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STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORT


Invercargill Harness Racing Club Inc at Ascot Park RacewaySunday, 12 April 2015  
Meeting
Club: Invercargill Harness Racing Club Inc at Ascot Park Raceway
Weather: Fine
Track: Good
Rail: Not applicable
Stewards: S Wallis (Chairman), C Allison, C Boyd
Typist: B Gutsell
 
General
Selected runners on today's programme were subjected to Pre-Race blood testing.
Due to the delays prior to the start of Race 7 the remainder of today's program was rescheduled as below.
Race 8 - 3.37 pm
Race 9 - 4.12 pm
Race 10 - 4.47 pm
Race 11 - 5.23 pm
Supplementary:
Forbury Park TC - Monday, 23rd March 2015
Race 3 - STUNIN CULLEN/PINELEA FARM MOBILE PACE
Stewards have questioned Drivers R Jenkins (BHAPPY) and D Johnston (HERE COMES FALCON) regarding the tactics they employed throughout the middle stages when over a significant distance both horses were urged forwards in an attempt to lead.
Mr Jenkins advised that BHAPPY had disappointed the connections in recent racing when driven in a trailing position and when assessing the field he considered it be of a lesser quality to that which his gelding had recently been opposing. Due to these factors, and combined with receiving an advantageous barrier draw, Jenkins said his intention was to lead. Mr Jenkins explained that he had been able to withstand the initial challenge for the lead from HERE COMES FALCON and after noticing that that horse had then been left to race outside him over a prolonged distance he became even more reluctant to surrender his position to this gelding once it made a second attempt in the back straight. Mr Jenkins felt that HERE COMES FALCON had done too much work to be able to carry him into the final stages of the race and so again urged his runner to hold the front. Mr Jenkins further advised that despite having pressure applied to his lead throughout the middle stages he had been disappointed with BHAPPY's finishing efforts. Mr Jenkins said it was now his intention to train the horse on the beach in an attempt to try and rejuvenate the gelding's will to race as he felt the horse, once headed, had begun to race in a less genuine manner. BHAPPY's racing was now to be restricted to the Southland area.
Mr Johnston submitted that he intended to challenge for the lead after he too had drawn an advantageous barrier. Mr Johnston added that he noticed the leading, BHAPPY, pace roughly shortly after the winning post and felt it was his best chance to gain the lead from the gelding as he anticipated Mr Jenkins would restrain his runner. This, however, did not eventuate and so he elected to give HERE COMES FALCON some respite.
When questioned as to the reason he then issued another challenge for the lead near the 1600 metres, Mr Johnston stated that given HERE COMES FALCON's recent habit of switching off when being restrained and his belief BHAPPY was under pressure, he would be better served assuming the lead and then, given the work he had done consider taking a trail behind an improving runner.
The sectional times for this race showed the times run in the areas of the race where Stewards concerns were centred were consistent with similar graded races on the track that day.
After reviewing the race footage and considering the times and explanations of Mr Jenkins and Mr Johnston Stewards deem that their actions were not unreasonable in the circumstances. Notwithstanding this, both drivers were advised that in future it was expected that they demonstrate a greater ability to adjust their tactics should the situation require so as not to bring their drives into question.
Summary
Swabbing:   LAZARUS, EXPERIMENT, TESSA'S ROCKET, FLIGHT DECK, MACY BLUE CHIP, ADD NO INTEREST, MILLIGAN, SWEET AS, SMOKIN BIRD, DONEGAL KAHLUM, I'M FULL OF EXCUSES, TAS MAN BROMAC, AL RAZA
Protests:   Nil
Suspensions:   Nil
Fines:   Race 9 N Williamson (TAS MAN BROMAC)
[Rule 869(2)(a)] - Excessive use of the whip over concluding stages. Fined $250.
Warnings:   Race 2 J Ryan (GOLDEN GATE)
[Rule 860(5)(c)] - Ensure he starts from the correct Unruly position.
Bleeders:   Nil
Horse Actions: Race 3 SCARLETT LANE - Cleared From Unruly Stands
  Race 5 FRANCO TYSON - Warned Racing Manners
  Race 6 VEECEWAH - Warned Racing Manners
  Race 7 FLASHING ON - Warned Racing Manners
  Race 7 KENNINGTON KANDEE - Warned Performance
  Race 7 NEWMANS JET - Veterinary Clearance Required
  Race 7 SWEET AS - Warned Mobiles - Caused False Start
  Race 11 VINCENNES - Veterinary Clearance Required
  Race 11 VINCENNES - Ineligible Racing Manners - Stood Down 1 Trial
Medical Certificates:   Nil
Driver Changes:   Nil
Late Scratchings: Race 7 NEWMANS JET - Veterinary advice at 2.33 pm
  Race 11 VINCENNES - Fell to track in preliminary
Scratching Penalties: Ineligible from 13/04/2015 until 16/04/2015 inclusive (4 days):
FRANCO SANTIAGO, GIVE ME THE NIGHT, SAUCHIEHALL
  Ineligible from 13/04/2015 until 22/04/2015 inclusive (10 days):
RISK FACTOR
  Exceptional Circumstances:
PEPPERJACK, MARITIME ARDEN
 
