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Methven Trotting Club Inc

Sunday, 28 January 2024

Stipendiary Stewards Report

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

General

General
Pre-race blood and hair testing was carried out.

Supplementary

Ashburton TC - Thursday, 21st December 2023
Race 5 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNEMARIE PIDWELL MOBILE TROT
Trainer A Faulks advised Stewards on 27 January LUCINDA HEST has had its joints treated since last racing.

NZ Metro TC - Friday, 26th January 2024
Race 7 - GARRARDS 'PREMIER MARES' CHAMPIONSHIP MOBILE PACE
Driver R May admitted a breach of Rule 869(7A)(a) in that he allowed his horse BOUDICA to strike a track marker leaving the final bend. After hearing submissions on penalty the Adjudicative Committee imposed a fine of $200.

Summary

Swabbing
BRIANNA, MISTER BLUE SKY, FRANCO NEWPORT, TIMES ARE A CHANGIN, BEAT THE COVID, COMMANDER BEN, WOODLEA JEWEL, THE REAL MCCOY, CARDI B, VERTIGO, HEY TONIGHT

Protests
Race 3	PIONEER (3rd Placing) vs I SPY DIAMONDS (2nd Placing) [Rule 869A(2)] - Interference in the run home. Upheld. I SPY DIAMONDS relegated to 3rd placing.

Suspensions
Race 3	R Holmes (LAY ON MACDUFF) [Rule 869(3)(b)] - Careless driving causing interference 500m (4 days). Suspended from 29/01/2024 until 09/02/2024 inclusive.
Race 8	M Cations (VINCENT VEGA) [Rule 869(3)(b)] - Careless driving causing interference first bend (3 days). Suspended from 29/01/2024 until 09/02/2024 inclusive.
Race 10	L McCormick (VERTIGO) [Rule 869(2) Whip & Rein Regs] - Using whip with more than a wrist flicking motion and in a continuous manner (3 days). Suspended from 07/02/2024 until 16/02/2024 inclusive.
Race 10	P Wakelin (MUSCLYNN) [Rule 869(2) Whip & Rein Regs] - Using whip with more than a wrist flicking motion and in a continuous manner (2 days). Suspended from 29/01/2024 until 06/02/2024 inclusive.

Fines
Race 1	G Smith (HEARTBREAK HOTEL) [Rule 869(2) Whip & Rein Regs] - Using whip on a runner out of contention. Fined $200.
Race 3	G & N Hope (RACINGMISSGRACIE) [Rule 865(1)] - Late gear notification, blinds on. Fined $50.
Race 7	C Dalgety (WOODLEA JEWEL) [Rule 858(1)(i)] - Out of position at the start. Fined $100.

Warnings
Race 2	L O'Reilly (DEAN JAMES) [Rule 869(4) & Home Straight Regs] - Maintain straight course in the run home.
Race 2	S Thornley (MISTER BLUE SKY) [Rule 869(2) Whip & Rein Regs] - Using whip with more than a wrist flicking motion.
Race 4	S O'Reilly (TIMES ARE A CHANGIN) [Rule 869(2) Whip & Rein Regs] - Using whip in a continuous manner.
Race 5	J Curtin (PATRICK SWAYZE) [Rule 865(2)] - Presented without the notified pacifier.
Race 5	L McCormick (TO HILL AND BACK) [Rule 869(2) Whip & Rein Regs] - Using whip with more than a wrist flicking motion.
Race 5	S Thornley (BEAT THE COVID) [Rule 869(3)(b)] - Lack of control over the concluding stages.
Race 6	G O'Reilly (CHRIS KYLE) [Rule 869(2) Whip & Rein Regs] - Using whip with more than a wrist flicking motion.
Race 7	J Cox (ONWARDSANDUPWARDS) [Rule 858(1)(i)] - Out of position at the start.
Race 7	S Ottley (LIZZIE RICHTER) [Rule 858(1)(i)] - Out of position at the start.
Race 8	M Cations (VINCENT VEGA) [Rule 869(2) Whip & Rein Regs] - Using whip with more than a wrist flicking motion.
Race 10	S Hill (WY FI) [Rule 869(2) Whip & Rein Regs] - Using whip on a runner out of contention.
Race 11	A Stuart (RAPID RESPONSE) [Rule 849(2)] - Incorrect number.

