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
