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Methven Trotting Club Inc

Sunday, 10 September 2023

Stipendiary Stewards Report

Club: Methven Trotting Club Inc at Mt Harding Racecourse
Weather: Fine
Track: Good
Rail: Not applicable
Stewards: M Sole (Chairman), S Renault, P Williams
Veterinarian: D L Williamson

General

General
Pre-race blood testing was carried out. The distance for Race 11 was incorrectly shown in the on-course race book as 2400m with the correct distance being 1609m. This information was relayed to on course patrons.

Supplementary

Nil

Summary

Swabbing
LOOKALIKE LOBELL, HIT THE BEACH, LOUIS, MAVIS JONES, JUDGEMENT BAY, THE CRAIC, MILLWOOD INDIE, FRANCO HUMBIE, JESPER FAST, RUBY'S A DELIGHT, MOTOR MOUTH

Protests
Nil

Suspensions
Race 1	I Cameron (KING OF DIAMONDS) [Rule 869(2) Whip & Rein Regs] - Using whip free of the rein (4 days). Suspended from 11/09/2023 until 24/09/2023 inclusive.
Race 1	J Versteeg (PENELOPE HALL) [Rule 869(2) Whip & Rein Regs] - Using whip with more than a wrist flicking motion (2 days). Suspended from 11/09/2023 until 17/09/2023 inclusive.
Race 8	J Simpson (TOWER OF LOVE) [Rule 869(3)(b)] - Careless driving striking a wheel 1200m (3 days). Suspended from 11/09/2023 until 21/09/2023 inclusive.

Fines
Race 3	B Butt (TAKE THE DEAL) [Rule 869(2) Whip & Rein Regs] - Using whip with more than a wrist flicking motion. Fined $250.
Race 8	C McDowell (FLO MOTION) [Rule 864(2)(b)] - Shoes in poor condition. Fined $100.

Warnings
Race 2	P Young (VERDUCCI) [Rule 865(2)] - Presented with removable deafeners not notified.
Race 2	J Young-Grant (VERDUCCI) [Rule 869(2) Whip & Rein Regs] - Using whip with more than a wrist flicking motion.
Race 5	S Thornley (JUDGEMENT BAY) [Rule 869(4) & Home Straight Regs] - Maintain straight course in the run home.
Race 9	R Holmes (JESPER FAST) [Rule 869(2) Whip & Rein Regs] - Using whip free of the rein.
Race 10	L O'Reilly (CHANCE ON ME) [Rule 869(2) Whip & Rein Regs] - Using whip with more than a wrist flicking motion.
Race 10	P Vermeulen (MAJOR HAPPY) [Rule 452(2)] - Incorrect colours.
Race 11	B Butt (STRAIGHT FLUSH) [Rule 869(3)(b)] - Easing the pace near the 900m.

Bleeders
Nil

Horse Action
Race 1	DESERT ROYAL - Warned Racing Manners
Race 2	VERDUCCI - Warned Mobiles
Race 3	JONTY'S BROTHER - Warned Stands
Race 3	SPRED SHEET - Unruly Stands
Race 4	HEAD EM UP - Warned Stands
Race 4	HEAD EM UP - Warned Racing Manners
Race 6	KIWI RECORD - Final Warning Racing Manners
Race 7	EMMA'S DELIGHT - Warned Mobiles - Caused False Start
Race 9	FULL OF HOPE - Final Warning Racing Manners
Race 9	THE IVY LEAGUE - Warned Racing Manners
Race 11	TREMENDOUS LOVER - Warned Mobiles - Caused False Start

Medical Certificate
Nil

Driver Changes
Nil

Late Scratchings
Race 2	BONNEY ELOISE - at 8.30am on Veterinary advice

Scratching Penalties
Ineligible from 11/09/2023 until 14/09/2023 inclusive (4 days): SHOW NO FEAR
Ineligible from 11/09/2023 until 15/09/2023 inclusive (5 days): BONNEY ELOISE, KIWI'S ROCK, BETTERTHANDIVA, THE REAL MCCOY, RAKERO SLAMMER
Ineligible from 11/09/2023 until 24/09/2023 inclusive (14 days): HUTASA, SANDFLY BAY

Race Comments

Race 1 ASHBURTON MSA RACING SECTION TROT	Show Video
c2rCFoFDfwg DESERT ROYAL - fractious prior to the start. Broke racing into the first bend losing ground. Broke again near the 1700m losing considerable ground. A warning was placed on the racing record of the filly. Weakened final bend.
HIGH NOON - broke shortly after the start losing considerable ground.
TILTHESUNSETS - hung outwards in the run home.
WILLY GALLOP - paced in the early stages having to be broken up by its driver losing all chance.
PENELOPE HALL - driver J Versteeg admitted a breach of Rule 869(2) and the Whip and Rein Regulations in that he used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home. After viewing the replays and hearing submissions on penalty the Adjudicative Committee suspended Mr Versteeg's driver's licence from the conclusion of racing today up to and including 17 September 2023 (2 days).
HAYLEY MHOR - broke at the start losing all chance.
MONARO MEG - hung inwards and trotted roughly rounding the first bend.
KING OF DIAMONDS - driver I Cameron admitted a breach of Rule 869(2) and the Whip and Rein Regulations in that he used his whip free of the rein on one occasion in the run home. After viewing the replays and hearing submissions on penalty the Adjudicative Committee suspended Mr Cameron's driver's licence from the conclusion of racing today up to and including 24 September 2023 (4 days).
MOONDANCE - slow in the early stages losing ground.
ALL CONQUERED - slow in the early stages losing ground. Broke near the 1600m losing all chance.

