Lap counting was one of the skills that drivers at The Showgrounds and Wayville needed.

But Stawell?

Sofia Arvidsson, driver of Rock Albert pleaded guilty to a charge under rule 166(1) which states: Except in the final lap of a race a horse shall not enter any part of the sprint lane in an attempt to pass other horses or improve its position. The particulars of the charge being that passing the 1000m, Ms Arvidsson directed Rock Albert inwards from a trailing position three horses back along the marker pegline and activated removable gear on the gelding to further advance her position whilst in the sprint lane to the inside of Exciteusrubycee (James Herbertson), prior to then restraining Rock Albert passing the winning post inside of the final lap to regain her original position. As a consequence of this incident, Exciteusrubycee and Idyllic Princess were inconvenienced. Ms Arvidsson’s licence to drive in races was suspended for a period of five (5) weeks to commence midnight 17 April 2020. In assessing penalty Stewards acknowledged Ms Arvidssons’ guilty plea, immediate remorse and admission of her error, her relative inexperience in race driving and the serious effect that such actions can have on the conduct of a race. In not enacting, rule 166(2), Stewards acknowledged that Rock Albert had ultimately placed 6th of 7 horses and had not seemingly gained any unfair advantage for stakebearing purposes.