Stewards News

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I have been away for a week so just catching up with a few races
R7 last Thursday's Silver Vicbred is an interesting one
An inquiry has been adjourned
The Stewards Report includes:

Josh Duggan, driver of Islandspecialmajor was questioned regarding the reasons for Loveisamyth obtaining the position in advance of Islandspecialmajor passing the 1900m. Mr Duggan explained that passing the 2000m he became aware that Keayang Da Vinci, which was racing in advance, had paced roughly and almost broken gait and as a result he was reluctant to trail the runner ahead closely. Mr Duggan further explained that Islandspecialmajor hung in entering the turn and as a result of these two occurrences, Loveisamyth was able to obtain the position in advance of Islandspecialmajor.

Chris Alford, driver of Loveisamyth, was questioned regarding the reasons for Loveisamyth obtaining the position in advance of Islandspecialmajor passing the 1900m and further, his reasons for directing Loveisamyth out to improve three wide without cover approaching the 1100m. Mr Alford explained that he was instructed by connections to drive Loveisamyth forward at the start however, the gelding failed to begin as quickly as anticipated and due to runners drawn to his inside showing superior speed Loveisamyth was caught three wide during the early stages. Mr Alford explained mindful of the instructions issued by connections, he directed Loveisamyth out three wide to improve when runners drawn behind commenced to improve forward. This matter was adjourned to allow Stewards the opportunity to review the explanations tendered by Mr Duggan and Mr Alford and review any other relevant matter.

Both horses are from the Lilley stable so the above is the long form of saying that they were 'team driving' and suggesting it was always Alford's role to cart Duggan's horse up
This will be a real test of our integrity as it involves our leading driver

The other strange one at this meet was R3 where Ryan Duffy chose not to use the sprint lane and copped 4 weeks for this brain freeze

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/ste...l/?mc=MX120718

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fie...X120718&ms=vic

The result

"During the adjournment Trainers representative Mr Bevan Kelly was interviewed relative to the instructions issued to Mr Alford where the instructions were confirmed to be to drive Loveisamyth forward if possible.

Extensive review of the wagering information was undertaken which failed to identify any area of concern.

Upon consideration of the matters Stewards could not be satisfied that the actions of Mr Duggan at the 1900 were unacceptable as it was evident Keayang Da Vinci, which was positioned in advance, had paced very roughly on two occasions and Islandspecialmajor hung in rounding the first turn which resulted in Islandspecialmajor being positioned closer to the marker pegs and Loveisamyth being able to gain purchase on the position as a consequence.

Stewards could not be satisfied that the tactics adopted by Mr Alford were entirely unreasonable in the circumstances. In arriving at this decision Stewards were mindful of the instructions issued and the minimal use made of Loveisamyth prior to improving three wide."

Laughable - have a look at how interested Alford (4) was in taking up a forward position coming off the gate
and he then remembered that he was supposed to take up a forward position a lap later (or when his stablemate was ready to make a move)

https://www-harness-org-au.akamaized...XC12071801.mp4

Sure he is our leading driver but if you are going to allow team driving you are undermining the integrity of our sport