Stewards News 2

[Messenger]

This could be a first, a trainer pleading guilty to a Cobalt charge and getting off with a suspended sentence

https://integrity.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/vrt-hearing-gary-donaldson/

[Messenger]

https://integrity.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/vrt-hearing-michael-bellman/

Michael Bellman has been given a 3 month suspension (from training and driving?) for inappropriate behaviour (which he has appealed)

I can't see you winning your appeal Michael, I would consider taking the suspension considering that racing could easily close down in the next 3 months.
I am not condoning his actions or wanting him to escape penalty, just saying it might be a smart move

Michael Bellman's appeal was unsuccessful

https://integrity.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/vcat-decision-michael-bellman/

[Messenger]

We will await the stewards report for R7 after the MM. The Honey Queen won but you would think the stewards should have been asking why stablemate and favourite I Need You Now stayed at the back of the field instead of following up Diamond Party's early 3w move when the initial speed slackened

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PC120322#PCM12032206

[Showgrounds]

We will await the stewards report for R7 after the MM. The Honey Queen won but you would think the stewards should have been asking why stablemate and favourite I Need You Now stayed at the back of the field instead of following up Diamond Party's early 3w move when the initial speed slackened

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PC120322#PCM12032206

So much for me praising Luke McCarthy for his MM winning drive; half an hour later he comes out and treats punters with complete contempt on the favourite. He drove with no intent of putting the horse in the race. No doubt he will say he was "disappointed with the mare's performance" (the stewards have this phrase set as a macro) but no questions will be asked as to why he hooked the mare straight back to last.

I know Need You Know's NZ form very well. Her record would be even better if it weren't for running into Amazing Dream too often - 9 wins and 13 seconds gives you a clue. She has loads of gate speed and led up in plenty of races. Her last 4 NZ starts resulted in 2 wins and 2 placings, all group races, and she had an 89 rating. Last night she was driven like a last start Broken Hill placegetter.

[Messenger]

Why would Tupelo Beach get a QIP after its win at Shep last night?
Its form this long campaign has been 36323101431745 and now 1
And the times were all comparable
I will be interested in seeing who the stewards were

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=SP180322#SPC18032202

[Messenger]

Nothing in the Stewards Column so we will have to await the report on R8 at Stawell today as Jason Lee (driving on an appeal) appeared to check the leader rather badly - well it looked like that (to Dan in the caller's box too)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=SW210322#SWC21032203

[Messenger]

PP has multiple problems with how R2 at Port Pirie was run on Saturday night
He figures that Frank Pullicino got off way too easy with a fine for sending out Iden Forest in hopples shorter than registered and consequently it galloped and took no part
I am amazed that Corey Johnson only got 17 days for his disinterested drive on Clarenden Envoy. I don't think I have seen a drive with less intent (to win) other than the same driver on the same horse at his previous start!
PP is wrong for blaming Dani Hill for taking on the favourite at Tk Rec pace - it was not her, she was in the 1x1

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PP190322#PPC19032204

[Messenger]

We will await the stewards report for R7 after the MM. The Honey Queen won but you would think the stewards should have been asking why stablemate and favourite I Need You Now stayed at the back of the field instead of following up Diamond Party's early 3w move when the initial speed slackened

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PC120322#PCM12032206

I NEED YOU NOW NZ– Pre - race blood sample. Stewards questioned Driver Luke McCarthy with regards to the performance of I NEED YOU NOW NZ which finished in 6th placing beaten 24 metres. Mr McCarthy advised Stewards that the mare had been working well in preparation for tonight’s event however may have been a little bit under prepared as a result of not being able to trial at the Menangle track since arriving from New Zealand as a result of the recent floods. Mr McCarthy advised Stewards that the mare hung in and raced roughly between the 600 metres and the 400 metres before balancing up and finishing strongly in the home straight. Mr McCarthy further advised that the stable may look to make some gear changes prior to the mare having its next start. After considering the explanation provided by Mr McCarthy, Stewards determined to note his comments.

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=PC120322

Zip. Sounds like Luke has their measure

[Showgrounds]

Hmm. Look at making some gear changes. I would suggest racing her in the same gear she raced so successfully with in NZ.

[Messenger]

Nothing in the Stewards Column so we will have to await the report on R8 at Stawell today as Jason Lee (driving on an appeal) appeared to check the leader rather badly - well it looked like that (to Dan in the caller's box too)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=SW210322#SWC21032203

Anthony Butt obviously thought so too but there cannot have been anything there

The all clear was delayed by stewards to allow Anthony Butt, the driver of the 4th placed Im Princess Bella an opportunity to review an incident entering the first turn when his filly broke gait when positioned to the inside of the 3rd placed Ash Park (Jason Lee). On review Mr Butt declined to object to the placings and the all clear was subsequently announced. At a further inquiry stewards found that Im Princess Bella broke gait free of interference and that there had been no contribution as a result of the positioning of Ash Park. Im Princess Bella was placed on its last chance to race truly

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=SW210322

[Messenger]

This could be a first, a trainer pleading guilty to a Cobalt charge and getting off with a suspended sentence

https://integrity.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/vrt-hearing-gary-donaldson/

HRV Stewards are appealing the decision

https://integrity.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/vcat-application-gary-donaldson/

[Messenger]

From the Menangle APG final last Saturday

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=PC070522

Ms Glide explained that the time between 12.30pm and 1pm an inspected Mr Stanley’s runners was undertaken and subsequently found that SOHO ALMASI had a substance applied to all four legs. Trainer M Stanley explained that sometime on the afternoon of Thursday, 5th May he applied a product “Runners Relief” liberally to SOHO ALMASI and since this time he had not worked SOHO ALMASI nor washed the horse up until the time of the race day inspection. He added that he was aware of his requirements to remove any poultice from his runners prior to 8am on race day. However, he had undertaken other tasks race day morning and had failed to remove the poultice prior to Ms Glide’s arrival

As PP says - Surely the Stewards Don't Believe Him

[Messenger]

6 days ago

Tim Bolitho, trainer of Cornish Smuggler ($10.00) which finished in 8th and last position beaten 59.4m after leading was queried into the seemingly poor performance of the gelding. Mr Bolitho advised the gelding to extremely disappointing and could offer no tangible explanation for the performance. Mr Bolitho advised he will reassess the racing future of Cornish Smuggler within his stable. A warning was issued against the gelding’s racing competitiveness. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=HM160522

Today comes out and wins at Ararat at the skinny odds of $3.50 - the above and below do not equate. Are we and the stewards being taken for mugs

[Messenger]

I reckon Captain Barnato was pretty unlucky to lose R2 at Geelong on protest

Watch the replay right to the end, especially the head on footage, I did several times and I think Really Really came out as much as the Captain came in thus both horses contributed to the wheel lock.
We are only talking about inches for both of them. At the same time there was plenty of unused room in the sprint lane.

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=GE010622#GEC01062207

[Messenger]

As I mentioned in the Speed Explosion thread, there seems to be a lot of interest in R7 at Ballarat from the stewards

Not only would most have expected Captain Ravishing to win, all would have expected Simply Sam - the winner of 5 from 11, to fill a place in the small field of 6
IF you were convinced he wouldn't then it would have only cost 1x4x3 = $12 to cover the Trifecta
For every time you had it, you would have received a return of $130, odds of 10/1, much more attractive than the $1.20 the win

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BA090922#BAC09092206

[Showgrounds]

I have followed Simply Sam closely since stable connections attempted to publicly shame stewards for their temerity to suspend champion driver Maurice McKendry for an ill-judged drive on the horse. Inside the last 400 metres at Alexandra Park McKendry chose to leave the three wide line before entering the straight to pursue a non-existent opening along the sprint lane. Had he just waited and hooked out four wide it probably would have won. It did win in three subsequent starts when driven in this manner.

At Ballarat, in a 6-horse field, N Jack decided to place the hose four back the fence. When the winner tore away down the back straight he stuck to the pegs before running straight into the back of a tiring runner. It's unimaginable that Jack had not been informed of the horse's racing style, unprofessional if Jack had not done the basic homework of watching race replays from the HRNZ website.

McKendry, in my opinion, got off light with a three week suspension. Jack should get the same, but we are dealing with gun-shy Victorian stewards and Nathan Jack. He probably smiles and walks.

Interestingly, the Lincoln Farms spin machine is yet to mention this race. Plenty of "nothing to see here" coming from the stable today, however, about Copy That's performance last night. If they still gave a magnum of bubbly for drive of the night I'd present Nathan Jack with a butcher's apron for his drives on Simply Sam and Copy That. This follows his drive last Saturday night on Lochinvar Art who, if you can believe it, had a lung infection but is still going to Addington for the NZ Cup. Ahem, that is only 2 months and a long plane trip away.

Good luck with that. I would have thought it was a significant setback.

[Messenger]

As I mentioned in the Speed Explosion thread, there seems to be a lot of interest in R7 at Ballarat from the stewards

Not only would most have expected Captain Ravishing to win, all would have expected Simply Sam - the winner of 5 from 11, to fill a place in the small field of 6
IF you were convinced he wouldn't then it would have only cost 1x4x3 = $12 to cover the Trifecta
For every time you had it, you would have received a return of $130, odds of 10/1, much more attractive than the $1.20 the win

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BA090922#BAC09092206

They are still very interested but will anything come of it?

RACE 7 – COLIN & HEATHER HOLLOWAY 3YO CLASSIC (2200 MS)

Captain Ravishing raced greenly at various stages when leading and hung in passing the 200m.

Allan McDonough, driver of Idealrockidealroll, was questioned regarding the tactics adopted on the colt, in particular his decision to improve forward without cover shortly after the start and his failure to continue to improve forward when positioned without cover during the early stages. Post-race veterinary examination of Idealrockidealroll revealed the colt to be lame in the off-hindleg. After taking evidence from Mr McDonough and trainer’s representative Clayton Tonkin this matter was adjourned to allow Stewards the opportunity to review the evidence tendered, consider the veterinary findings and investigate any other relevant matter .

Nathan Jack, driver of Simply Sam NZ, was questioned regarding the tactics adopted on the colt, in particular his decision to remain positioned on the marker pegs at approximately the 1900m as Idealrockidealroll improved to his outside. After taking evidence from Mr Jack and trainer Ray Green this matter was adjourned to allow Stewards to consider the evidence tendered, further analyse the previous New Zealand racing performances of Simply Sam NZ in detail and investigate any other relevant matter.

All wagering on this event will be subject of analysis.