Bleeders
Nil

Horse Action
Race 1	IMPERIAL COMMAND - Warned Stands
Race 1	MOA MOJITO - Warned Racing Manners
Race 2	MY SKATJIE - Warned Mobiles
Race 2	SOMACHBETTOR - Warned Racing Manners
Race 2	TEETAN - Unruly Mobiles
Race 2	WAIKARI BARB - Warned Racing Manners
Race 3	I SPY DIAMONDS - Final Warning Racing Manners
Race 4	FLYAWAY - Warned Racing Manners
Race 4	IZACHEAPEE - Unruly Stands
Race 5	MAINBOCHER - Warned Racing Manners
Race 5	PATRICK SWAYZE - Warned Stands
Race 5	WAIHEMO HANNAH - Unruly Stands
Race 7	SOPHIA BROMAC - Unruly Mobiles Trainer's Request
Race 8	EMMA'S DELIGHT - Warned Mobiles - Caused False Start
Race 8	EMMA'S DELIGHT - Unruly Mobiles
Race 11	WATCH THAT MAN - Warned Mobiles

Medical Certificate
Nil

Driver Changes
Nil

Late Scratchings
Nil

Scratching Penalties
Ineligible from 29/01/2024 until 02/02/2024 inclusive (5 days): RON MCKINLEY, STUBING, TACT TEEL, SECRET COCKTAIL, GATECRASHER, NOT OVER
Exceptional Circumstances: SCARLETT'S LEGACY, SAMVASA, ROCKNROLL DIVA, HELLOVEAMOMENT

Race Comments

Race 1 RANGIORA RSA TROT	Show Video
rhWNgo7zg1A DIAMOND HARBOUR - held up over the concluding stages.
COURTNEY MAY - trotted roughly in the run home.
BRIANNA - over-raced for a distance passing the 1900m when being restrained to obtain cover.
BRIGHTMAN - slow in the early stages losing ground. Trotted roughly in the run home.
HEARTBREAK HOTEL - slow in the early stages losing ground. Lay inwards near the 1200m striking several track markers. Raced three wide for a distance passing the 1000m. Weakened from the 500m. Trainer/driver G Smith advised he was disappointed with the effort of the gelding and the horse will now be sent for a spell. Mr Smith defended a breach of Rule 869(2) and the Whip and Rein Regulations in that he used his whip on a runner out of contention leaving the final bend and early in the run home. After viewing the replays and hearing submissions from Stewards and Mr Smith, the Adjudicative Committee found the charge proved and imposed a fine of $200.
MOA MOJITO - broke near the 450m losing all chance. A warning was placed on the racing record of the mare.
IMPERIAL COMMAND - stood on the mark losing all chance. A warning was placed on the barrier record of the gelding.

Race 2 PAPANUI CLUB MOBILE PACE	Show Video
QAHCpVSdp8E MY SKATJIE - raced greenly in the score up and was out of position at the candy pole and start. A warning was placed on the barrier record of the gelding.
FREEDOMS BEAUTY - over-raced middle stages. Briefly hampered near the 150m when a runner to its inside shifted ground outwards. Returned to the birdcage with blood present in one nostril. A post-race veterinary examination deemed the mare not to be a bleeder.
TEETAN - broke shortly after the start checking a trailing runner. Placed on the unruly for future mobile starts.
MISTER BLUE SKY - when questioned regarding the improved performance trainer B Ward advised the gelding may not have backed up at its last start and had been able to capitalise on an economical run and responded well to gear changes today. Junior driver S Thornley was issued a warning for using his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.
DEAN JAMES - lay outwards in the run home and momentarily shifted up the track passing the 150m briefly hampering a trailing runner. Driver L O'Reilly was warned to make a greater effort to maintain a straight course in the run home.
KAWATIRI CREEK - checked and broke racing into the first bend losing ground. Held up early in the run home.
OCEAN BREEZE - raced wide early. Underwent a post-race veterinary and endoscopic examination at the request of the connections which revealed no abnormalities.
MILLWOOD GODDESS - checked by a breaking runner shortly after the start losing ground. Weakened leaving the final bend.
WAIKARI BARB - broke racing into the first bend checking a trailing runner losing ground. A warning was placed on the racing record of the mare. Compounded leaving the final bend. When questioned regarding the performance driver T Williams could offer no explanation and was disappointed with the effort. A post-race veterinary and endoscopic examination revealed no abnormalities. Trainer K James advised he would give consideration to sending the mare for a spell.
SOMACHBETTOR - broke passing the 900m losing all chance. A warning was placed on the racing record of the mare.