Race 2 SOUTH ISLAND SEEDS MOBILE PACE	Show Video
2EHIvD4YL0Q HIT THE BEACH - held up until late in the run home.
SEARING LIGHT - underwent a pre-race veterinary examination and was cleared to start. Crowded late in the run home when runners on either side shifted ground marginally.
VERDUCCI - trainer P Young was issued a warning for presenting the gelding to race with removable deafeners which had not been notified. Raced greenly in the score up and was out of position at the start. A warning was placed on the barrier record of the gelding. Driver J Young-Grant was warned for using her whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.
GOOD TIME BETTY - held up until late in the run home.
MACY BLACK - held up early in the run home.
BONNEY ELOISE - late scratching at 8.30am on Veterinary advice.

Race 3 RAINER IRRIGATION PACE	Show Video
i_Jsw8MYaq0 SPRED SHEET - broke at the start checking a trailing runner and losing all chance. Placed on the unruly for future standing starts.
ULTIMATE COUNSEL - broke briefly at the start.
EYRE DYNASTY - broke briefly at the start. Paced roughly in the early stages. Over-raced middle stages.
JONTY'S BROTHER - broke at the start losing all chance. A warning was placed on the barrier record of the gelding.
TAKE THE DEAL - raced wide early. Driver B Butt admitted a breach of Rule 869(2) and the Whip and Rein Regulations in that he used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home. After viewing the replays and hearing submissions on penalty the Adjudicative Committee imposed a fine of $250.
BETS ON - checked and broke shortly after the start losing all chance.
ANN OFATHOUSAND BAYS - weakened final bend.
LOUIS - paced roughly in the early stages.

Race 4 BETAVET TROT	Show Video
CCkXe9cbaRE LOVE POTION - weakened leaving the final bend.
MAVIS JONES - checked near the 600m. When questioned regarding the improved performance the connections advised they had made changes to the filly's gear and she had appreciated the grass track today.
KOHLI TROUBLE - checked near the 600m. Held up early in the run home.
TOM BRADY - raced wide until reaching the parked position near the 1600m. Trotted roughly at various stages throughout. Weakened leaving the final bend.
JASPRIT TROUBLE - checked near the 600m.
HEAD EM UP - broke at the start losing ground. A warning was placed on the barrier record of the gelding. Broke again near the 600m checking trailing runners and losing all chance. A warning was also placed on the racing record of the gelding.
RANDEL HUSTON P - checked and broke near the 600m losing ground.
DRAGONS SUNRISE - raced wide early. Checked near the 600m.
TAKE NOTICE - checked near the 600m.
WAIHEMO HANNAH - checked near the 600m.
SLIPPERY MISTRESS - checked near the 600m.

Race 5 PETER LAGAN STANDARDBREDS MOBILE PACE	Show Video
7n-y4cRfVII OPAWA LOUIE - raced wide early and middle stages.
JUDGEMENT BAY - shifted outwards in the run home when being driven out hampering EXPRESSIVE LOVE just prior to the finish. Authorisation of 1st placing was withheld until Stewards had spoken to driver G Ward (EXPRESSIVE LOVE) placed 2nd, who advised his chances of finishing in a higher position had not been affected and he did not wish to proceed with a protest. Accordingly, all placings were authorised. Driver S Thornley was warned to make a greater effort to maintain a straight course in the run home.
EXPRESSIVE LOVE - hampered by an inside runner late in the run home.

Race 6 THE DUBLINER PACE	Show Video
H-G4WTs2Ku8 ROCKENROLL GRADUATE - over-raced in the early stages when being restrained to obtain cover.
PLAYING WITH STARS - hampered rounding the final bend.
MEGAROCK - when questioned regarding the improved performance trainer B Kerr advised the gelding had benefited from a recent spell and had received an economical run throughout today.
DON JUAN - held up leaving the final bend and early in the run home.
ARCHAIC LUSTRE - broke briefly at the start. Raced four wide from the 700m.
HAYLEY'S MEDDLE - hampered rounding the final bend.
KIWI RECORD - paced roughly when improving wide passing the 1200m. Hung outwards rounding the final bend and shifted up the track despite the efforts of driver R Holmes hampering outside runners. A final warning was placed on the racing record of the gelding.

