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Methven Trotting Club Inc

Sunday, 13 September

Stipendiary Stewards Report

Club
Methven Trotting Club Inc at Mt Harding Racecourse
Weather
Fine
Track
Dead
Rail
Not applicable
Stewards
S Renault (Chairman), N Ydgren, P Williams
Veterinarian
Dr J G Beeman
RIU Logo

General

General
Pre-race blood testing was carried out.

Alcohol testing was conducted on a selection of drivers today with all samples being clear.

Supplementary

NZ Metro TC - Sunday, 6th September 2020
Race 3 - IRT.FLYING YOUR HORSES TO THE CUP MOBILE TROT
Trainer A Edge advised Stewards on 9 September that THE GOOD DOCTOR is being treated for a virus.
Race 4 - IRT.SUPPORTERS OF HARNESS RACING MOBILE PACE
Trainer D Taylor advised Stewards on 10 September that SCOTLYNN BEACH BOY has recovered well after a hard run at Addington last week and will continue with its current preparation.
Race 8 - IRT.PROUD SUPPORTERS OF ADDINGTON (JNR DRIVERS) MOB PACE
Trainer D Taylor advised Stewards on 10 September that UNCLE CHAN will have further veterinary tests including a scope in coming days to determine on-going treatment.
GLENTHORNE - Stewards have concluded their investigation into the driving tactics employed upon GLENTHORNE. After initially interviewing driver K Tomlinson, Stewards spoke with trainer K Chapman regarding the manner in which this horse was handled through the early stages of the event. Mr Chapman confirmed that he had instructed Miss Tomlinson to lead and dictate consistently strong sectionals as he believed that to be the racing style that best suited his horse. After considering all submissions, the Stewards advised Miss Tomlinson that in future it was expected she would be able to demonstrate a more adaptive style of driving where should things not pan out as originally intended, she would be able to better assess the situation and change her tactics accordingly.

Summary

Swabbing
TEST THE BOUNDARIES, CORRAVALLY STAR, ARCHAIC LUSTRE, UNICO GEM, TAKE AFTER ME, GIVEMEWHATINEED, NEYVELI FRANCO, ALVIRA HEST, BRANTLEY, MIDFREW LUISIANABEAU
Protests
Nil
Suspensions
Race 2M Kerr (VERSTAPPEN)
[Rule 869(2) & Whip Regs (b)] - Used whip on more occasions than permitted (5 days).
Suspended from 18/09/2020 until 04/10/2020 inclusive.
Race 11R Close (FUTURA EASTON)
[Rule 869(3)(b)] - Careless driving causing interference (3 days).
Suspended from 18/09/2020 until 24/09/2020 inclusive.
Fines
Race 3J Morrison (ARCHAIC LUSTRE)
[Rule 869(2) & Whip Regs (b)] - Used whip on more occasions than permitted. Fined $300.
Race 3C Thornley (TICKING OVER)
[Rule 869(2) & Whip Regs (b)] - Used whip on more occasions than permitted. Fined $200.
Race 11K Butt (THE MAROON MARAUDER)
[Rule 869(2) & Whip Regs (b)] - Used whip on more occasions than permitted. Fined $300.
Warnings
Race 9J Morrison (VOODOO PRIESTESS)
[Rule 869(2) & Whip Regs (h)] - Manner whip used.
Bleeders
Nil
Horse Action
Race 1SHEZA MIGHTY MONARCH - Final Warning Stands
Race 2PENELOPE BROMAC - Warned Racing Manners
Race 2TEXAS TARA - Warned Racing Manners
Race 3KHAL DROGO - Warned Mobiles
Race 4ATARAH - Warned Stands
Race 4EMMA'S BOY - Ineligible Racing Manners - Stood Down 1 Trial
Race 6GIVEMEWHATINEED - Final Warning Mobiles
Race 7BOSSMARO - Warned Mobiles
Race 8BOMBOLLA - Warned Mobiles
Race 8WAYNE'S DREAM - Warned Mobiles
Race 9MAGICAL MALI - Warned Stands
Race 12MIDFREW LUISIANABEAU - Warned Mobiles
Medical Certificate
Nil
Driver Changes
Nil
Late Scratchings
Nil
Scratching Penalties
Ineligible from 14/09/2020 until 18/09/2020 inclusive (5 days):
RANDOM JUDE, SHIFFTY, SWEENEY TODD, MOMENTOUS, THE KAIK

