RACE 1– TREVOR PETRIE REAL ESTATE PACE (1710 MS)

A stable return was lodged subsequent to the publication of the racebook listing Ben Yole as the trainer of Kitch Macray.

Southern Gnp NZ underwent pre and post-race veterinary examinations pursuant to HRV horse welfare policy with no abnormalities detected.

Robert Walters was not listed in the racebook as the driver of Southern Gnp NZ.

Ryan Duffy was not listed in the racebook as the driver of Star Ruler NZ.

Bailey McDonough (Sugoi Alto) was fined $200 pursuant to Rule 156(2)(a) for his whip action which was more than a wrist only flicking motion.

Declan Murphy (Aerodyne Guy) was fined $200 pursuant to Rule 156(2)(a) for his whip action which was more than a wrist only flicking motion.

Stewards adjourned an inquiry into the number of whip strikes used by driver Taylor Youl (Kitch Macray) and as to her leaving the course without attending the Stewards room when required to do so.

Stewards inquired into the actions of driver Robert Walters (Southern Gnp NZ ) rounding the home turn near the 300m and then again early in the home straight. After taking evidence from drivers Ross Graham (Self Exclusion) and Mr Walters, acting on their own observations and after viewing the official race replays Stewards charged Mr Walters pursuant to Rule 168(1)(e) “ A driver shall not drive in a manner which is in the opinion of Stewards:- (e) improper. The particulars of the charge were twofold, firstly that Mr Walters, as the driver of Southern Gnp NZ, had from the 300m after driver Ross Graham (Self Exclusion) had left his pegline trailing position and commenced to improve forward to the outside of Southern Gnp NZ and towards the back of Kitch Macray, Mr Walters then called out to Ms Youl, the driver of his stablemate Kitch Macray on several occasions in regards to Mr Graham’s horse improving behind her. The second limb of the charge was that after entering the home straight Mr Walters pulled his right rein on several occasions causing his drive Southern Gnp NZ to shift up the track into the running of Mr Graham’s drive Self Exclusion, which was racing between runners and improving forwards and about to progress past Southern Gnp NZ, resulting in Self Exclusion being inconvenienced. Mr Walters pleaded not guilty to the charge however after giving due consideration to all of the evidence Stewards formed the opinion that Mr Walters driving actions were improper. In determining penalty Stewards took into consideration published HRV Minimum Penalty Guidelines, that there were two limbs to the charge, Mr Walters not guilty plea, his driving frequency and offence record and the consequences of his actions. Mr Walters licence to drive in races was suspended for a period of four months to commence at midnight 4 May 2023. Mr Walters was apprised of his right to appeal. Mr Walters was also cautioned for driving with his body outside the confines of the sulky whilst leading the race.

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/st...l/?mc=BA260423

The stable know they are being closely observed but refuse to pull their head in.
No doubt Mr Walters will appeal and thus be driving for a couple of years before we get a conclusion

The race

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fi...23#BAC26042304