An inquiry was opened into an incident which occurred during the stabling and float carpark area. After taking evidence from licensed persons Anton Golino, Clayton Tonkin, Allan McDonough and relevant witnesses this matter was adjourned to enable Stewards the opportunity to review the available CCTV footage.

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=BA090922

[Showgrounds]

I had a phone call from a prominent owner on Sunday night. I mentioned Simply Sam's race and their thoughts matched that of the subsequently released stewards report. It made me watch the race again as they noted McDonough's horse just sat outside Simply Sam seemingly unwilling to to improve its position. At the bell, after strolling along in front, Pit turned around to see where the runs were coming from. They weren't so he took off.

Id love to know what took part in the stables and the car park, we'll just have to wait and see.

[Messenger]

I wondered what the stabling incident could have to do with R7
Anton Golino did not have any horses at this meeting

[Showgrounds]

I wondered what the stabling incident could have to do with R7
Anton Golino did not have any horses at this meeting

Ray Green's horses are staying at Yabby Dam Farms. I suspect Anton was performing the strappers / float driver's duties.

[Messenger]

PP highlighted this drive by Robbie Morris on the drifting 2nd fav as driving dead - you can see why but the stewards can't

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BK171022#BKC17102211

DON’T TOUCH THIS – Stewards questioned driver R Morris in relation to the tactics employed in the event, in particular during the early stages when electing to shift down to the marker pegs from a running line position. Mr Morris explained that, during the early stages when trailing ERATIGENA in the running line, he believed that runner was not suited to racing without cover and believed it best not to follow that runner in the event and as such shifted back down to a marker peg position where he believed the stronger horses in the event were racing. Mr Morris added that, he believed racing along the marker pegs was best suited for the gelding in the circumstances as his runner can race intractably when competing on smaller tracks and was mindful of making a long sustained run out wide and looked to save as much ground as possible. Mr Morris further stated that, when leaving the back straight on the final occasion STRONG DESIRE did not quicken as he was anticipating and as such he was unable to place his runner under full pressure when rounding the final turn, however believed he obtained clear running in the home straight with enough time to run second but the gelding was reluctant to fully extend in the early part of the home straight. After consideration stewards determined to note his comments.

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=BK171022

[Messenger]

Ultimate Vinnie cannot keep this race - he has gone inside the track to get the run

[Messenger]

Unless Sam Barker objects that Major Delico took his run

[Messenger]

He only gets relegated back to 2nd and yet if he does not go inside the pegs he doesn't place at all :confused:

[Messenger]

Still scratching my head over R10 at Melton last night
The stewards had to think the gap closing was the reason for Vinnie going inside the markers or else he has to be disqualified
In which case I cannot help but wonder whether had Sam Barker pulled back on Vinnie and lost, he could have protested and won on protest

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX211022#MXM21102204

Maybe something similar to this ruling from last week was applied - we will have to wait and see the stewards report

The all clear was withheld to enable Stewards to review the footage in the home straight in relation to Allshookup (3rd place) racing inside the line of marker pegs in the home straight. After considering that Allshookup had already established a run to the inside of Dadndave NZ, being mindful of the 1.5m margin to Duke Of Dundee NZ (4th place), Stewards could not be satisfied that Allshookup had obtained an advantage to the detriment of another runner and all clear was then declared. Nathan Jack, driver of Allshookup was subsequently fined $100 under rule 163(1)(c)(i) for racing well inside the line of two marker pegs.

[Messenger]

When questioned regarding her driving out of Susan Is Her Name, (2nd place), driver Kate Gath explained she had tested the filly and removed the ear plugs in the home straight and as Susan Is Her Name was shifting inwards, Ms Gath attempted to steer and balance the filly as opposed to continuing to apply the whip approaching the winning post.

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=MX151022

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX151022#MXM15102210

I am not a whip fan but I did notice this

[Messenger]

Unless Sam Barker objects that Major Delico took his run

PP wrote about it this morning and suggests 1st needed to protest against 2nd - when do you ever see that, the onus was really on the stewards to do this and the placings may have stood

[Theoldfox]

I just watched the head on replay for this. Sam Barker should appeal his suspension and the owner of Ultimate Vinnie lodge an official complaint to the Racing Integrity commissioner. The Stewards should be reprimanded at minimum as their error is blatant. Integrity of participants includes stewards. The run was there and Sam Barker took it, Rodney Petroff then let his horse drift inwards to force Sam Barker inside the pegs. Betting patterns should be examined... to ensure stewards or any family members had no wagers on this race. Seriously disgraceful, were the stewards expecting Sam Barker to steer into the other sulky to "prove" that the run was closed on him? Most horses know how much space they have and move over accordingly so they don't get hit. Safety first, then common sense rule application please.


PP wrote about it this morning and suggests 1st needed to protest against 2nd - when do you ever see that, the onus was really on the stewards to do this and the placings may have stood

[Toohard]

I just watched the head on replay for this. Sam Barker should appeal his suspension and the owner of Ultimate Vinnie lodge an official complaint to the Racing Integrity commissioner. The Stewards should be reprimanded at minimum as their error is blatant. Integrity of participants includes stewards. The run was there and Sam Barker took it, Rodney Petroff then let his horse drift inwards to force Sam Barker inside the pegs. Betting patterns should be examined... to ensure stewards or any family members had no wagers on this race. Seriously disgraceful, were the stewards expecting Sam Barker to steer into the other sulky to "prove" that the run was closed on him? Most horses know how much space they have and move over accordingly so they don't get hit. Safety first, then common sense rule application please.

Maybe they should tell us what he was supposed to have done? Run was there as you said so once he'd committed to go there, what was he supposed to have done when other horse came down on him? Grab hold?

They're going in a straight line at that point so he gained no advantage at all and won easily?

Or not go in there at all even though the run was there?

Maybe they should tell us what the proper course of action should have been?

[Theoldfox]

Agree with you. At minimum there should be a communique put out to explain what Sam Barker should have done in this scenario. If I had more time on my hands I would personally raise this with the commissioner. I urge Sam Barker and the connections to do so, this is the sort of thing that makes participants reconsider their involvement in the game. Injustice, whether perceived or real. In my opinion this time it's real.


Maybe they should tell us what he was supposed to have done? Run was there as you said so once he'd committed to go there, what was he supposed to have done when other horse came down on him? Grab hold?

They're going in a straight line at that point so he gained no advantage at all and won easily?

Or not go in there at all even though the run was there?

Maybe they should tell us what the proper course of action should have been?

[Messenger]

RACE 10 – WOODLANDS STUD PACE (1720 MS)

The all clear was withheld to enable Stewards and Rodney Petroff, driver of Major Delico (2nd place) to view the footage in the home straight in relation to Ultimate Vinnie (1st place) racing inside the line of marker pegs in the home straight. After doing so, Rodney Petroff (Major Delico) lodged a protest against Ultimate Vinnie being declared the winner alleging that runner obtained an advantage by racing inside the line of marker pegs. After giving consideration to the evidence and being mindful of rule 163 (2), Stewards established that after accessing and having a clear run in the sprint lane, near the 100m Ultimate Vinnie then shifted in and away from Major Delico which shifted in marginally, where thereafter Ultimate Vinnie raced well inside the line of three marker pegs and driver Sam Barker (Ultimate Vinnie) failed to adequately restrain his drive, rather continued to progress, apply the whip and advance his position. Stewards were therefore sufficiently satisfied that Sam Barker, driver of Ultimate Vinnie had failed to comply with his obligations in accordance with rule 163 (2) which states: If a driver’s horse or sulky shifts inside the line of marker posts, the driver shall restrain the horse and, without interference to another runner, return to a position outside the line of marker posts at the first opportunity and had therefore obtained an advantage to the detriment of Major Delico. On that basis, the protest was upheld and all clear was declared on the placings amended to: Major Delico (1st), Ultimate Vinnie (2nd), Sheffield Sparky (3rd) and Foolish Pleasure (4th). At a subsequent inquiry, driver Sam Barker (Ultimate Vinnie) pleaded guilty to a charge under rule 163 (2). After assessing penalty in accordance with the HRV Minimum Penalty Guidelines, considering previous penalties imposed under similar circumstances, Mr Barker’s guilty plea, relatively good record and the affect on the outcome of the race, Mr Barker’s licence to drive in races was suspended for 7 days to commence midnight 21 October 2022.

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=MX211022

I still wonder whether had Sam Barker pulled back on Vinnie and lost, he could have protested and won on protest

[aussiebreno]

RACE 10 – WOODLANDS STUD PACE (1720 MS)

The all clear was withheld to enable Stewards and Rodney Petroff, driver of Major Delico (2nd place) to view the footage in the home straight in relation to Ultimate Vinnie (1st place) racing inside the line of marker pegs in the home straight. After doing so, Rodney Petroff (Major Delico) lodged a protest against Ultimate Vinnie being declared the winner alleging that runner obtained an advantage by racing inside the line of marker pegs. After giving consideration to the evidence and being mindful of rule 163 (2), Stewards established that after accessing and having a clear run in the sprint lane, near the 100m Ultimate Vinnie then shifted in and away from Major Delico which shifted in marginally, where thereafter Ultimate Vinnie raced well inside the line of three marker pegs and driver Sam Barker (Ultimate Vinnie) failed to adequately restrain his drive, rather continued to progress, apply the whip and advance his position. Stewards were therefore sufficiently satisfied that Sam Barker, driver of Ultimate Vinnie had failed to comply with his obligations in accordance with rule 163 (2) which states: If a driver’s horse or sulky shifts inside the line of marker posts, the driver shall restrain the horse and, without interference to another runner, return to a position outside the line of marker posts at the first opportunity and had therefore obtained an advantage to the detriment of Major Delico. On that basis, the protest was upheld and all clear was declared on the placings amended to: Major Delico (1st), Ultimate Vinnie (2nd), Sheffield Sparky (3rd) and Foolish Pleasure (4th). At a subsequent inquiry, driver Sam Barker (Ultimate Vinnie) pleaded guilty to a charge under rule 163 (2). After assessing penalty in accordance with the HRV Minimum Penalty Guidelines, considering previous penalties imposed under similar circumstances, Mr Barker’s guilty plea, relatively good record and the affect on the outcome of the race, Mr Barker’s licence to drive in races was suspended for 7 days to commence midnight 21 October 2022.

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=MX211022

I still wonder whether had Sam Barker pulled back on Vinnie and lost, he could have protested and won on protest

Thats if he got up for 2nd. If he had restrained the horse out wide could well have finished in front of him so protest would have been 3rd v 1st which would have only relegated him to 2nd. Been dudded here I feel.