Race Comments

Race 1   AGSTAFF TROT
INQUIZITIVE MAN - broke at the start losing its chance.
ALDEBARAN HEATHER - hampered by a breaking runner shortly after the start. When spoken to regarding the performance, the connections advised they were not disappointed with the effort and were surprised with the level of support given the mare's recent trial form.
TEST THE BOUNDARIES - briefly held up at the top of the straight and trotted roughly throughout the run home.
ROSIE'S SON - broke at the start losing its chance.
QUEEN OF STRATHFIELD - Stewards questioned driver G O'Reilly regarding the seemingly restrained vigour he displayed in the run home when driving his mare out. Mr O'Reilly explained that at no stage had his mare had felt comfortable in the track conditions resulting in her trotting roughly during the middle stages and throughout the final straight. He added that the horse had traditionally trotted awkwardly in the early stages of its races however its gait had not improved during the running as expected today. His comments were accepted.
BACARDI PRIDE - paced at the start and had to be broken up losing its chance.
EVERMORE - broke at the start losing its chance.
HANG ON SUZIE - hampered by a breaking runner shortly after the start.
FIVE WISE MEN - broke at the start. Broke again at the 1700 metres.
SHEZA MIGHTY MONARCH - broke at the start losing its chance. A final warning was placed on the barrier record of the mare. Trainer R Paterson advised he would be making gear changes prior to resuming.
THIS TIME GAMBLE - raced keenly through the middle stages.
ARISTOCRAT - raced keenly through the middle stages. Trotted roughly final bend and in the home straight.
Race 2   CLUBS NZ RACE DAY SUNDAY 31 JAN PACE
BUCKINGHAM - fractious prior to the start.
UNCHANGED MEMORY - had some difficulty obtaining clear racing room in the early stages of the run home.
TEXAS TARA - broke at the 600 metres checking trailing runners. A warning was placed on the racing record of the entire.
VERSTAPPEN - driver M Kerr admitted a breach of Rule 869(2) in that he used his whip on more occasions than permitted under Clause (b) of the Use of the Whip Regulations. After penalty submissions the JCA suspended his licence from the conclusion of racing on 17 September up to and including 4 October 2020 (5 days).
MANJIMUP - broke at the start. Checked by a breaking runner at the 600 metres. Had difficulty obtaining clear racing room in the home straight.
MARK DUNNETT - when questioned regarding the performance, driver B Orange advised he was disappointed with the effort. Trainer B Negus advised the horse was having its first start for 9 months, had to work hard in the early stages and may have found the track too testing today.
SHARP LOU - broke at the start. Checked by a breaking runner at the 600 metres.
WHITE SHARK - broke at the start.
TYKE - fractious prior to the start and was back several lengths at dispatch. Checked by a breaking runner and broke at the 600 metres.
PENELOPE BROMAC - broke after 200 metres hampering a trailing runner. A warning was placed on the mare's racing record.
MAYHEM IN MALIBU - checked by a breaking runner at the 600 metres.
VACHE A LAIT - checked by a breaking runner at the 600 metres. The near side number detached during the running.
FEELIN BETTOR - hampered by a breaking runner after 200 metres. Lay inwards in the early stages of the run home and made contact with the sulky wheel of PENELOPE BROMAC despite the efforts of driver R Close.
Race 3   HORNBY WORKINGMEN'S CLUB MOBILE PACE
FOR TODAY - when questioned regarding the performance, driver J Dunn advised he was disappointed with the effort but felt the mare had not been suited to today's testing track.
JEREMY WELLS - held up by a weakening runner on the final bend.
KHAL DROGO - broke at the start losing considerable ground. A warning was placed on the barrier record of the gelding.
PRESIDENT PAT - hung inwards through the final straight.
PLAY BY EAR - over-raced early stages when being restrained towards the rear of the field.
DRUM BEAT - raced wide in the early stages. Weakened final bend.
ARCHAIC LUSTRE - held up early and middle stages of the run home. Driver J Morrison admitted a breach of Rule 869(2) in that he used his whip on more occasions than permitted under Clause (b) of the Use of the Whip Regulations and the JCA imposed a fine of $300. When questioned regarding the improved performance, trainer I Court advised the horse had benefited from a return to grass track racing and had trialled well here last week in preparation. He added that the horse's last start form was as a result of it having to race parked throughout and had been better suited to a covered run today.