Race 3 KAIAPOI CLUB PACE	Show Video
cOL0iGspFJQ HENRY WINKLER - slow to begin. Checked near the 500m when an inside runner shifted outwards. Driver M Smolenski will be spoken to regarding the manner in which he used his whip in the run home.
SHAPELY - broke at the start losing ground. Hampered rounding the final bend and paced roughly.
VITORIA - slow to begin.
LAY ON MACDUFF - hampered by a weakening runner final bend. Gave ground early in the run home. Driver R Holmes defended a breach of Rule 869(3)(b) alleging he drove carelessly when shifting outwards near the 500m checking HENRY WINKLER and AMAZING TOM with AMAZING TOM breaking and losing all chance. After viewing the replays and hearing evidence from Stewards and Mr Holmes, the Adjudicative Committee found the charge proved and Mr Holmes' driver's licence was suspended from the conclusion of racing today up to and including 9 February 2024 (4 days).
RACINGMISSGRACIE - co-trainers G & N Hope were issued a $50 Minor Infringement Notice for being late to notify the mare would be racing with blinds instead of the notified sliding blinds.
I SPY DIAMONDS - over-raced through the middle stages when leading. Shifted inwards into the passing lane despite the efforts of driver S O'Reilly crowding PIONEER before locking wheels with that runner passing the 150m and again near the 50m. A protest was lodged against 2nd placing being awarded to the mare under Rule 869A(2) by driver J Morrison (PIONEER) placed 3rd, alleging interference in the run home. After viewing the replays and hearing evidence from all parties the Adjudicative Committee upheld the protest and I SPY DIAMONDS was relegated to 3rd placing. When questioned driver S O'Reilly advised the mare had proved difficult to drive throughout placing her at a disadvantage. A final warning was placed on the racing record of I SPY DIAMONDS.
BROMAC TIMES - weakened near the 500m hampering trailing runners. Stewards questioned driver T Williams regarding the tactics he adopted during the running. Mr Williams explained that after being unsuccessful in a brief challenge for the lead approaching the first bend he elected to restrain his runner. However, when no horse had progressed forward to give the gelding cover he decided to again challenge I SPY DIAMONDS for the lead on entering the straight near the 1700m. Mr Williams added that, once he had made his intention to lead clear, he was aware that driver S O'Reilly (I SPY DIAMONDS) had attempted to restrain her runner to obtain cover but saw that her horse had commenced to race fiercely and had made several abnormal breathing noises so he elected to desist in his efforts and restrain once he knew sufficient clearance existed in the trail. Mr Williams further added his gelding was having its first start on a grass track and had failed to quicken as expected. After considering his explanation, Stewards were satisfied the tactics he adopted were not entirely unreasonable and took the matter no further.
CHEEKY RED - hampered by a weakening runner final bend.
AMAZING TOM - checked and broke near the 500m losing all chance.
HEAVEN - hampered by a weakening runner rounding the final bend. Lay inwards leaving the final bend striking track markers.
PIONEER - crowded early in the run home when I SPY DIAMONDS shifted ground inwards into the passing lane before locking wheels with that runner near the 150m and again passing the 50m. Promoted to 2nd placing following a protest.

Race 4 RICHMOND CLUB PACE	Show Video
UqJALnKbyvw JUSTA DIVA - broke at the start losing ground. Held up over the concluding stages.
IZACHEAPEE - broke at the start losing ground. Placed on the unruly for future standing starts.
GOD OF THUNDER - broke at the start losing ground. Held up throughout the run home. Driver G Smith advised he did not activate the removable deafeners in consequence.
FLYAWAY - paced roughly near the 1500m. Over-raced middle stages. Struck the sulky wheel of TIMES ARE A CHANGIN when shifting outwards near the 400m which punctured. Stewards spoke to junior driver S Thornley (assisted by K Barron) regarding this incident who advised the mare had caused him difficulty throughout and had hung inwards when attempting to shift wider on the track on the final bend. After considering his explanation Stewards placed a warning on the racing record of the mare.
STYLE COUNCIL - held up until late in the run home.
KILAUEA - broke at the start losing ground.
TIMES ARE A CHANGIN - driver S O'Reilly reported she sustained a punctured sulky tyre near the 400m. Miss O'Reilly was issued a warning for using her whip in a continuous manner in the run home.