[Messenger]

If we are really taking into account 'The detrimental effect that an offence of this nature may have upon the harness racing industry.'
Maybe Robert Walters should have got 5yrs instead of 5mths

https://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=54563

[Messenger]

PP and the Stewards (Adjourned Inquiry) have picked up this Rodney Lakey drive from Shep which looks the most blatant case, you are ever likely to see, of a driver taking hold because he does not want to run first four
If adjudicated as such, RL needs to get years not months
Watch Mac Almighty in the home str

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=SP261022#SPC26102201

[Theoldfox]

Well, well, one couldn't be faulted for assuming he was looking around and counting his placing before he grabbed hold.
Agree, if guilty, life ban. Someone guilty of such conduct adds nothing positive to the industry.


PP and the Stewards (Adjourned Inquiry) have picked up this Rodney Lakey drive from Shep which looks the most blatant case, you are ever likely to see, of a driver taking hold because he does not want to run first four
If adjudicated as such, RL needs to get years not months
Watch Mac Almighty in the home str

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=SP261022#SPC26102201

[Messenger]

If we are really taking into account 'The detrimental effect that an offence of this nature may have upon the harness racing industry.'
Maybe Robert Walters should have got 5yrs instead of 5mths

https://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=54563

This is the replay for this one - a bit harder to prove than Lakey's one but having adjudicated that he was culpable he only got 5 months

[Showgrounds]

This is the replay for this one - a bit harder to prove than Lakey's one but having adjudicated that he was culpable he only got 5 months

The replay is irrelevant for us, the stewards had the head on footage. Of greater concern was Pitt's lighting quick response time to sprint the winner up the inside. Of course my concerns are irrelevant as the stewards saw nothing amiss with Pitt's horse landing a plunge (!). Walter's has plenty of form - just google "robert walters harness stewards" and you will find plenty of entertaining reading. There are a number of incidents similar to the one in question, ie, related to allegations of match fixing.

Five months could be interpreted as an outcome in Walters' favour as he is compiling arecord that would make Gaita blush.

An interesting aside, the race winner has not won in 24 subsequent start. Walters' drive, Machiavelli, has raced 22 times since for a very tidy 6 wins and 7 placings. This further points to how "extremely lucky" punters were to clean up on Border Cross at Echuca. It also suggests that Machavelli's drivers have worked out the strap in their left hand is a rein and, with gentle tugging, the mare runs straight instead of veering up the track.

[Showgrounds]

If a picture says a thousand words Lakey is in a spot of bother.

[Messenger]

PP has discovered the reason Rodney Lakey took hold was to drop a Ratings Point

[Messenger]

Rodney Lakey drove the same horse in the same class race, to victory tonight

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=EC171122

As he is still driving thanks to

Stewards adjourned an inquiry into the driving tactics and actions of Rodney Lakey (Mac Almighty NZ) over the concluding stages

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=SP261022

We must keep our eye out for the Inquiry

[Messenger]

I have now watched Saturday night's races again and can report that Brad Williamson actually notched up a trifecta
1. He knocks a deserving Gp1 contestant out at the start
2. He destroys his own chances and those of the favourite by attacking for the lead for a ridiculous distance
3. He went inside 4 marker pegs on the final bend
He must have thought he was driving Rules Dont Apply

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX191122#MXM19112210

[Messenger]

Funny how going inside 4 pegs can be construed as contacting marker pegs!
BW has only got 2 weeks for No.1 above so far

Brad Williamson, driver of Aroha Kenny NZ pleaded guilty to a charge under rule 165(1)(b) which states: From the start through the first turn, and until reaching the next straight, a driver shall not move the driver’s horse towards the inside the running line unless the rear of the driver’s sulky is at least one metre clear of the extended front legs of the horse racing in the next position closer to the inside running line. The particulars of the charge being that racing into the first turn, Mr Williamson permitted Aroha Kenny NZ to shift in when insufficiently clear of Our Marvella NZ (C Alford), resulting in that filly being tightened for room, contacting the near side sulky wheel of Aroha Kenny NZ, causing Our Marvella NZ to be checked and break gait. Our Marvella NZ trailed the field thereafter. In assessing penalty in accordance with the HRV Minimum Penalty Guidelines, Stewards took into account Mr Williamson’s guilty plea, apparent good driving record, driving frequency (4000+ career drives), that the incident was a first turn offence and involved contact with the affected horse galloping and the status of the event. Mr Williamson’s licence to drive in races was suspended for 2 weeks to commence midnight 19 November 2022 and a fine of $500 was imposed.

Brad Williamson, driver of Aroha Kenny NZ pleaded not guilty to a charge under rule 149(2) which states: A person shall not drive in a manner which in the opinion of Stewards is unacceptable. The particulars of the charge being that after improving to the outside of Rockinwithattitude (Jayden Barker) near the 1800m and initiating a challenge for the lead, Mr Williamson persisted with that challenge from that point until resisting with that challenge approaching the 1500m, when it was apparent Rockinwithattitude (Jayden Barker) was showing no inclination to relinquish the lead. Stewards considered that the driving tactics adopted by Brad Williamson (Aroha Kenny NZ) during the relevant section were unacceptable contributing to a quick lead time of 42.9 seconds and his failure to give the filly sufficient respite sooner was the main contributing factor in Aroha Kenny NZ giving ground to finish in 8th position beaten approximately 35m. After Mr Williamson requested to provide further evidence in relation to the charge, the matter was adjourned to be reconvened on Wednesday 23 November 2022. A veterinary and endoscopic examination of Aroha Kenny NZ revealed no significant findings.

Jayden Barker, driver of Rockinwithattitude explained that he elected to maintain the lead despite the significant challenge from Aroha Kenny NZ from approximately the 1800m – 1500m, due to the previous racing pattern of the filly and his intention to hold the lead. Rockinwithattitude subsequently finished in 2nd place beaten approximately 7.5m. A veterinary examination of Rockinwithattitude revealed no significant findings. When considering the driving tactics adopted by Jayden Barker (Rockinwithattitude) Stewards took into account the relevant finishing position of Rockinwithattitude (2nd place), however advised that considering the extent of the pressure applied by Aroha Kenny NZ (B Williamson) and the speed of the race, that he also needs to ensure that he demonstrates his own initiative and exercise reasonable judgement in similar circumstances.

Cognati shifted out slightly from a position in the running line near the 600m, resulting in Susan Is Her Name making incidental contact with the offside sulky wheel of Cognati causing that filly to sustain a flat tyre. In the view of the minimal movement and no established carelessness, no further action was pursued.

Aroha Kenny NZ hung in and contacted marker pegs rounding the final turn and a warning was issued.

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=MX191122

[aussiebreno]

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/hrv-announces-two-new-senior-integrity-appointments/?fbclid=IwAR01Ig2MKxGelECu2ICpd3d3tbrs5kZj6BaJRWAM 6m37NWH9FWQalVHJ8r4

Posted just after 6pm.

https://peterprofit.com/exclusive-new-hrv-chairman-of-stewards-announced-maybe/

Posted 7.20PM

Gee he really got the scoop there.... bottom dollar he will claim it as he was in the know though

[Showgrounds]

Harness Racing Victoria today announced the appointment of Peter Chadwick as its Chairman of Stewards.

Chadwick was formerly Chief Thoroughbred Steward for the QRIC in Queensland and resigned without notice in September.

Is this a good move for Victorian trots? The talent pool must be very shallow if we have to accept another Banana-bending gallops steward. Have they learnt nothing from their experiences with the last cane toad to fill the position?

[Messenger]

All of Frank Pullicino's horses were scratched from Globe Derby yesterday
That many runners is pretty significant so I thought I might find a brief sentence or two about it on an official site somewhere
Nothing on HRA News under any of its categories
So I tried the SA homepage - nothing there, the latest 'latest news' is 5 days old
So I tried their Stewards Matters (behind the Welfare & Integrity' tab but the most recent thing on there was for July 22!

[Messenger]

It is in the Stewards Report

At 8.15 am Driver G Pullicino informed Stewards that both Trainer F Pullicino and herself were unwell and sought to withdraw all the stable runners.

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=GD160123

[Messenger]

Another 6 scratchings tonight - we will await the stewards report

[Messenger]

Another 6 scratchings tonight - we will await the stewards report

Nothing in the Stewards Report this time. SA is treating us like mushrooms

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=GD210123

[Messenger]

Stewards seem to have been very busy in NSW (and PP says there are rumours that retesting for EPO is going on)

https://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=59899

Where is the equivalent publication for Vic or aren't we doing anything?

[Showgrounds]

Distance runner Peter Bol recently returned a positive swab to EPO. He claims his innocence (of course) but there is some controversy over WADA's testing processes. Just like we have seen in racing the A sample must be tested using numerous methods. If anything untoward is found, rules dictate the B sample must be tested by laboratories using the exact same methods as the B sample. Naturally, the bug winners here are the law firms.

The fact that Bol's samples have shown EPO might mean the same methodical testing is now being carried out on long-stored B samples by HRNSW. Bingo cards and marker pens are at the ready.

[Messenger]

I found it hard to believe Bol's positive - seems it was false

Australian runner Peter Bol’s provisional suspension for testing positive to EPO has been lifted, effective immediately, after a test of his B sample did not confirm the A sample result.

The Age

[strong persuader]

Sports Integrity Australia later released a statement saying its doping investigation into Bol is still ongoing, despite the lifting of his drug suspension.

SIA said the suspension was lifted after Bol's B Sample produced an "atypical finding".

The authority said it is still investigating whether any anti-doping rule violations have been committed, saying it could not put a time frame on those deliberations.

It said an atypical finding "is not the same as a negative test result".

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=59ed934ceea99400JmltdHM9MTY3NjMzMjgwMCZpZ3VpZD0w MzJiMWY5Ny1mNGExLTY2NmUtMTc1Ny0wZDJmZjU5MzY3YjUmaW 5zaWQ9NTQ2MA&ptn=3&hsh=3&fclid=032b1f97-f4a1-666e-1757-0d2ff59367b5&psq=peter+bol&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubXNuLmNvbS9lbi1hdS9zcG9ydC9tb3 JlLXNwb3J0cy9hdXN0cmFsaWFuLW9seW1waWFuLXBldGVyLWJv bC1jbGVhcmVkLW9mLWRvcGluZy1hbGxlZ2F0aW9ucy1hZnRlci 1oaXMtYi1zYW1wbGUtaXMtbmVnYXRpdmUtZm9yLWVwby9hci1B QTE3cllrRg&ntb=1

[Messenger]

That is one way of looking at it Phil
But the B sample did not back up the A sample
and I am siding with the Premier in saying he has been exonerated
SIA on the other hand are not interested in coming out and saying we f***ed up

[Messenger]

From the VRT

https://djsir.vic.gov.au/victorian-racing-tribunal/decisions-and-reasons

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA
and
ZAC PHILLIPS
and
TAYLA NICHOLSON
and
ROB O’CONNELL

Mr Zac Phillips has been charged with four offences pursuant to Rule 254(1). This Rule could be summarised as prohibiting the use of what is known as a blood spinning machine (“the machine”). Each of the offences relates to the use of the machine on a different horse or horses.