TICKING OVER - driver C Thornley admitted a breach of Rule 869(2) in that he used his whip on more occasions than permitted under Clause (b) of the Use of the Whip Regulations and the JCA imposed a fine of $200.
Race 4   RICHMOND CLUB PACE
ART COLLECTOR - hampered by a breaking runner near the 1800 metres.
ATARAH - broke at the start. A warning was placed on the barrier record of the mare. Hampered by a breaking runner near the 1800 metres.
BOULTON HOME - checked and broke near the 1800 metres and was retired from the race after the near front hopple carrier came adrift. Trainer L Boulton was found not to be at fault. Driver J Young-Grant reported the gelding had over-raced in the early stages and again when shifting ground to avoid a breaking runner resulting in her runner making contact with the sulky wheel of LOYALIST. Miss Young-Grant added that she would be recommending the blinds be removed prior to the horse resuming.
ROCKNGOODTIME - checked by a breaking runner near the 1800 metres.
LOYALIST - checked by a breaking runner near the 1800 metres. Driver B Hope became unbalanced for a short distance near the 1750 metres after an inside runner made contact with his sulky.
KUSANOVA - began awkwardly. Hampered by a breaking runner near the 1800 metres.
EMMA'S BOY - broke near the 1800 metres and shifted inwards abruptly checking trailing runners and was retired from the race. Stood down to trial satisfactorily on one occasion.
KINGSDOWN ATOM - hampered by breaking runner near the 1800 metres.
ITZ THE CON ARTIST - broke briefly at the start.
ARIZONAWILDCAT - broke at the start. Hampered by a breaking runner near the 1800 metres.
WESTBURN BLISS - broke at the start. Hampered by a breaking runner near the 1800 metres. Held up middle stages of the run home.
SHARKS R TROUBLE - broke briefly at the start. Weakened final bend.
UNICO GEM - hampered by a breaking runner near the 1800 metres.
Race 5   NEW BRIGHTON CLUB TROT
CALL THIS FUN - when questioned regarding the manner he drove his horse out in the final straight when electing not to turn his whip, driver J Ford explained that he was mindful that the mare had broken at its last two starts in the final stages when placed under pressure and for this reason he was reluctant to apply any significant urgings to his mare and elected to urge the horse with the reins only. Mr Ford added that it was his intention to consider not carrying a whip with the horse going forward but was hopeful the horse would in time be more accepting of it as it gained more experience under pressure. After hearing from Mr Ford, Stewards took the matter no further other than to remind him of his requirements when carrying a whip.
ROGIE FALLS - broke at the start.
GOTTA TICKET - broke at the start. Again broke passing the 400 metres when being steadied to avoid an inside runner which had shifted ground simultaneously.
GO ON ANDOVER - trotted roughly when attempting to improve to the lead near the 1500 metres. Trotted roughly when weakening leaving the final bend.
SILVER SURFER - broke shortly after the start.
JUST ONE MORE - trotted roughly racing into the first bend when being restrained to obtain cover.
INSIST THE WIN - trotted roughly in the home straight before breaking over the final stages.
ONE OVER DOVER - broke at the 200 metres.
DD'S SUPER STUART - broke shortly after the start.
CRAZY N LOVE - broke after 300 metres.
RITES OF ZHOU - broke at the 300 metres.
Race 6   ASHBURTON CLUB & MSA MOBILE PACE
SWAP OVER - had some difficulty obtaining clear racing room in the home straight.
CHA CHA B - weakened on the final bend.
DISMARA - weakened over the final stages. When spoken to regarding the performance, driver G Smith reported that he had some difficulty steering his horse throughout. Trainer T Yesberg will be spoken to in the coming days.
SPICY GIRL BECQUI - over-raced when leading through the middle stages.
HIGHLAND REIGN - held up passing the 200 metres.
MORDECAI - weakened on the final bend and was distanced at the finishing line. When questioned regarding the performance, driver K Tomlinson advised she was disappointed with the effort. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
GALLEONS CONNOISSEUR - paced roughly through the middle stages. Weakened on the final bend and was distanced at the finishing line.