Race Comments
Race 1 DIAMOND CREEK FARM 2YO CLASSIC (MOBILE PACE) Video  Video 
ENVIOUS had to be restrained abruptly when there was an easing of the pace nearing the 1700 metres, this is turn caused a slight inconvenience to PAT CAMPBELL, CHICAGO BULL and LAZARUS.
LAZARUS hung when improving to the lead passing the 1400 metres.
R May (PAT CAMPBELL) momentarily dropped his foot from the sulky footrest near the 1100 metres.
Horseman N Williamson advised that CHICAGO BULL had paced roughly and proved difficult to steer at various stages throughout the event. Stewards ordered a post-race veterinary examination of the gelding which revealed the gelding to have an elevated heart rate, however this returned to normal during the examination.
Driver T Williams advised he did not activate the removable deafeners on LAZARUS due to having the field covered.
 
Race 2 MORE FM HANDICAP TROT Video  Video 
POPPYMALDA broke over the early stages extinguishing its chances.
MOMENT OF SUN broke when negotiating the first bend.
GEE UP NEDDY broke near the 1100 metres when being restrained to take a trail extinguishing its chance.
GOLDEN GATE contacted several track markers rounding the final turn.
When questioned regarding the performance of JACCKA JUSTY driver J Cox advised the gelding felt lethargic throughout the event and may have been feeling the effects of recent racing. Trainer A Hoffman advised she would consult with the owners regarding its upcoming race programme.
Driver J Ryan (GOLDEN GATE) was shown a replay of the start and cautioned to ensure he starts from the correct Unruly position in future.
 
Race 3 MCMILLAN EQUINE FEED HOT TO TROT GRADUATION FINAL (HCP) Video  Video 
A false start was declared when the 30 metre barrier was breached by SKY COMMANDER and failed to clear the track.
SUNNY DEMON shifted sideways as the start was effected then broke for a considerable distance shortly after.
CHEEKY PAT broke just prior to the first bend extinguishing its chance.
ONE COOL CHICK broke near the 2300 metres before settling in a pace which necessitated driver N Williamson to check this mare back into its correct gait before breaking again passing the 1800 metres.
KIWI KEX broke near the 1100 metres checking FILIGREE SHEREE which also broke.
Driver D Dunn reported he did not activate the removable deafeners on TESSA'S ROCKET due to having the field covered.
SCARLETT LANE was removed from the Unruly for future standing start events at the request of trainer S Lock.
 
Race 4 OLPHERT CONTRACTING MOBILE PACE Video  Video 
TANK COMMANDER broke after approximately 150 metres then continued to pace roughly before breaking again near the 1800 metres extinguishing its chance.
UP THE CREEK commenced to give ground from the 500 metres inconveniencing WAYWARD ROC, BLOW A CLOUD and JUSTA DALE with BLOW A CLOUD sustaining a punctured sulky tyre. JACKY'S CHOICE which was racing greenly, was forced wider on the track during this incident with O'GARA becoming awkwardly placed to its wheel and breaking.
Driver D Dunn reported JACKY'S CHOICE had raced greenly throughout the event proving difficult to steer.
Stewards questioned driver B McLellan in regards to his lack of vigour when driving TILLY PATRON out over the concluding stages. After hearing Mr McLellan's explanation Stewards adjourned the matter for further consideration. Stewards ordered a post-race veterinary examination of TILLY PATRON which revealed no obvious abnormalities.
 
Race 5 HENRY SKINNER MEMORIAL MOBILE PACE Video  Video 
FRANCO TYSON had a warning placed on its racing record after it hung and broke when negotiating the first bend checking SCOTLYNN JUSTIS and AFELLAS BOY. This gelding continued to hang and was retired from the event. A post-race veterinary examination of FRANCO TYSON revealed no clinical abnormalities.
AFELLAS BOY commenced to tire from the 600 metres.
BLACK ROCK BABE struggled to maintain its position in the field from the 450 metres. Horseman B Barclay advised he was disappointed with the performance of the mare. Trainer L Pearson advised she would have blood tests conducted on BLACK ROCK BABE in the coming days and report any findings to the Stewards.
 
Race 6 SOUTH PORT MOBILE PACE Video  Video 
VEECEWAH broke negotiating the first bend and again near the 1600 metres. A warning was placed on the racing manners of the mare. Trainer A Milne advised VEECEWAH would no longer be persevered with as a racing proposition from his stable.
MILLIGAN was caught wide through the early stages before reaching the parked position with 1500 metres to run.
Entering the back straight near the 1750 metres ADD NO INTEREST broke momentarily when making a challenge for the lead.
ADD NO INTEREST commenced to tire from the 400 metres before faltering and falling to the track near the 150 metres with a compound fracture to the right hind cannon bone. Due to the nature of the injury, ADD NO INTEREST was humanely euthanized by the on course veterinarian.
 