Ms Tayla Nicholson has been charged with one offence resulting from the giving of permission to Mr Phillips to use the machine on two horses training by her. They were Muscletonian and Dreamer’s Delight, with the offence occurring between October 2020 and December 2020. The Charge is pursuant to Rule 239A.

Mr Rob O’Connell faces one charge similar to that against Ms Nicholson and pursuant to Rule 239A. Mr O’Connell is also a licensed trainer and the horses involved were Magicool and Bigjimvalentine. The use of the machine is alleged to have occurred between August 2020 and November 2020.

Mr Phillips faces an additional Charge of breaching AHRR 187(2) – the giving of false or misleading evidence or information


There is no argument but that none of the three was aware of the introduction of Rule 254A(1). Each did not know that blood spinning had become a prohibited practice

And we all believe in Fairytales !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally, there is the breach by Mr Phillips of Rule 187(2). When interviewed on 30 March 2021, he told the Stewards that he had borrowed the blood spinning machine from Mr Joe Pace, a licensed industry participant. It was not until 7 September 2021 that Mr Phillips informed the Stewards that it was in fact his own machine.

As we have said in many cases of this type, the Stewards have enough to do without wasting valuable time pursuing lines of enquiry based on falsehoods

WTF stewards didn't think it was worth pursuing where the machine came from - we are doomed

[aussiebreno]

From the VRT

https://djsir.vic.gov.au/victorian-racing-tribunal/decisions-and-reasons

HARNESS RACING VICTORIA
and
ZAC PHILLIPS
and
TAYLA NICHOLSON
and
ROB O’CONNELL

Mr Zac Phillips has been charged with four offences pursuant to Rule 254(1). This Rule could be summarised as prohibiting the use of what is known as a blood spinning machine (“the machine”). Each of the offences relates to the use of the machine on a different horse or horses.

Ms Tayla Nicholson has been charged with one offence resulting from the giving of permission to Mr Phillips to use the machine on two horses training by her. They were Muscletonian and Dreamer’s Delight, with the offence occurring between October 2020 and December 2020. The Charge is pursuant to Rule 239A.

Mr Rob O’Connell faces one charge similar to that against Ms Nicholson and pursuant to Rule 239A. Mr O’Connell is also a licensed trainer and the horses involved were Magicool and Bigjimvalentine. The use of the machine is alleged to have occurred between August 2020 and November 2020.

Mr Phillips faces an additional Charge of breaching AHRR 187(2) – the giving of false or misleading evidence or information


There is no argument but that none of the three was aware of the introduction of Rule 254A(1). Each did not know that blood spinning had become a prohibited practice

And we all believe in Fairytales !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally, there is the breach by Mr Phillips of Rule 187(2). When interviewed on 30 March 2021, he told the Stewards that he had borrowed the blood spinning machine from Mr Joe Pace, a licensed industry participant. It was not until 7 September 2021 that Mr Phillips informed the Stewards that it was in fact his own machine.

As we have said in many cases of this type, the Stewards have enough to do without wasting valuable time pursuing lines of enquiry based on falsehoods

WTF stewards didn't think it was worth pursuing where the machine came from - we are doomed
Ordinary all round.

[Theoldfox]

Ordinary all round.


Hmm, don't hold much hope if the effective penalty from blood doping is a total of 0 months disqualification/suspension. It's equivalent to using EPO! They may as well hand out EPO vials in show bags on Hunter cup night.

The participants need to kick up a fuss on this. Integrity is one of the issues that will continue to drive people away from the industry.

[Messenger]

Participants don't do that and you would have to still believe the participants are horse lovers. I am afraid there are very few that have not been found guilty of something nowadays and I can think of some big names that still belt the crap out of their horses in close finishes - not horse lovers. That is how I feel today - that the industry including the stewards are a bit of a sham

[Showgrounds]

The most interesting question to be answered - should the stewards bother to ask - is how is David Moran involved in this seeing he was suspended from training and driving at the time.

https://integrity.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/pending-vrt-hearing-rodney-lakey-kasey-kent-david-moran/

He trained the pin-up horse at the time, Lochinvar Art, but the horse was in the name of Kent initially, then Lakey as he got closer to racing.

It makes me wonder why Moran was given a soft-centered suspension, the only real penalty being some inconvenience to him, when a disqualification would leave no doubt of guilt when caught out being involved in the stable's operation.

[Messenger]

No doubt we will hear what a horse lovers they all are

[Showgrounds]

It's not all beer and skittles if your an "A" Grade trainer. Neither Kasey Kent or Rodney Lakey have had a starter this season or are listed as having any horses in their care.

[Messenger]

Kasey was just a bowler while Lakey told one of our posters last year that he was giving it away

[Showgrounds]

It begs the question as to how Kasey Kent was ever granted an "A" grade licence in the first place. And it was clear to all and sundry that Lakey was training Lochinvar Art under instructions from (a) Moran, or unlikely (b) Kent, or very unlikely (c) the horse's owner.

Whatever scenario, it was aided and abetted by a hugely compliant racing media and HRV. The rest of us continue to be played for mugs.

[Messenger]

As Dan said, R7 was a demolition derby. Ellen Tormey was cautioned for easing pace on Imnopumpkin (she is) - not enough, should be suspended for the way she slammed on the breaks in the running line early causing a chain reaction that cost the fav dozens of metres . Down the back the final time Damien Burns has been suspended for thinking he can do a move off the pegs on Solesseo Matuca regardless of whether he had a runner on his outside - no wonder he doesn't normally drive!
I have been following Imperials Reason (fav) for a while and it was an amazing run considering
The replays might be up one day and you can have a look

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX110323#MXM11032302

[Messenger]

I don't know how Ryan Backhouse on Eyethink in R10 got away with not trying to beat his stablemate (and trainer) who was the favourite
Ryan was using the whip in a correct manner (good to see) but right near the post desisted as he could see he was going to get more than just second
I am dumbfounded how the stewards can ignore it
They seem to have cautioned him for lack of control in order to 'cover up' NOT DRIVING A HORSE OUT

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX110323#MXM11032305

[Messenger]

I don't know how Ryan Backhouse on Eyethink in R10 got away with not trying to beat his stablemate (and trainer) who was the favourite
Ryan was using the whip in a correct manner (good to see) but right near the post desisted as he could see he was going to get more than just second
I am dumbfounded how the stewards can ignore it
They seem to have cautioned him for lack of control in order to 'cover up' NOT DRIVING A HORSE OUT

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX110323#MXM11032305

Ryan Backhouse pleaded guilty to a charge under AHRR 162(1)(z) which reads ‘a driver shall not fail to fully drive his or her horse out to the end of the race’ with the particulars of the charge being that Mr Backhouse failed to drive Eyethink out to the conclusion of the event. In determining penalty, Stewards considered Mr Backhouse’s guilty plea, forthright evidence in immediately admitting fault, good record under this rule and issued a fine the sum of $200.

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=MX110323

I know he is a kid but you cannot just get a fine for throwing a race

[Messenger]

And Damian Burns only got 10 days for the interference he caused on Solesseo Matuca - he probably wasn't due to drive for at least a week
At present the stewards are pretending to do their jobs and have become

[Showgrounds]

It seems Victorian stewards have sped along with the same lack of urgency with Julie Douglas' positive swab return as they did with her charmed husband's milk-shaking charge, which went nowhere after years and without any public explanation.

https://integrity.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/pending-vrt-hearing-julie-douglas/

There is a lot of homework to be done just to learn what the ingredients in this cocktail do.

[Messenger]

Yep, both over a year old - like I said earlier, I am starting to think that Integrity is a sham - just something that you need to have in your mission statement but nothing of great importance

[Showgrounds]

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=43016

These charges have been coming for 12 years ? !

Any slower and they will need to hire a medium to conduct the inquiry by a seance.

[Messenger]

Sports Integrity Australia later released a statement saying its doping investigation into Bol is still ongoing, despite the lifting of his drug suspension.

SIA said the suspension was lifted after Bol's B Sample produced an "atypical finding".

The authority said it is still investigating whether any anti-doping rule violations have been committed, saying it could not put a time frame on those deliberations.

It said an atypical finding "is not the same as a negative test result".

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=59ed934ceea99400JmltdHM9MTY3NjMzMjgwMCZpZ3VpZD0w MzJiMWY5Ny1mNGExLTY2NmUtMTc1Ny0wZDJmZjU5MzY3YjUmaW 5zaWQ9NTQ2MA&ptn=3&hsh=3&fclid=032b1f97-f4a1-666e-1757-0d2ff59367b5&psq=peter+bol&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubXNuLmNvbS9lbi1hdS9zcG9ydC9tb3 JlLXNwb3J0cy9hdXN0cmFsaWFuLW9seW1waWFuLXBldGVyLWJv bC1jbGVhcmVkLW9mLWRvcGluZy1hbGxlZ2F0aW9ucy1hZnRlci 1oaXMtYi1zYW1wbGUtaXMtbmVnYXRpdmUtZm9yLWVwby9hci1B QTE3cllrRg&ntb=1

Two independent laboratories have cleared Australian runner Peter Bol of ever using the banned substance EPO in a development his US-based lawyer Paul Greene has described as a “catastrophic blunder” from Sports Integrity Australia.

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/athletics/catastrophic-blunder-independent-testing-reveals-peter-bol-did-not-use-epo-20230328-p5cvre.html

[Messenger]

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=SP050423#SPC05042310

What is the QDT about for the fav who ran last in R1 at Shep today
It was a 1690m race and he started from 3 and was stuck 3w with the option to go back (over 1690m = No) or to work a little longer to pass the 2 horse ($126) who was being restrained for him
I think it was admirable that he pushed on (with his stablemate and near on equal favourite in the lead)

Are the stewards worried about the stable trying to control the race? Over policing! What is wrong with near on equal favourites wanting to occupy the lead spots in a 1690m race

[Messenger]

A couple more strange QDT's last night (I will await the Stewards Reports)
Melton R2 - what would they be querying about Ellen Tormey's drive on the unlucky Major Milestone?