Race 7 METHVEN SEED CLEANING (JUNIOR DRIVERS) MOBILE PACE	Show Video
r1DD86nxfhY EMMA'S DELIGHT - a false start was declared due to EMMA'S DELIGHT breaking in the score up checking SOPHIA BROMAC. A warning was placed on the barrier record of the mare. Driver S Thornley elected to remain in his allocated barrier position for the restart.
MILLWOOD INDIE - raced wide early.
FERNLEIGH BLACKBIRD - weakened in the run home. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities. Stewards will follow up with connections in the coming days.
KRYSTAL DELIGHT - held up until late in the run home.

Race 8 BRINKLEY VILLAGE MOBILE PACE	Show Video
Zv2Py1XYUAQ FLO MOTION - sprung the near fore shoe in the preliminary which was removed by the farrier prior to the start. Trainer C McDowell was issued a $100 Minor Infringement Notice for presenting the mare to race with shoes in poor condition.
HES FAST AND FURIOUS - raced wide from the 1200m and without cover from the 900m.
SHARDS FURY - raced wide with cover from the 1200m.
EL CHICO - weakened leaving the final bend. When questioned regarding the performance driver B Butt advised he was disappointed with the effort and could offer no explanation. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a high heart rate and slow recovery. Trainer M Smolenski advised he will have blood tests taken from the gelding in the coming days and Stewards will follow up the results.
TOWER OF LOVE - broke near the 1200m after striking the sulky wheel of GET IT ON losing all chance. Junior driver J Simpson, who declined assistance from a Senior driver, admitted a breach of Rule 869(3)(b) in that he drove carelessly in this incident. After viewing the replays and hearing penalty submissions the Adjudicative Committee suspended Mr Simpson's driver's licence from the conclusion of racing today up to and including 21 September 2023 (3 days).
NED KELLY - raced wide with cover from the 1200m.

Race 9 MT HUTT MOTELS HANDICAP TROT	Show Video
CsgI-yPoui0 DD'S SUPER STUART - slow to begin.
JESPER FAST - broke briefly rounding the first bend. Lay inwards and struck a track marker leaving the final bend. Driver R Holmes was issued a warning for using his whip free of the rein on one occasion in the run home.
THE IVY LEAGUE - trotted roughly and shifted inwards in the run home despite the efforts of driver B Orange hampering TI AMO BELLE over the concluding stages. Authorisation of 3rd placing was withheld until Stewards had spoken to driver J Dunn (TI AMO BELLE) placed 5th, who advised his chances of beating THE IVY LEAGUE had not been affected and he did not wish to proceed with a protest. Accordingly, all placings were authorised. Mr Orange advised the horse had been hanging inwards causing him difficulty and a warning was placed on the racing record of the filly.
TEDESCO - lay inwards and struck a track marker leaving the final bend.
TAKE AFTER ME - broke shortly after the start losing all chance.
FULL OF HOPE - broke near the 400m losing all chance. The connections advised the mare had been striking the sulky wheel discs rounding the final bend causing it to break. A final warning was placed on the racing record of the mare.
TI AMO BELLE - hampered late in the run home by an outside runner.
GAZZA BEATT - broke leaving the final bend.

Race 10 ASHBURTON POWDER COATING & SAND BLASTING HCP PACE	Show Video
WlZvTtwJaSo JUST MICHAEL - held up throughout the run home. Driver K Butt advised the removable deafeners were not activated in consequence.
B SMART - held up early and middle stages of the run home.
APATCHOFGOLD - held up early in the run home.
CHANCE ON ME - driver L O'Reilly was warned for using his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.
SANTANNA MACH - weakened over the concluding stages. When questioned regarding the performance the connections advised the gelding had to work hard through the middle stages with the effort taking its toll.
MAJOR HAPPY - trainer P Vermeulen was issued a warning for not having the correct colours available.
FOURTH AMENDMENT - raced wide early.
SONNY VISTA - weakened leaving the final bend. When questioned regarding the performance trainer/driver B Butt advised the gelding had peaked on its run and he was disappointed with the effort. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a high heart rate and slow recovery. Mr Butt advised he will have blood tests taken from the gelding in the coming days and Stewards will follow up the results.

Race 11 NELSON WEATHER SERVICES MOBILE PACE	Show Video
SbbOxq2tyI0 ONELOVEONELIFE - over-raced middle stages. Hampered by an easing of the pace near the 900m.
MICHAEL CAINE - raced wide early.
HOPE FOR LOVE - held up early in the run home.
STRAIGHT FLUSH - driver B Butt was warned for the manner he drove near the 900m when easing the pace in an abrupt manner hampering trailing runners.
TIGER TAYLOR - held up early in the run home.
TEMPO WARRIOR - raced wide early and middle stages. Weakened leaving the final bend. Driver S Ottley reported the gelding had paced roughly throughout and may have been striking a knee. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
STEPHS BOY - held up early in the run home.
TREMENDOUS LOVER - a false start was declared when TREMENDOUS LOVER shifted inwards early in the score up checking STEPHS BOY. A warning was placed on the barrier record of the gelding. Driver B Hope elected to remain in his allocated barrier position for the restart. Hampered by an easing of the pace near the 900m.
SARGENT BEST - hampered by an easing of the pace near the 900m.