Race 7 FOVEAUX COMMUNICATIONS RISING STARS GRADUATION FINAL (MOB) Video  Video 
The start of this event was delayed firstly due to maintenance being required on the track following the incident in Race 6 and secondly at the request of race day control.
NEWMANS JET underwent a pre-race veterinary examination and was declared a late scratching on veterinary advice.
A warning was placed on the mobile record of SWEET AS due to this filly breaking just prior to the dispatch causing an inconvenience to RIVER PATROL obliging starter B Ward to declare a false start. Driver R McIlwrick elected to have SWEET AS remain in his allotted barrier position for the restart. SWEET AS then paced roughly when negotiating the first bend.
MELINA LOWE hung outwards during the running.
KENNINGTON KANDEE had a warning placed on it performance after the mare gave ground rapidly from the 800 metres
FLASHING ON broke and hung out passing the 500 metres impeding both RIVER PATROL and NORTHVIEW HANOVER with a warning being placed on the gelding's racing manners.
SWEET AS ran out abruptly when shying at the winning post on the last occasion placing MELINA LOWE in tight quarters.
Stewards spoke with Trainer S Lock and Veterinarian H Cottle in relation to the scratching of NEWMANS JET. After hearing from both parties Mr Lock was issued a charge under Rule 863 in that he attempted to start his horse which was in an unfit condition. Mr Lock requested an adjournment in order for him to seek advice. This was granted by the J.C.A with a hearing date to be fixed.
 
Race 8 NEVELE R/MACCA LODGE SOUTHLAND OAKS FINAL (MOBILE PACE) Video  Video 
BONNIE'S KHALEESI was caught wide over the early stages before reaching the parked position with 2000 metres to run.
Racing into the first bend ART EXHIBIT hung inwards and momentarily locked wheels with MIGHTY EMPIRE causing the outside tyre on MIGHTY EMPIRE to deflate.
Rounding the final turn ROCKER BAND hung in under pressure and commenced to give ground rapidly. A subsequent post-race veterinary examination revealing the filly to have both an elevated heart and respiratory rate and mild respiratory distress. Stable representative M Neilson advised that blood tests would be taken in the coming days and undertook to notify should anything come of such test that would explain the performance.
Stewards questioned driver N Williamson (PRINCESS ARTS) and B McLellan (ART EXHIBIT) regarding the reason ART EXHIBIT was forced to race wider on the track momentarily near the 1900 metres. After hearing from both drivers it was established that Mr Williamson had commenced his outward movement when ART EXHIBIT was not progressing forward therefore no further action was warranted.
 
Race 9 ALABAR SOUTHERN SUPREMACY STAKES FINAL (MOBILE PACE) Video  Video 
I'M FULL OF EXCUSES, ROBYN'S BAD BOY and TAS MAN BROMAC were all slightly out of position at the dispatch.
MAN I'M GOOD broke shortly after the start.
STATHAM commenced to over race during the middle stages.
Horseman N Williamson was fined $250.00 by the J.C.A after he admitted he used his whip in an excessive manner over the concluding stages when driving TAS MAN BROMAC.
 
Race 10 BMAC SHEETMETAL 2005 LTD SOUTHERN COUNTRY CUPS FINAL (HCP) Video  Video 
I SMART and DEVIL MAY CARE tangled briefly at the start.
TED WEST broke at the start.
JANGO FETT broke when negotiating the first bend after jostling for a position with SHEEZA SHARK.
THE WRATH OF ROBYN hung inwards and paced roughly passing the 500 metres and then tired late in the run home.
SHAK'N CULLEN was held up through the early stages of the run home.
When questioned regarding the performance of THE WRATH OF ROBYN junior horseman C Ferguson advised the gelding has performed best when driven with a sit and did not appreciate having to work mid race.
 
Race 11 ELITE RACING PRODUCTS FILLIES & MARES MOBILE PACE Video  Video 
VINCENNES was declared a late scratching after the mare had become fractious during the preliminary and attempted to un-seat driver T Williams from the sulky causing her to fall to the track. There was subsequently a lengthy delay to the start of this event due to VINCENNES proving difficult to remove from the track where it was treated for abrasions to neck, eye and forehead regions. VINCENNES was stood down pending a veterinary clearance and one satisfactory trial. Co-trainer Mr G Knight advised they would no longer be persevering with the mare as a racing proposition form their stable. Driver T Williams was treated and cleared by the St John Ambulance Paramedics.
VERA'S DELIGHT was caught wide through the early stages before being restrained to the back of the field.
INCREDIBLE ANVIL paced roughly near the 1200 metres.
MACHJAGGER hung inwards rounding the final turn.
LIVY FRANCO and VAN EVA were both held up on the final bend.
When questioned regarding the performance of SECRET'S OUT driver J Cox advised that the mare had not backed up from its previous start at the Forbury Park TC meeting on 9 April 2015 and was not helped by being forced wide on the final turn in a fast run race.