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX080423#MXM08042307

At Wagga in R5, what would they have been querying about Matt Craven's drive on Bettor Isolate?
No good trying this link yet (I will contact RISE) as it is showing previous race

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=EY080423#EYC08042301

[aussiebreno]

A couple more strange QDT's last night (I will await the Stewards Reports)
Melton R2 - what would they be querying about Ellen Tormey's drive on the unlucky Major Milestone?

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX080423#MXM08042307

At Wagga in R5, what would they have been querying about Matt Craven's drive on Bettor Isolate?
No good trying this link yet (I will contact RISE) as it is showing previous race

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=EY080423#EYC08042301

Agree. Thats a pathetic QDT in Bettor Isolate. Driven exact same way as the prior week when he won. Alternative was to be driven like Tay Tay or Abouttime in the races either side.

He was a good thing beaten, but not because of the drive. Just luck in racing. Horse is going places.

[Showgrounds]

If nothing else, this settles who the trainer is and who the bowlers are.

https://integrity.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/vrt-hearing-rodney-lakey-kasey-kent-david-moran/

Even so, the punishments, if you could call them that, is akin to 50 lashes with a piece of lettuce from a day old Big Mac. Perhaps whipper snipper cord would leave a longer lasting message.

[Messenger]

The VRT decisions take a while to be published but we must keep an eye out at the following link (not the useless one provided) so that we know who to label a horse abuser - like asbestos, they will have to live and breath it forever more on this forum

https://djsir.vic.gov.au/victorian-racing-tribunal/decisions-and-reasons

[Theoldfox]

If nothing else, this settles who the trainer is and who the bowlers are.

https://integrity.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/vrt-hearing-rodney-lakey-kasey-kent-david-moran/

Even so, the punishments, if you could call them that, is akin to 50 lashes with a piece of lettuce from a day old Big Mac. Perhaps whipper snipper cord would leave a longer lasting message.


...and what makes it a bigger joke is that "the media" knew of this training arrangement when writing all of the "hard luck" stories on losing the horse to a bleed before he returned from his "run of bad luck". Surely we can do better than elevating serial rule breakers to hero status and not calling out indiscretions and suspensions/disqualifications as WRONG! Being disciplined for doing the wrong thing should never be portrayed as having a "bad run" unless they believe that getting caught is the "unlucky" part. The media may think they are helping with what they believe are "positive" stories but all that is happening is that they are normalising the wrong behaviour in the sport and in the long run the reputation of the sport goes down the drain. It may seem painful but the best thing for the sport is showing that the industry does not tolerate rule breaking, aggression, violence, cruelty and any other indiscretions. Perhaps only then will industry's reputation be restored.

[Messenger]

...and what makes it a bigger joke is that "the media" knew of this training arrangement when writing all of the "hard luck" stories on losing the horse to a bleed before he returned from his "run of bad luck". Surely we can do better than elevating serial rule breakers to hero status and not calling out indiscretions and suspensions/disqualifications as WRONG! Being disciplined for doing the wrong thing should never be portrayed as having a "bad run" unless they believe that getting caught is the "unlucky" part. The media may think they are helping with what they believe are "positive" stories but all that is happening is that they are normalising the wrong behaviour in the sport and in the long run the reputation of the sport goes down the drain. It may seem painful but the best thing for the sport is showing that the industry does not tolerate rule breaking, aggression, violence, cruelty and any other indiscretions. Perhaps only then will industry's reputation be restored.

Well said.
We get bugger all mainstream media coverage so we are pretty much looking at the platforms we 'rusted ons' access.
Apart from a notorious subscription only critic (maybe too much so) about the only criticism I have heard from our presenters would be a couple of times in his limited opportunities where Dan has spoken out on something that he thinks is wrong (not participants, mind you)

[strong persuader]

...and what makes it a bigger joke is that "the media" knew of this training arrangement when writing all of the "hard luck" stories on losing the horse to a bleed before he returned from his "run of bad luck". Surely we can do better than elevating serial rule breakers to hero status and not calling out indiscretions and suspensions/disqualifications as WRONG! Being disciplined for doing the wrong thing should never be portrayed as having a "bad run" unless they believe that getting caught is the "unlucky" part. The media may think they are helping with what they believe are "positive" stories but all that is happening is that they are normalising the wrong behaviour in the sport and in the long run the reputation of the sport goes down the drain. It may seem painful but the best thing for the sport is showing that the industry does not tolerate rule breaking, aggression, violence, cruelty and any other indiscretions. Perhaps only then will industry's reputation be restored.

Amen to that. That is one train that I'll be happy to get on.

[Showgrounds]

It only took two and a half years for her drawn out inquiry into Black Edition's two positive swabs for the presence of levamisole to be concluded. She has been DQ'd for 6 months. The decision makes interesting, and alarming, reading.

https://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=60925

Note the horse's previous NZ trainer Ken Barron admitted to administering a product called Matrix-C to the horse on 20 November 2020, a week before being cleared to NSW. This is an oral drench register in NZ and elsewhere for use with cattle only. On dairy cattle, it has a withholding period of 35 days on milk intended for human consumption. For meat, the WHP is 14 days.

The 3 active ingredients in Matrix-C are:
- abamectin, a macrocyclic lactone similar to Ivomec and other worm drench pastes used to worm horses;
- oxfendazole, a "white" drench that nowadays is used in rotation with mectins to clean out residual worms; and
- levamisole, which is a prohibited substance for horses. Calling your horse a cow, sheep or goat makes no difference.

The first two ingredients in their various forms and products are registered products, sometime as a combination, in horses. Levmisole is a prohibited substance according to the rule of racing and veterinary medicines registration authorities in Australasia. Here is the the product sheet:

https://parasitipedia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4527&Itemid=4857

Which begs the questions - what is HRNZ going to do about Ken Barron's admission? What is a professional horse trainer doing administering a cattle-only drench to a horse? And a 3-way drench designed to treat cattle with a heavy worm burden, something you are unlikely to find in the lush pastures around West Melton (Canterbury NZ, not to be confused with the dry pastures of Mellton West just past Tabcorp Park).

Barron's admission does not wash for mine.

[Theoldfox]

It only took two and a half years for her drawn out inquiry into Black Edition's two positive swabs for the presence of levamisole to be concluded. She has been DQ'd for 6 months. The decision makes interesting, and alarming, reading.

https://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=60925

Note the horse's previous NZ trainer Ken Barron admitted to administering a product called Matrix-C to the horse on 20 November 2020, a week before being cleared to NSW. This is an oral drench register in NZ and elsewhere for use with cattle only. On dairy cattle, it has a withholding period of 35 days on milk intended for human consumption. For meat, the WHP is 14 days.

The 3 active ingredients in Matrix-C are:
- abamectin, a macrocyclic lactone similar to Ivomec and other worm drench pastes used to worm horses;
- oxfendazole, a "white" drench that nowadays is used in rotation with mectins to clean out residual worms; and
- levamisole, which is a prohibited substance for horses. Calling your horse a cow, sheep or goat makes no difference.

The first two ingredients in their various forms and products are registered products, sometime as a combination, in horses. Levmisole is a prohibited substance according to the rule of racing and veterinary medicines registration authorities in Australasia. Here is the the product sheet:

https://parasitipedia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4527&Itemid=4857

Which begs the questions - what is HRNZ going to do about Ken Barron's admission? What is a professional horse trainer doing administering a cattle-only drench to a horse? And a 3-way drench designed to treat cattle with a heavy worm burden, something you are unlikely to find in the lush pastures around West Melton (Canterbury NZ, not to be confused with the dry pastures of Mellton West just past Tabcorp Park).

Barron's admission does not wash for mine.

To be honest I don't think that this constitutes any offence, particularly if prescribed by a vet. There are many drugs dispensed by vets that are branded/labelled for one animal but used on another. This is not strictly regulated. It happens that drugs labelled for humans (it usually means they are purer) are used on animals too. Levamisole is banned from competition (as is too much Bicarb soda!), if the trainer had no intention to race, there is no offence committed by him as far as I can see, it's not a restricted drug. It was good to see the stewards did the due diligence and didn't let this slip as coming from Ken Barron's treatment. It was waaaaay past the withholding period.

[Theoldfox]

On a more interesting note, the stay of proceedings for one of "the team" was denied...

On 3 May 2023, the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) heard an application by Mr Robert Walters for a stay of proceeding in respect of the four-month suspension imposed on him by the HRV Stewards pursuant to AHRR 168(1)(e) following Race 1 at Ballarat on 26 April 2023.
On 5 May 2023, the VRT refused Mr Walters’ application for a stay of proceeding.
Mr Walters’ suspension commences at midnight on Friday, 5 May 2023.

For reference, this was the race where he was suspended for rubber necking, calling out to his colleague that was driving a horse from the same stable to warn about a danger to the win that was getting out of a pocket...and then blocked that runner from getting out easily by veering into its path in the home straight....4 months is probably lenient given his track record. Perhaps he forgot that Ballarat is in Victoria and not Tasmania.

[Showgrounds]

It's a pity the stewards said months instead of decades.

[Showgrounds]

To be honest I don't think that this constitutes any offence, particularly if prescribed by a vet. There are many drugs dispensed by vets that are branded/labelled for one animal but used on another. This is not strictly regulated. It happens that drugs labelled for humans (it usually means they are purer) are used on animals too. Levamisole is banned from competition (as is too much Bicarb soda!), if the trainer had no intention to race, there is no offence committed by him as far as I can see, it's not a restricted drug. It was good to see the stewards did the due diligence and didn't let this slip as coming from Ken Barron's treatment. It was waaaaay past the withholding period.

It has nothing to do with being prescribed by a vet or not, the LAWS relating to agricultural and veterinary medicines prohibit the use of levamisol in equines. You do not go to a vet to get a prescription, just rock into your local rural merchandise store and grab it off the shelf. No questions asked, but never ask any questions because a properly trained salesperson might baulk if they get a hint you are buying it for horses. It is ILLEGAL to administer anything containing levamisole to horses. Withholding periods suggest Morris may have an appeal defence, if you believe the WHP has nothing to do with it then Morris must have administered it.

Barron submitted he administered Matrix-C to the horse on 15 November 2020, 12 days before the horse was cleared to NSW and 27 days before it returned the first of Morri's positives. Did Barron do this without notifying Morris? I doubt it but we'll never know.. Was it an innocent mistake on Barron's behalf? I find it implausible that a trainer with 18 years experience, had nearly 4,000 starters and trained nearly 500 winners would administer ANY veterinary product without reading the boody label! Especially the safety data sheet that says FOR CATTLE ONLY!