Race 5 OAMARU CLUB TROT	Show Video
s5ZQHHIXbws OPAWA PEAK - had difficulty obtaining clear racing room inside the final 100m.
MAINBOCHER - broke near the 350m losing all chance. A warning was placed on the racing record of the gelding.
WAIHEMO HANNAH - paced away before breaking losing all chance. Placed on the unruly for future standing starts.
A LATE LATE PRESSY - briefly hampered late in the run home.
PATRICK SWAYZE - trainer J Curtin was issued a warning for presenting the gelding to race without the notified pacifier. Broke at the start losing ground. A warning was placed on the barrier record of the gelding.
MENTALIST - over-raced middle stages. Held up early in the run home.
BEAT THE COVID - lay outwards late in the run home and shifted up the track briefly hampering an outside runner. Junior driver S Thornley (assisted by K Barron) was shown the replay and warned for his lack of control over the concluding stages. Mr Thornley reported a sulky tyre deflated during the running.
RUTHLESS LIZZIE - slow to begin. Held up early in the run home. Hampered by a breaking runner near the 250m.
TO HILL AND BACK - raced wide early. Driver L McCormick was warned for using his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.
SASSY STAR - raced wide early. Raced wide without cover from the 850m.

Race 6 WOOLSTON CLUB HONOURS CYRIL PENGALLY/WAIMATE T&C PACE	Show Video
OKe8e0nTjzw JUST HOLLA - raced keenly through the middle stages. Weakened leaving the final bend.
OFF THE EDGE - broke at the start losing considerable ground.
PERAKI SEELSTER - held up early in the run home.
CASINO ACTION - broke at the start losing considerable ground.
CHRIS KYLE - fractious prior to the start. Driver G O'Reilly was issued a warning for using his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion early in the run home.

Race 7 TIMARU TOWN & COUNTRY FILLIES & MARES MOBILE PACE	Show Video
aeF0vcKG3kE DULCINEA - had some difficulty obtaining clear racing room in the run home.
SOPHIA BROMAC - placed on the unruly for future mobile starts at the request of trainer M Smolenski.
MORE GOODA - driver R Close reported the mare had raced greenly after he activated the removable deafeners near the 250m and shifted ground inwards abruptly having to be corrected.
ONWARDSANDUPWARDS - out of position at the start. Driver J Cox was issued a warning.
LIZZIE RICHTER - out of position at the start. Driver S Ottley was issued a warning.
WOODLEA JEWEL - out of position at the start. Junior driver C Dalgety was issued a $100 Minor Infringement Notice. In taking this course of action Stewards took into account that Mr Dalgety had been warned under this Rule recently. Raced wide early. Mr Dalgety advised he did not activate the removable deafeners due to having the field covered.

Race 8 HORNBY CLUB MOBILE PACE	Show Video
_BQNceG2F4Y A false start was declared when EMMA'S DELIGHT broke in the score up hampering GET IT ON. A warning was placed on the barrier record of the mare. Driver S Tomlinson elected to move to the unruly position for the restart when the mare will remain for future mobile starts.
There was a further delay to the start when BARNSTORMER briefly fell to the track after having a gear issue. Underwent a veterinary examination and was cleared to start.
JULIETTE SHARD - checked by an outside runner racing into the first bend.
EMMA'S DELIGHT - hampered racing into the first bend. Weakened leaving the final bend.
LET'S GO RINGO - trainer J Gray advised the gelding has had its hocks treated since last racing.
VINCENT VEGA - raced wide early. Driver M Cations admitted a breach of Rule 869(3)(b) in that he drove carelessly racing into the first bend when shifting inwards and checking inside runners. After viewing the replays and hearing submissions on penalty the Adjudicative Committee suspended Mr Cations' driver's licence from the conclusion of racing today up to and including 9 February 2024 (3 days). Mr Cations was also warned for using his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home. Mr Cations advised the gelding had been striking its sulky wheels throughout.
KENNEDY - raced wide with cover throughout.
TANGANYIKA - broke early in the score up of the restart however was in position at the start.
THE REAL MCCOY - hampered racing into the first bend. Raced wide early and middle stages. Lay inwards throughout the run home.
GET IT ON - checked by an outside runner racing into the first bend. Raced wide throughout.
BARNSTORMER - hampered racing into the first bend.