GIVEMEWHATINEED - well back from the unruly position at the start despite the efforts of driver P Davis. A final warning was placed on the gelding's barrier record. Trainer M Nyhan reported the horse would be returned to the trials prior to resuming. Raced four wide from the 800 metres.
Trainer T Yesberg advised Stewards on 14 September that DISMARA was found to be suffering from sore feet following its run at Methven with pads and sole putty being applied for the gelding's upcoming engagements.
Race 7   KAIAPOI CLUB (JUNIOR DRIVERS) MOBILE PACE
STAR REACTOR - over-raced early stages.
MAURICE - hung inwards after 100 metres and broke for a short distance.
AUCHTERCAIRN - weakened on the final bend. Driver A Mugford reported she had difficulty activating the hopple shorteners on the mare. Stewards questioned junior driver A Mugford (assisted by C Markham), regarding the tactics she adopted in the early stages when she took a considerable time to surrender the lead to the improving BETTER FLY. Miss Mugford explained that her intention had always been to take a trail behind that runner however it did not challenge as aggressively as anticipated and because of the runner immediately behind her racing fiercely she was reluctant to restrain. Miss Mugford added that upon entering the straight she had attempted to release her shorteners which had become caught which may have had the effect of urging her runner at a time when she was looking to obtain cover. After considering her explanation, Stewards advised Miss Mugford to be more decisive in her decision making and that restraining her runner earlier could have assisted her to finish the race off in a more competitive manner.
BETTER FLY - over-raced middle stages. Paced roughly near the 400 metres when held up for clear racing room.
BOSSMARO - broke in the score up losing considerable ground. A warning was placed on the barrier record of the gelding. Had to be steadied near the 900 metres after a slight easing of the pace.
TERROR THE CHRISTIAN - raced wide early stages. Hung inwards near the 1600 metres and had to be steadied. Weakened final bend.
I AM ADALINE - out of position at the start.
KIWI X FACTOR - weakened concluding stages. A post-race veterinary examination revealed an elevated heart rate. When questioned in regards to the performance trainer G Smith advised that he was disappointed with the effort and could offer no explanation. Stewards will follow up the recovery of the gelding with Mr Smith in the coming days.
Trainer G Smith advised Stewards on 16 September that KIWI X FACTOR has recovered well following its run at Methven on Sunday and will continue with its current preparation.
Race 8   TIMARU TOWN & COUNTRY CLUB MOBILE PACE
The start was delayed due to several runners requiring farrier attention.
CHEAPCHEAP - raced wide early stages.
MACH'S ELIMINATOR - raced wide early stages.
DALNESS FIRST - held up early stages of the run home.
WAYNE'S DREAM - broke in the score up losing considerable ground. A warning was placed on the barrier record of the gelding. Weakened on the final bend.
CHARLIE'S ACE - raced wide early stages.
BOMBOLLA - paced roughly in the score up and was out of position before breaking just prior to the start. A warning was placed on the barrier record of the gelding. Held up early stages of the run home.
CRISTIANO BUCCINI - briefly held up at the 300 metres.
ROSIES TERROR - checked and broke near the 250 metres. Broke again late in the run home. Stewards questioned drivers B Hope (CRISTIANO BUCCINI), J Dunn (JUSTACE), R Holmes (HOT N GOLD) and G O'Reilly (ROSIES TERROR) regarding this incident. After viewing the replays and hearing from all drivers it was established that CRISTIANO BUCCINI had shifted outwards when having an advantage over JUSTACE however JUSTACE had reacted poorly to being shifted wider on the track and hung outwards despite the efforts of driver J Dunn resulting in both HOT N GOLD and ROSIES TERROR being crowded for racing room. Mr O'Reilly advised that ROSIES TERROR had failed to respond in his attempt to shift wider on the track causing him difficulty. Notwithstanding the drivers explanations Stewards advised driver B Hope to exercise care when shifting ground.
FULHAM DANCER - paced roughly in the early stages.
HOT N GOLD - checked near the 250 metres.
Race 9   OAMARU CLUB PACE
CANARDLY REMEMBER - held up final bend and for the majority of the home straight.
MAGICAL MALI - broke at the start and shifted outwards checking outside runners, losing its chance and was retired from the race. A warning was placed on the barrier record of the mare.