You state Barron has committed no offence and off-label use "is not strictly regulated". Wanna bet? Trainers will do this until they get caught, the a tonne bricks will fall on them. As I pointed out, administering levamisole to horses is ILLEGAL in both countries so your out of competition claim is complete rubbish and any stable inspection/ swabs taken by stewards during a routine or random stable inspection would have serious consequences for the trainer.

If you believe this is an honest mistake you need to read up on levamisole. HRNSW issued an Industry Notice to all registered participants, I believe in early 2019, advising levamisole is a prohibited substance (as in it is not registered by the AVPMA for horses) and had been detected to metabolise into performance enhancing and prohibited substances. Bingo.

It metabolises into aminorex. I've attached a US article about aminorex , make up your own mind why levamisole is banned. I have.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4077236/

[Messenger]

Ryan Duffy was on the favourite in R7 at Stawell today but he got double crossed and ended up 3 fence
Coming into the home straight he was desperate and after thinking of trying to go wide he came back down and tried to go between the leader and the death horse. It was never on - the head on shot that you are unlikely to see in the replay confirmed what the side on shot suggested
He was driving like a cowboy and potentially putting the lives of other drivers at risk if he tipped one of them out of their cart.
We do not take this seriously enough. Looking at the stewards column - he only got a caution

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=SW290523#SWC29052301

[Messenger]

OMG Anthony Butt has to be in serious trouble over that drive to soften up the odds on fav by challenging and forcing a 27.2 Q2 in R8 at Melton

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX030623#MXM03062305

[Messenger]

Nothing in the Stewards Column - unbelievable IMO

[Theoldfox]

Nothing in the Stewards Column - unbelievable IMO

I think that A Butt was trying to take advantage of all the work the favourite had done, given the circumstances there was a good chance that Pitt would hand up. It didn't happen, they both lost. This is racing and actually not the worst choice by A Butt. I agree with the stewards, not much to talk about (Though I can be the stewards biggest critic when they don't act on some days)

[aussiebreno]

I think that A Butt was trying to take advantage of all the work the favourite had done, given the circumstances there was a good chance that Pitt would hand up. It didn't happen, they both lost. This is racing and actually not the worst choice by A Butt. I agree with the stewards, not much to talk about (Though I can be the stewards biggest critic when they don't act on some days)

+1.
Had they sat in indian file for 2 laps and an Emma Stewart favourite ran away last 400m in 27 flat we would be whinging about the boring leader dictated racing with no drivers showing any initiative.

It didn't work out but it wasn't the worst idea.

[Messenger]

I don't disagree that it made for a more exciting race BUT AB made his move at the 1400m and persisted until the 1000m, already at this point we knew he could not win. 500m later he was gone with 500m still to go. By persisting for 400m, he gave his horse NO chance of even running a place. I did not have a bet but I ask you to watch the race imagining you were in the shoes of someone who had a bet on the fav or on Younggiftedandblack - how would you be feeling at the bell?

YG&B stuck on well despite being no chance a lap out

ps Check out the stewards report - I don't think I have ever seen such a scant report for a meeting

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=MX030623

[aussiebreno]

I don't disagree that it made for a more exciting race BUT AB made his move at the 1400m and persisted until the 1000m, already at this point we knew he could not win. 500m later he was gone with 500m still to go. By persisting for 400m, he gave his horse NO chance of even running a place. I did not have a bet but I ask you to watch the race imagining you were in the shoes of someone who had a bet on the fav or on Younggiftedandblack - how would you be feeling at the bell?

YG&B stuck on well despite being no chance a lap out

ps Check out the stewards report - I don't think I have ever seen such a scant report for a meeting

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=MX030623
I don't think you should punish by the result. Punish by the decision. The decision was okay. He had a horse who had raced on speed with succuss its last 8 starts against a horse who has probably never really been tested to gas and re-gas. No issue getting on-speed and seeing what the driver would do if asked to be re-gassed.

[Messenger]

The initiative was fine but it immediately rang alarm bells for me (that it was about getting the fav beat) when he continued to persist when told NO

[Messenger]

First past the post in R2 at Bendigo tonight DISQUALIFIED

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN130623#BNC13062308

I guess it is pretty obvious what he has done But we will have to await the Stewards Report for details

[Messenger]

Brian Gath, driver of HOLD THAT GOLD was found guilty of a charge pursuant to AHRR 163(1)(c)(i) which reads “a driver shall not allow the driver’s horse or the sulky or any part thereof shift inside the marker post” with the particulars of the charge being that “after activating removable gear, Mr Gath then directed his drive down the track into a position where the gelding has contacted and raced inside several marker pegs”. In determining penalty, in accordance with the HRV Minimum Penalty Guidelines, Stewards considered Mr Gath’s not guilty plea, the circumstances of this particular incident, with HOLD THAT GOLD gaining ground whilst racing inside several marker pegs, Mr Gath’s good overall record under this rule, relevant penalty precedents, and suspended Mr Gath’s license to drive for a period of two (2) weeks, with the suspension ordered to commence immediately. Mr Gath was advised of his right of appeal.

At a subsequent inquiry, first past the post HOLD THAT GOLD (8) was disqualified in accordance with AHRR 163(5) which reads

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=BN130623

[Showgrounds]

I watched the replay twice and assume the offence occurred where the horse ran up the inside of the leader at the end of the back straight. I can only assume this because the stewards, always on the ball, neglected to say where this occurred. I will watch the replay again and watch for when Brian "activates the removable gear" (steward-speak for pulling the deafeners) because i could not see where the horse raced inside the markers.

[Messenger]

I thought it had to be when he came up the inside of the leader in the back straight but try as I might, I found the video quality was not good enough to make out the pegs. The caller did not say that the leader had drifted up the track

[Messenger]

I can understand the QDT's for R5 at Ballarat last night.
Could Mark Pitt have stayed off the pegs - you would have thought so, seeing as though he started from barrier 2
"There's an interesting scenario" from Dan when crosser Aaron Dunn decided he would stitch up the fav - put it 3 back the pegs
The Stewards Report accepts their explanations, Dunn admits his was tactical, I can see that Pitt had to be somewhat careful but I think he was strangely going to the fence on the odds on pop even though there is no Sprint Lane at Ballarat

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BA150623#BAC15062302

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=BA150623

[Messenger]

Kate Gath will have to be questioned as to why she went inside the pegs when Encipher capitulated in the lead - was she giving her stablemates more room to get past her?

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX170623#MXM17062304

[Messenger]

How can there be no mention of going inside the pegs??????????????

[Messenger]

PP has gone hard at Kate and the Stewart stable.
I don't know how he can suggest the race was being run for Petillante to win without anything to support his suggestion

I think Kate has questions to answer but I do not think she did what she did in a calculated way, it was just an instinctive reaction - sheez, I had better get out the others way.
Nevertheless I don't think she would have done it if the runners on her back were from another stable. IMO (only) it is ingrained in these regular Stewart drivers, frequently driving in races where the stable has multi runners, that they are out there as part of a team.
I am a fan of Kate but she made a mistake this time and has to be made aware of it

I would not expect a big penalty - remember earlier in the year we had a driver admit he did not drive his horse out so that the stable's more fancied runner would win - he only got a reprimand. I am not sure what the penalty should be for an experienced driver like Kate but for a first offence, not much

[Showgrounds]

If I was driving a horse that I suspected was either choking down or having a heart attack I wouldn't be worrying about the rules. Safety first, that’s what Kate did.

[Messenger]

Watching her, I cannot see that at all. She kept asking it for an effort after it started losing ground, IMO if she feared a collapsing horse she would have pulled it right inside the markers. I don't want her suspended but she has to be told she cannot do that

[Messenger]

Still no Saturday night Melton Stewards Report up

[Messenger]

Up (on Wednesday)

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=MX170623

No mention of going inside pegs. I would like to think the AF determination saved her - although there seems no reason for her not to have pulled up outside the pegs. If a horse gives an indication that it could collapse - that is a different matter. Otherwise in the future we are in danger of seeing an unscrupulous stable pull a leader inside the pegs to let a well supported stablemate through and then claim they thought .........

[Messenger]

I didn't spot this one from last Saturday at Melton and you won't find it in the Stewards Report (minimal Peter Chadwick fare) but PP is asking why not?
Have a look at the start of R2
Chris Svanosio trained/Ross Payne driven fav Aroha Koe (2) had the 1x1 on the back of Chris Svanosio trained and driven Anywhere Hugo (3) in the death but Ross Payne goes around him to the death, after which the longer shot could not have hoped for a better trail all the way

Stewards on the ball, should have at least been asking why?

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX240623#MXM24062309

[Messenger]

PP reckons this was intentional and to do with an off track issue (and aimed at the winner who was coming 3 wide). If that was the case 5 weeks should have been 5 years

Stewards issued a charge under R168(1)(b) against Michael Smith (JESSIES SON). The specifics of the charge being that driver M Smith did not, at any time check his drive away from HORSE OF COURSE whilst it was in a break approaching the home turn on the final occasion, resulting in severe interference to HORSE OF COURSE and other trailing runners in the race. Smith was found guilty as charged.

In the opinion of the Stewards, driver M Smith had been reckless in taking no action to avoid interference when he had ample time to check his drive inwards. In issuing penalty Stewards took into account the seriousness of the incident and Smiths previous good driving record under this Rule when imposing a suspension of 5 weeks.

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=GD030723

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=GD030723#GDC03072309

[Showgrounds]

It looked deliberate through my eyes. No attempt was made to check or even steer the horse.

[Messenger]

PP is highlighting/lowlighting the fact that the starter at Bathurst was the trainer and owner of the winner. Clearly in breach of the rules!
However I cannot see his problem with the start as you regularly see horses failing to take up their positions and if there is nothing drawn behind them then too bad

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=BH120723

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BH120723#BHC12072304

[Messenger]

Newcastle R.10 Friday 21/07

RACE 10 – SKY RACING ACTIVE PACE – 1609 metres

Prior to the declaration of all clear, Stewards looked to review the reasons for number 5 ARTISTIC SCOTT competing with saddle cloth number 7 and in turn number 7 KOZACZYNSKI going out with saddle cloth number 5. It was established post-race that these runners had gone out in the incorrect saddlecloths unnoticed and therefore started from the incorrect barrier positions. After taking evidence from starter M Parkes, stable representative D Standen and Drivers M Formosa and T Ison, Stewards under AHHR 64 disqualified ARTISTIC SCOTT and KOZACZYNSKI for starting from the incorrect barriers. An inquiry into the reasons for these runners having the incorrect saddlecloth was adjourned to a time and date to be fixed. Stewards also will furnish a report to management of Harness Racing NSW for internal review of the incident.

