider to avoid potentially contacting the rear of the sulky. MAJESTIC TRIO NZ had significant momentum relative to ON ADVICE. In addition when ON ADVICE did shift out, THEBESTBOURBON also shifted out forward of ON ADVICE. THEBESTBOURBON did not improved forward which contributed to a lack of tempo in the running line and this required MAJESTIC TRIO NZ to be steadied away from ON ADVICE.  When MAJESTIC TRIO NZ looked to continue to improve three wide past THEBESTBOURBON, THE BESTBOURBON then over raced which meant MAJESTIC TRIO NZ was forced to race three wide for the remainder of the event.  After considering all available evidence driver B Fitzpatrick was issued with a reprimand under rule 163(1)(b) for contributing to MAJESTIC TRIO NZ having to be taken three wide leaving the 1000 metres.

 

GENERAL – Driver R Alchin was indisposed due to illness.  Subsequently the following substitutions were permitted:

Race 1 – No 8 – FREDDY SINGH – H Rixon

Race 2 – No 7 – MONTALBANO – R Morris

R Alchin was advised that he would be stood down pending a medical clearance.

 

RACE 1 – SOCIETY 389 CHARITY CLUB PACE – 2300 metres

LITTLE BLISS – Pre-race blood samples were obtained.

OUR UNCLE JIM – Pre-race blood samples were obtained.  Driver C Geary was questioned regarding his driving between the 1600 metres and the 1400 metres in particular his failure to obtain the position to be back along the marker pegs when that position was initially vacated by LITTLE BLISS.  C Geary explained that when LITTLE BLISS did shift away from the marker pegs and challenge for the lead he was rather casual on OUR UNCLE JIM and did not drive him with vigour as he believed that if LITTLE BLISS did cross to the lead the tempo would reduce and the field would come back to him.  He added that when LITTLE BLISS was unsuccessful and restrained he was slow to react and there was still a significant gap between OUR UNCLE JIM and the horse racing behind the leader which afforded LITTLE BLISS an opportunity to resume its previous position three back along the marker pegs.  C Geary conceded that he erred in not driving with more initiative at that stage of the race.  C Geary’s explanation was noted and he was advised that Stewards had obvious concerns with his lack of urgency at this stage of the event.

WAVETHEBILL NZ – Leaving the 2100 metres shifted in and found itself placed awkwardly to the inside of STRAVINSKY which was being eased. WAVETHEBILL NZ continued to shift in when not clear of TUPPENCE which was racing to its inside subsequently TUPPENCE was placed in restricted room and contacted a number of marker pegs.  Driver J Gallagher was issued with a reprimand under rule 163(1)(a)(iii) for causing interference.  In issuing a reprimand Stewards were mindful of the contribution of STRAVINSKY easing forward of WAVETHEBILL NZ and the evidence provided by driver D Binskin that his horse had pulled itself up to the inside of WAVETHEBILL NZ leaving the 2100 metres.

MAJOR MAJOR – When questioned driver C Hart explained the gelding raced on and off in stages during tonight’s event and particularly between the 600 and the 400 metres.  He added that near the 400 metres MAJOR MAJOR was inclined to hang in and although the race developed into a sprint home MAJOR MAJOR in his opinion worked home relatively well albeit slightly below expectations.  C Hart was unable to provide an explanation for the reasons why MAJOR MAJOR did not race as genuine as he expected, however believed that the major contributing factor to the gelding’s performance could be put down to the tempo of tonight’s event in that the first half was relatively slow and quickly developed into a sprint home.  C Hart’s explanation was noted.  A post-race veterinary examination revealed no obvious abnormalities. 

TUPPENCE – Racing between the 2100 metres and the 2000 metres was placed in restricted room when WAVETHEBILL NZ was shifted in resulting in TUPPENCE contacting several marker pegs. 

ARDENS ACE NZ – Post-race swab samples were obtained.

DOUBLE ENCOUNTER – Underwent a pre and post-race veterinary examination as per HRNSW animal welfare guidelines.  No abnormalities were detected.

 

RACE 2 – MAC & FESS TURF PACE – 1906 metres

DANCE AND DELIVER – Pre-race blood samples were obtained.  Unable to secure clear running until passing the 100 metres.

VULUNTEER NZ – Pre-race blood samples were obtained.  Approaching the 400 metres became unbalanced and broke gait.  In view of its recent good record a warning was issued.

MONTALBANO – Shifted out when placed under pressure over the final 150 metres.  Driver R Morris was issued with a reprimand under rule 162(1)(www) for failing to make sufficient effort to prevent MONTALBANO from shifting out.  Post-race swab samples were obtained.

OUTSIDE FIGHTER – Improved three wide during the middle stages before crossing to the position outside of the leader approaching the 800 metres.

 

RACE 3 – WARDS ACCOUNTING PACE – 1609 metres

DON LOU – Post-race swab samples were obtained.

ROCKSIE ROCK – Pre-race blood samples were obtained.

SUPER DUPER DUDE NZ – Pre-race blood samples were obtained.

CAULONIA COURAGE – Broke gait during the score up and was out of position at the start.  Connections were advised that CAULONIA COURAGE would now be excluded from the mobile barrier draw for the immediate future.

HE BETTOR STEP ASIDE NZ – Trainer B Fitzpatrick was fined the sum of $100 under rule 41(1) for presenting HE BETTOR STEP ASIDE NZ on course approximately seven minutes after the prescribe time.