THE DIVA - checked at the start losing all chance and was retired from the race.
VICTOR TANGO - checked at the start losing all chance.
CHAAAT - crowded at the start and broke for a short distance.
MR ASIA - had difficulty obtaining clear racing room in the home straight.
VOODOO PRIESTESS - broke at the start. Over-raced middle stages. Lay inwards in the run home. Driver J Morrison was warned for the manner he used his whip in the home straight.
SISTER'S DELIGHT - broke at the start.
UNO MIA - hampered shortly after the start and broke.
Race 10   LYTTELTON CLUB HANDICAP TROT
ALVIRA HEST - when questioned regarding the improved performance, trainer A Faulks advised that his runner generally performs well when in a fresh state and that it had turned in an encouraging performance at the trials on this track last week.
GLOBAL FLIGHT - broke in the early stages. Broke again near the 600 metres.
BRIGHT GLOW - held up early stages of the run home.
FOREIGNER - weakened final bend.
YOU REALLY GOT ME - broke briefly at the start.
MADAM SASS - broke at the start losing its chance.
CARNEGIE HALL - raced wide in the early stages. Held up final bend before breaking near the 400 metres.
PLAYBOY'S BROTHER - weakened final bend.
THE BLOSS - broke shortly after the start losing all chance.
ALI LINDENNY - over-raced middle stages. Raced wide from the 1200 metres.
ZSA ZOE - raced wide from the 1100 metres.
BEYOND THE HORIZON - raced wide from the 1100 metres.
BAXTER - raced wide in the early stages. Hung outwards final bend.
Race 11   PAPANUI CLUB HANDICAP PACE
FUTURA EASTON - raced roughly entering the first bend. Driver R Close admitted a breach of Rule 869(3)(b) in that he drove carelessly near the 250 metres when shifting ground outwards checking MORNINGSTAR GOLD which broke. After hearing submissions on penalty, his licence was suspended by the JCA from the conclusion of racing on 17 September up to and including 24 September 2020. (3 days).
ESSENCE OF EASTON - slow to begin. Held up early stages of the run home. Hampered by a breaking runner near the 200 metres. Driver J Murdoch reported that he had not activated the hopple shorteners on the gelding due to the horse pacing roughly on occasions. He added that the removable deafeners were not released due to being held up for clear racing room.
MORNINGSTAR GOLD - broke at the start. Over-raced middle stages. Checked and broke at the 250 metres.
HES FAST AND FURIOUS - paced roughly in the early stages.
BRANTLEY - when questioned regarding the performance, trainer/driver B Butt was unable to provide any explanation and advised he would have the horse examined by his Veterinarian. Stewards will follow up with Mr Butt in the coming days.
PLAYA VISTA - broke at the start.
CLIVE - held up early stages of the run home.
THE MAROON MARAUDER - paced roughly in the parked position through the middle stages. Driver K Butt admitted a breach of Rule 869(2) in that she used her whip on more occasions than permitted under Clause (b) of the Use of the Whip Regulations and the JCA imposed a fine of $300.
Trainer B Butt advised Stewards on 16 September that veterinary tests have shown no abnormalities with BRANTLEY adding that the gelding will continue with its current preparation.
Race 12   LINCOLN CLUB & FAMOUS GROUSE MOBILE PACE
MIDFREW LUISIANABEAU - broke early in the score up and was out of position at the start. A warning was placed on the barrier record of the gelding. Had to be steadied near the 1100 metres after a slight easing of the pace.
STAR WATCH - raced wide in the early stages. Driver G Smith reported he sustained a punctured sulky tyre during the early stages of the race.
FOREGONE CONCLUSION - raced wide in the early stages.
NARCISSIST - driver J Morrison reported that he was struck in the back during the running by the trailing MIDFREW LUISIANABEAU after a slight easing of the pace. Mr Morrison was examined by St John personnel and cleared of any injury.
FIXED ODDS - over-raced middle stages. Held up leaving the final bend and early stages of the run home.
CHEDDAR MADE BETA - driver B Hope reported he lost his whip shortly after the start.
BONNY'S GEM - over-raced middle stages. Became awkwardly placed close to the sulky of CHEDDAR MADE BETA near the 1100 metres and had to be steadied resulting in a slight easing of the pace.
BARKLEY - over-raced early and middle stages.
DUASTAR - paced roughly in the score up and was back slightly at the start. Held up early and middle stages of the run home.
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