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=NR210723

You will notice that they have not put up the photo of the finish as first across the line was disqualified

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=NR210723#NRC21072302

This is very strange and a stuff up by not only the stable mixing up two of their runners but also the stewards in not detecting it until after the running.
They did not just have the wrong saddlecloths on and start from the wrong barriers - they had the wrong drivers on and I am thinking (from PP's early post on the race) that they went out in the other horses gear - a total misidentification of horses

[Showgrounds]

Your latter thought reflects mine Kev. Aaron Goadsby was in QLD with horses, the hired help (or should that be HELP!!!) in charge of things at Newcastle just stuffed up big time. As did the stewards but they will still get paid next week.

[Messenger]

I reckon old poster Nathan was pretty unlucky to not have his protest upheld in R5 at Melton tonight
Anthony Butt came in a good metre on him and 'as if Anthony was not in full control' - I reckon he might have known what he was doing

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX090823#MXC09082301

Watch the replay right until the end as the head on confirms what looked like a noticeable shift anyway - see how he overlaps wheels

[Messenger]

PP is rightfully asking "Why is there no stewards report for Melton Aug 12?"
It is now 9 days (last Saturday Aug 19 is up)

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/

[Messenger]

Chief Steward Chadwick is always slow to get his reports up but you would think this must have been an oversight
Up now, brief as usual - after you take out the Race names we are only talking 600 words and 100 of those would be horses names - you could knock it up in ½ an hour

[Messenger]

Once again PP is asking where is the Vicbred Semis Stewards Report from Saturday Sept 9? Still not up and the finals have now been run and won

[KTQ]

https://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=62397

[Showgrounds]

https://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=62397

The only news to me is the stewards actually turned up, inspected the stables and found something. If they were half smart they should have arrived unannounced on Friday night, the day before the Vicbred Finals. They might have found several more IV bottles.

[Messenger]

Once again PP is asking where is the Vicbred Semis Stewards Report from Saturday Sept 9? Still not up and the finals have now been run and won

They are finally up but it is a disgrace that Chair Peter Chadwick did not get this report which is relevant for those doing form for Saturday's Finals posted before the Finals were run

[Messenger]

Once again - it is Friday and last Saturday's Stewards Report for the Vicbred Finals is still not up.

[Messenger]

Finally up - hard to know why it takes so long when it would appear to be an easy night with Ryan Duffy in R2 being the only driver spoken to for the whole night

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=MX160923

[Messenger]

https://harnesslink.com/australia/three-trainers-disqualified-for-breaching-prohibited-substance-rules/

There have been 3 recent trainer disqualifications with Greg Fleming being the big one in that he copped 30 months
Before being stood down he had had 56 starters in 5 months
His Winning Strike rate had gone up to 30% for this period

Was this the same trainer that took over for David Moran at one stage?

[Showgrounds]

https://harnesslink.com/australia/three-trainers-disqualified-for-breaching-prohibited-substance-rules/

There have been 3 recent trainer disqualifications with Greg Fleming being the big one in that he copped 30 months
Before being stood down he had had 56 starters in 5 months
His Winning Strike rate had gone up to 30% for this period

Was this the same trainer that took over for David Moran at one stage?

More a case of who hasn't, isn't it?

Yes, I believe so.

[Messenger]

PP has an UNBELIEVABLE article today - suggesting/claiming that stewards went to the Stewart stable on Saturday to conduct a without notice stable inspection but that they were refused entry and told if they did enter then the stable would scratch all their runners AND that the stewards backed off after phone calls were made. Furthermore it is reported that they demanded that a certain vet not come near their horses on the night and that he didn't (as instructed)

This cannot be true. It is however such a massive allegation that it needs to be denied by HRV

[Showgrounds]

PP has an UNBELIEVABLE article today - suggesting/claiming that stewards went to the Stewart stable on Saturday to conduct a without notice stable inspection but that they were refused entry and told if they did enter then the stable would scratch all their runners AND that the stewards backed off after phone calls were made. Furthermore it is reported that they demanded that a certain vet not come near their horses on the night and that he didn't (as instructed)

This cannot be true. It is however such a massive allegation that it needs to be denied by HRV

I don't know why you say the rumour CANNOT be true, Kev. What is true is there has been no report made public from the inquiry conducted into the stable inspection the day before the Maryborough Cup and the scratching of two horses that had been treated inside the allowable timeline.

And the stable has form with pulling horses out of major races. Don't you recall the Ballarat Cup fiasco in December 2014, when the Stewart stable withdrew its 4 runners - Restrepo, Beauty Secret, Guaranteed and Philidelphia Man - after the stewards declared the sulkies to be used not in accordance with the HRA standard. David Aiken also pulled of his two runners.

While the reasoning reeked of HRV pig-headedness (a directive to all trainers announcing their intended racenight inspections would have prevented the debacle) it demonstrated a willingness of the Stewart stable to take on the authorities. They could easily have borrowed 4 compliant sulkies on racenight but, instead, scratched their runners from a Group One race. I have often wondered if all the connections of the scratched horses were 100% in agreement with the decision that left them out of pocket?

This was an early example of the stable dictating the terms to the stewards, so PP's report is clearly not a first when it comes to acts of defiance that would see other trainers rubbed out.

[trish]

That's opened a can of worms. Big , hungry , carnivorous worms!!!

[Messenger]

I believe that the Ballarat fiasco was considerably different, not totally but significantly. It also does not follow that because Ballarat happened that this report actually happened
I said it cannot be true because IF it is then harness racing in Victoria may be beyond redemption - certainly not with this administration

[Showgrounds]

I believe that the Ballarat fiasco was considerably different, not totally but significantly. It also does not follow that because Ballarat happened that this report actually happened
I said it cannot be true because IF it is then harness racing in Victoria may be beyond redemption - certainly not with this administration

There might be a bit of wishful thinking on your behalf, Kev, but the Ballarat fiasco is proof the stable has a history of telling authority to go take a running jump. The current administration? The one that has sent harness racing broke in Victoria? Surely they wouldn't crumble when threatened by the States's most successful stable? That would be a PR disaster. Again.

[trish]

https://www.thecourier.com.au/story/6734006/big-plans-for-leading-harness-racing-trainers-stewart-tonkin/

Wonder if this happened??

[Messenger]

It never happened, I think it was being driven by one of their owners with horses in both codes

[Messenger]

Today PP has doubled down on that part of his Monday article which stated that the Stewart stable threatened to scratch their horses if a certain vet came near them at Melton and that the vet was instructed to steer clear of their horses.

Of course you cannot have stables telling officials how/if they may do their job so if it is true then the person who instructed the said vet to stay clear would have to immediately resign their position

Will we hear more? We have yet to hear anything about the Maryborough Cup scratchings due to raceday treatment so don't expect too much. No doubt the Maryborough matter is waiting its turn in the queue but these matters are too delayed if best practice integrity is the aim

[Showgrounds]

The Chief and 86 are stuck under the Cone of Silence!

[Showgrounds]

The fall-out from the random stable inspection in September of the Stewart stable has resulted in Emma being dq'd for 6 months. Read the report here:

https://integrity.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/hrv-stewards-inquiry-ms-emma-stewart/

We now await The Stewart Saga 2, the sequel. The refusal of the stable to allow an inspection by HRV stewards and bring in its own vet into the stables. The cover-up is always bigger than the crime, get the Coke and popcorn ready for this blockbuster.

[aussiebreno]

Lucky the Stewards gave her a few extra days to make alternative arrangements because I am sure the backup plans haven't been in place for 10+ years!

It does dispel some of the hysteria over the past week or two because obviously this date and evidence wasn't all arranged in a week.

[Messenger]

Yes, we have been talking about declaring partnerships for the best part of 10yrs

[Messenger]

You can see why PP had a go at Peter Chadwick for the quality of the Stewards Report on Saturday night

medical officers had to attend toa patient

Gave ground and tire in the final lap

Jason Grimshaw was fined $100 under AHRR 238 for failing to provide the driving tactics for her multiple runners

Cameron Hart was fined $200 under AHRR 156(3) for unapproved whip use, for applying the whip to her drive on more occasions than are permitted

[Messenger]

How can the Stewards Report for Bendigo on Saturday night make no mention of why the meeting started so late?

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=BN090324

[Messenger]

PP reckons the stewards should be having a look at R1 at Melton last night
He says it was the greatest 'boat race' of all time
No.1 Little Louie was backed in from $10 (PP claimed greater) to $2.40 and was never challenged while walking the first 1600m of the race
Little Louie has drawn barrier 2, 1, 1, 1 in his previous four starts and always taken a sit

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX230324#MXM23032403

[Messenger]

I know it is probably just coincidence but I am assuming that Quiet Storm was relegated from 3rd place to last night in R3 at Melton for going inside the marker pegs and when does the replay cut out - just as they commence showing the head on vision GRRRRR :mad:

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX130424#MXM13042406

[trish]

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/herbertson-to-serve-suspension-helping-sugars-in-nz/

One way to get a holiday.......hahaha

[Messenger]

All clear for delayed for Stewards to review the video footage with regard to QUIET STORM racing in the home straight. After reviewing the footage, it was ascertained that shortly after entering the home straight QUIET STORM shifted down towards the sprint lane, however it shifted further down and raced inside approximately 7 (seven) marker pegs whilst gaining ground. When considering this Stewards were of the opinion that QUIET STORM had gained an advantage whilst racing inside marker pegs and as such acting under AHRR 66(e) and was relegated to last place.

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=MX130424

I meant to post this some time ago in relation to post 386

[trish]

I just read the stewards report re the Nulla.
Interesting.

[Messenger]

Yes Trish, adjourned till Friday

[trish]

https://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=65259

[trish]

https://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=65309 TAS

Is this for real???

[Messenger]

I agree Trish, so Robert Walters submits to providing a urine sample ONE DAY LATER (you would have to think to his advantage) But surely he has to face a charge of refusing a directive for the day before

[trish]

I agree Trish, so Robert Walters submits to providing a urine sample ONE DAY LATER (you would have to think to his advantage) But surely he has to face a charge of refusing a directive for the day before

And they wonder why people are leaving the industry.

[Messenger]

FAMILY TREE– Broke gait after the start, given the gelding’s record connections were advised that it would be placed outside the draw for future mobile start races. A post-race Veterinary examination of the gelding revealed it to have a number of welts on its rump. An inquiry into Trainer/Driver A Dean’s actions with the gelding following the race was adjourned to a date to be fixed.