 

RACE 4 – THIRLMERE WHOLESALE NURSERY PACE – 1609 metres

JOE NIEN – Pre-race blood samples were obtained.

MAJOR PERRY NZ – Pre-race blood samples were obtained.

NERANO NZ – Post-race swab samples were obtained.  Trainer J Grimson was fined the sum of $250 under rule 90A(2.9)(a) for allowing unlicensed person J Downey to assist with the post-race swab collection of NERANO NZ.  Unlicensed person J Downey was fined the sum of $250 under rule 204 in that he assisted with the post-race swab sampling of NERANO NZ when not holding a current licence.  In issuing both penalties Stewards were mindful that Mr J Downey had previously been a licensed person, however his licence had lapsed and it had been a considerable time since he had held a licence.  Additionally consideration was given to the fact that trainer J Grimson had initially sought the assistance of licensed trainer F Taiba to take NERANO NZ to the post-race swab sampling facility and was unaware that Mr Taiba was not made aware that Mr Taiba was unable to remain with the horse to the end of the sampling process and that he had given custody of the horse to Mr Downey.

 

RACE 5 – BELLE LIFESTYLE HOMES LADYSHIP PACE – 1609 metres

OURSOUTHERNSTAR – Pre-race blood samples were obtained. 

ILLAVABUBBLES NZ – When questioned regarding the tactics employed on ILLAVABUBBLES NZ driver C Hart explained that after being crossed initially by MANHATTAN NZ in the early stages he elected to shift out and contest the lead because ILLAVABUBBLES NZ races best when it is able to race with this momentum unimpeded in the lead.  He added that he was not expecting to have to work for as long as he did when attempting to cross MANHATTAN NZ and the fact that he had to work for an additional 150 metres to cross that runner proved to detrimental over the concluding stages.  He added that whilst he was not given any specific instructions by trainer J Grimson he understands that driving ILLAVABUBBLES NZ forward in this manner is most suitable.  C Hart’s explanation was noted.

BRAEVIEW KELLY NZ – Pre-race blood samples were obtained.

MANHATTAN NZ – Post-race swab samples were obtained.

 

RACE 6 – WOODLANDS STUD GOLDEN EASTER EGG – 1609 metres

SURPRISE LANDING – A post-race veterinary examination revealed no obvious abnormalities.

MILLWOOD BLISS NZ – Pre-race blood samples were obtained.  Post-race swab samples were obtained.

EYE CAN TRY – Pre-race blood samples were obtained.

 

RACE 7 – MY PROPERTY CONSULTANTS 4YO FOUNDATION FINAL – 2300 metres

ONE PINEVALE HILL – Pre-race blood samples were obtained. Slow to begin. Broke gait near the 500 metres.  Connections were advised that ONE PINEVALE HILL will now be stood down for a period of 10 days and until it can complete two satisfactory official trials.

FOOTTAPPER – Pre-race blood samples were obtained.  Approaching the 100 metres became unbalanced and broke gait.  Connections were advised that FOOTTAPPER will now be stood down until it can complete one satisfactory official trial.

WHATSTHEGOSS – Approaching the 1100 metres became unbalanced. Raced ungenerously throughout. Connections were advised that WHATSTHEGOSS will now be stood down from racing for a period of 10 days and until it can complete two satisfactory official trials.

FAMILIAR TRICKS – Post-race swab samples were obtained.

 

RACE 8 – THE CROCKER FALK COUNTRY TROTTERS STANDING START HANDICAP – 2300 metres

RAKERO WARRIOR NZ – Reared at the start and broke gait shortly after.  In view of its recent good record a warning was issued.

CHIEF RUNNINGCLOUD – Pre-race blood samples were obtained. 

JAKARTA NZ – Shortly after the start became unbalanced and broke gait.  Connections were advised that JAKARTA NZ would continue to be excluded from the standing start barrier draw for the immediate future.

POWDERKEG – Pre-race blood samples were obtained.  Post-race swab samples were obtained.  

RED HARBOUR NZ – Broke gait at the start and will be continued to be excluded from the standing start barrier draw for the immediate future.  Passing the 1700 metres became unbalanced and broke gait.  Connections were advised that RED HARBOUR NZ will now be stood down from racing until it can complete one satisfactory official trial.

HAVE NO FEAR NZ – Shortly after the start had to be checked out away from JAKARTA NZ when that runner broke gait.

 

 

SUMMARY
Reprimands	Race 1 – J Gallagher – Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) – WAVETHEBILL NZ Race 2 – R Morris – Rule 162(1)(www) – MONTALBANO B Fitzpatrick – Rule 163(1)(b) – ON ADVICE NZ – Menangle 24.02.24
Fines	Race 3 – B Fitzpatrick – Rule 41(1) - $100 – HE BETTOR STEP ASIDE NZ Race 4 – J Grimson – Rule 90A(2.9)(a) - $250 – NERANO NZ Race 4 – J Downey – Rule 204 - $250 – NERANO NZ
Suspensions	Nil
Barrier Information	Race 3 – CAULONIA COURAGE – ODM Race 8 – POWDERKEG – BSD
Trials/Stand Down	Race 7 – FOOTTAPPER – 1 trial Race 7 – WHATSTHEGOSS – 2 trials & 10 days Race 7 – ONEPINEVALE HILL – 2 trials & 10 days Race 8 – RED HARBOUR – 1 trial
Late Scratchings	Nil
Adjourned Inquiries	Nil
Medical Clearance	Race 1 – R Alchin – medical certificate required
Follow up’s	Nil