Race 9 NEW BRIGHTON CLUB MOBILE PACE	Show Video
x3fhwxfFL1Y The start was delayed due to the sulky on PURE COURAGE requiring attention.
THREEBEERSDEEP - when questioned regarding the performance driver S O'Reilly advised she was disappointed with the effort. Co-trainer T White advised the gelding had not raced for several weeks and expected the horse to derive considerable benefit from today's run. A post-race veterinary examination revealed signs of muscle tie up with a high heart rate and slow recovery. Stewards will follow up with connections in the coming days.
HAYLEY'S MEDDLE - raced wide without cover from the 1100m.
REGGIE GOLIGHTLY - weakened from the 500m. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a slow recovery.
RUBY'S A DELIGHT - raced wide early. Held up by a weakening runner final bend.
STRAIGHT FLUSH - raced wide until reaching the parked position near the 1600m. Weakened from the 400m.
CARDI B - raced wide until reaching the parked position near the 1400m.
MAYSON SHARD - when questioned regarding the performance driver S Ottley was unable to provide any explanation. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a high heart rate and slow recovery. Stewards will follow up with connections in the coming days.
TREMENDOUS LOVER - held up early in the run home.
MOTOR MOUTH - held up early in the run home.
PERAKI REACTOR - held up early in the run home.
PURE COURAGE - weakened leaving the final bend. When questioned regarding the performance the connections could offer no explanation and were disappointed with the effort. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.

Race 10 LINCOLN CLUB & FAMOUS GROUSE HANDICAP TROT	Show Video
vWlzFV5xHL4 MUSCLYNN - driver P Wakelin admitted a breach of Rule 869(2) and the Whip and Rein Regulations in that she used her whip with more than a wrist flicking motion and in a continuous manner in the run home. After viewing the replays and hearing submissions on penalty, the Adjudicative Committee suspended Ms Wakelin's driver's licence from the conclusion of racing today up to and including 6 February 2024 (2 days).
SODS LAW - trotted roughly over the final 100m.
LUCKY WAY - weakened leaving the final bend.
TOP POCKET CHANCE - broke at the start and then switched to a pace having to be broken up by driver J Curtin losing all chance.
TAKE AFTER ME - broke passing the 1300m losing all chance and was retired from the race.
THE ROYAL GAMBLE - weakened from the 400m.
LOVEY DOVEY NOVA - began awkwardly. Weakened final bend.
DD'S SUPER STUART - raced wide early.
MURANO - broke racing into the first bend losing all chance.
VERTIGO - held up early in the run home. Driver L McCormick 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 and in a continuous manner in the run home. After viewing the replays and hearing penalty submissions, the Adjudicative Committee suspended Mr McCormick's driver's licence from the conclusion of racing on 6 February up to and including 16 February 2024 (3 days).
WY FI - slow in the early stages. Weakened from the 400m. Junior driver S Hill (assisted by R May) was shown a replay and issued a warning for using his whip on a runner out of contention.

Race 11 ASHBURTON CLUB MOBILE PACE	Show Video
YZkYF2i2lwE WATCH THAT MAN - slow to leave the pre-race formation hampering second line runners. A warning was placed on the barrier record of the gelding.
HEY TONIGHT - raced wide early.
OPO - raced wide early.
RAPID RESPONSE - trainer A Stuart was issued a warning for presenting the gelding to race with the incorrect number.
BONDI LUSTRE - raced wide early.
FERGALICIOUS - briefly held up early in the run home.
RAZORS EDGE - held up for clear racing room throughout the run home.
PRIDES CONTESSA - back slightly at the start after being hampered leaving the pre-race formation.
BETTOR REACTION - back slightly at the start after being hampered leaving the pre-race formation.
LOUIS - weakened from the 600m. When questioned regarding the performance driver L O'Reilly advised the gelding had raced lethargically throughout and been disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a high heart rate and slow recovery. Stewards will follow up with connections in the coming days.