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=EY070524

Today PP highlights or I should say lowlights this one from Wagga on May 6
If Amanda Dean is found to have beaten 11yo Family Tree after the race, she should be banned for 10yrs
Dean has only ever driven 30 winners in her career - 8 of them on Family History
If true, actions like this are what will see harness racing lose its social licence to operate

[trish]

FAMILY TREE– Broke gait after the start, given the gelding’s record connections were advised that it would be placed outside the draw for future mobile start races. A post-race Veterinary examination of the gelding revealed it to have a number of welts on its rump. An inquiry into Trainer/Driver A Dean’s actions with the gelding following the race was adjourned to a date to be fixed.

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=EY070524

Today PP highlights or I should say lowlights this one from Wagga on May 6
If Amanda Dean is found to have beaten 11yo Family Tree after the race, she should be banned for 10yrs
Dean has only ever driven 30 winners in her career - 8 of them on Family History
If true, actions like this are what will see harness racing lose its social licence to operate

I think that this sort of inquiry will determine the strength and the relevance of the authority.

[trish]

9 NEVER ENDING $ 49,500 Sr1 10 Justin Prentice Gary Hall Jnr 15.00 $ 5.50 4 C RR INQADJ

Any one know where to find INQADJ ? In WA.

From April 19th. Catch a wave won the race & also has a INQADJ.

[Messenger]

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=GP260424

[trish]

Thank you Kev.

[Danno]

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=TA230524

RACE 7 – TAMWORTH RADIO CABS – PACING FOR PINK PACE – 1609 metres
QUEEN TREACHERIE NZ – Pre-race blood sample was taken. Raced roughly for a short distance after the start.
RACING PAULA – Post-race swab sample was obtained.

Watch the replay, then read the total Stewards report for race 7. What has been missed ??

[Messenger]

I think I need a hint Dan

ps People trying to spot what has been missed - you do not need to look up the Stewards Report as what Dan has quoted is the whole report for this race

[gutwagon]

Was it the 3 wide horse cutting off the death horse causing it to put in a few rough strides. What was with the laughing at the end ?

[strong persuader]

Was it the non questioning of Tom Ison's drive on American Beauty? Go to the death, two quarters in 28.6, 28.6 and get out of the way of the stablemate?
As per PP's article on the same race :)

[Danno]

Was it the non questioning of Tom Ison's drive on American Beauty? Go to the death, two quarters in 28.6, 28.6 and get out of the way of the stablemate?
As per PP's article on the same race :)

Would probably be the fastest middle half at that track for a very, very long time, bringing a fav undone by a second fav.........coupled with the shortest Stewards report of the day, there are so many factors you would expect to gain attention. I just thought it was extraordinary. PP? PP? who the duck is PP?

[strong persuader]

PP? PP? who the duck is PP?

Hi Danno,

Been a while since we spoke :)
PP is Archie Butterfly, who has a website peterprofit.com? where he puts up a subscriber newssheet called Four Legged Lottery.
He actually voices a lot of things that we cannot say here, or would be in trouble for saying so.

[Danno]

Hi Danno,

Been a while since we spoke :)
PP is Archie Butterfly, who has a website peterprofit.com? where he puts up a subscriber newssheet called Four Legged Lottery.
He actually voices a lot of things that we cannot say here, or would be in trouble for saying so.

Thanks Phil,

I'll have a sqiz.

[Messenger]

I think it’s $100 for 6 months ��

[trish]

Thanks Phil,

I'll have a sqiz.

Hi Dan.
We have followed PP for years. We are big fans. And if I wanted to say what I wanted to say about things, I would be breaking rocks!!!

[Danno]

Thanks folks had a sqiz at PP today but to be blunt, if something doesn't look right I think asking a question is reasonable if you are not making claims and/statements. each to their own and I know some people are are gun shy for good reason.

Cheers,

Dan

[trish]

Thanks folks had a sqiz at PP today but to be blunt, if something doesn't look right I think asking a question is reasonable if you are not making claims and/statements. each to their own and I know some people are are gun shy for good reason.

Cheers,

Dan

Spot on. Hahaha

[trish]

HI MANAMEISJEFF NZ $ 16,200 Fr5 5 Jason Grimson Jack Callaghan $ 1.50 fav PRBT BSU ODM GS L SWAB

I only watched a replay but this horses was on the gate & led. ODM.....BSU...ok but really.
Or did he cause a false start?

[trish]

Where is this found on HR site?

Adjourned Inquiries. 29th June, Menangle.

Race 5 - AARDIES EXPRESS NZ/HOT AND TREACHEROUS NZ/HECTO

[Messenger]

I think it is pot luck Trish - poor I know
I think you have to just keep looking at Menangle Stewards Reports and you might find it attached to one of them. I know that is how I found that Perth one for you recently
I used to pester HRV and at one point to make it easy for us, they attached the ADJINQ to the original stewards report for the meeting - I don't know whether they still do that
Sometimes ADJ INQ's used to make the Stewards section of HRA's Top Stories

[trish]

2 different outcomes to Levarmisole positives.

Mrs Morris was disqualified for a period of 6 months to commence immediately. ( 2 positives )

jack Trainor 10 months to commence immediately. ( 1 positive )

What am I missing???

PP has a story on this last night.

[trish]

https://integrity.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/stewards-decision-paul-cauchi/


Mr Cauchi was disqualified for 12 months effective from 9 July 2024.

[Messenger]

Which seems ridiculous and pathetic when we consider that the Court banned him from owning or being in charge of a horse for 5yrs which will not expire until 2029

[trish]

3 LAST TANGO IN HEAVEN NZ $ 783 Sr2 9 Seaton Grima Jason Grimson 2.60 $ 151.00 PRB 6 INC D/R BOC

BOC......body outside confines of sulky.

Should be a rule in every state IMO.

[trish]

AND Jack gets a fine for BOC with his drive on Major Moth.
How much is that fine?

[trish]

Can anyone explain why stewards give concurrent disqualifications?

[Messenger]

They're nice guys Trish LOL
If you speed through a red light you cop a double whack
But harness stewards like to hit you with multiple charges to better their chances of having one stick but only really want one to stick - thus concurrent penalties
Of course I am just making all this up but it sounds plausible to me LOL

[trish]

They're nice guys Trish LOL
If you speed through a red light you cop a double whack
But harness stewards like to hit you with multiple charges to better their chances of having one stick but only really want one to stick - thus concurrent penalties
Of course I am just making all this up but it sounds plausible to me LOL

Funny Kev.

[Messenger]

Act Now bled on Saturday night and stood down 28 days

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=MX141224

[trish]

America here we come for Act Now.

[Messenger]

Oh no!
How did Captain Barnato keep 4th in R2 on Ballarat Cup night when he clearly went inside the pegs on the final bend as called by the racecaller
It makes a huge difference to punters as the 5th horse was the favourite

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BA180125#BAM18012504

[Messenger]

With Vic short of money, you have to wonder what was behind every single runner at Mildura being pre race swabbed last night

[Messenger]

It has taken forever for the stewards report from Shep on 18/2 to be posted and it is another of those barest of reports that are becoming common

In R2 little Stevey got a Caution for his Conduct but it is not even mentioned in the stewards report

RACE 2 – CHARLENE GUSMAN SHTC PACE (1690 MS)

MAAS BETTING AGAIN – Lost its lugging pole at the 600m.

ON THE HUNT – Hung in rounding the final turn before shifting ground when placed under pressure over the final stages.

MONGIANA – Held up for clear running until passing the 75m.

HES CHARLIES ANGEL – Raced keenly during the middle stages. Held up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight until utilising the sprint lane.

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=SP180225

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=SP250225#SPC25022507

[trish]

https://harnesslink.com/australia/trainor-disqualified-for-another-18-months/


How come some trainers get different penalties for the same offence ??????

[Speedy]

https://harnesslink.com/australia/trainor-disqualified-for-another-18-months/


How come some trainers get different penalties for the same offence ??????


The answer to your question is in the decision:

"In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following:

The submissions provided by Mr Trainor;
The circumstances of this matter;
Mr Trainor’s involvement in the harness racing industry;
Mr Trainor’s training record;
Mr Trainor’s second prohibited substance offence;
Mr Trainor’s guilty plea;
Class 2 Prohibited Substance;
The impact of a disqualification upon Mr Trainor from a personal and financial perspective;
The remorse shown by Mr Trainor in failing to take use of the HRNSW Elective Testing procedure;
The evidence of David Butt that Levamisole is used on his property to drench cattle;
The evidence of Dr Wainscott that he was unable to determine if MANHATTAN NZ was exposed to Levamisole in New Zealand or Australia."

[trish]

Thanks Patrick .

[trish]

Where are the stewards report from Friday night at Melton??

[trish]

Some are in for Sunday.

[Messenger]

They are there now Trish but you can wait a week in Vic for a stewards report

[trish]

What can you do??

I was watching Sha Tin on Sunday & they have the stewards replay soon after the race is won , you could probably get the report to.

[trish]

Thank Kev , I am awaiting on Vic , so I may have to wait that week. Just wanted to see what happened to ZERON .

We Will be on Norfolk tomorrow , yes fishing again .

[Danno]

Thank Kev , I am awaiting on Vic , so I may have to wait that week. Just wanted to see what happened to ZERON .

We Will be on Norfolk tomorrow , yes fishing again .

Noticed Melton Stewards report out for April 12 but not 11th?

[trish]

I have wifi at Norfolk , cool.

I can't understand , so can anyone explain to me why this investigation would take so long to process ?
Kerry Towers , race in question 16rh January 2024 , inquiry commenced 17th April 2025 ??

[Messenger]

Off topic somewhat but does anybody know where you find the Vic Gallops stewards reports other than the most recent (last 10 days)

[trish]

Noticed Melton Stewards report out for April 12 but not 11th?

Yea , still not there Dan.
PP has put something on his site but has the incorrect date but same things I wanted to read. I looked up Zeron & it has deceased beside his name.

Race day on Norfolk. Great .

[Messenger]

Off topic somewhat but does anybody know where you find the Vic Gallops stewards reports other than the most recent (last 10 days)

I have found the answer and as much for my own reference (as I will forget) I have made a thread for this in the Thoroughbred Forum

[Danno]

Yea , still not there Dan.
PP has put something on his site but has the incorrect date but same things I wanted to read. I looked up Zeron & it has deceased beside his name.

Race day on Norfolk. Great .

"ZERON – Commence to give ground entering the back straight and shortly after collapsed on the track. The veterinary surgeon subsequently found the colt to be deceased. Postmortem samples were taken from the colt."

[trish]

Thanks Dan.
Poor horse.