Lauren Panella

[ScabsCat]

I have to confess I am talking through my kick here but did anyone see the drive by Lauren Panella on Suave Stuey Lombo at Menangle on Saturday night? She hammered the second favourite Mach Alert going a lead time of 48.5, first half in 57.5 over 2300 metres! Those times are simply not sustainable. Where did those 2 horses finish? Beaten a total of over 110 metres between them. How can you bet on harness racing when such cowboy tactics are routinely employed by 'leading drivers'. What happened to a PLAN B? She completely ruined the chances of both horses in the race.

Interested to hear other people's thoughts........

[Messenger]

Just watched it. They certainly went hard but I don't know think you can say that she hammered Mach Alert as she never challenged for the lead and mostly sat a half horse back from the leader - I felt Luke had as much say in the pace

[ScabsCat]

The driver of Mach Alert tried to stay ahead of Suave Stuey Lombo, Im sure he didn't like getting eyeballed and he probably should have handed up to give both horses every chance. It is clear from the winning post right around to the back straight Panella ups the tempo to a level that Chariot King cant even keep up in the one one to hold the back of Suave Stuey Lombo. The race was all over for the favourites from that point on.

[broncobrad]

Talking through my pocket too Jeff, Laurens drive was an ordinary one, I backed Stuey myself, thought he was nearly a good thing. Both her and Luke set pretty hard tasks for their horses, but in Lukes case his horse wasn't right and has since been stood down.

Even though Lauren drove 2 winners, I thought she just had an ordinary night in gig...happens to all of them at some time or another and am prepared to put the night down to experience. To add salt to the wound, backed Uweehumma and Lauren found herself in the wrong place again. Ouch! But thems the breaks.

[eliteblood]

Looked to me like Suave Stuey Lombo was pulling very hard, in which case you cannot hold Lauren to blame

[ScabsCat]

Lauren to me seems to be one of the best drivers going around when shes's in front on a horse, however, if she's back in the field or outside the leader she is lacking. I rate Blake Fitzpatrick and Jim Douglas the best drivers in NSW from back in the field.

[Richard prior]

Go back to July 13 and have a look at The Sunshine Sprint from Albion Park, Pretty fair drive from back in the field to weave through the traffic. I'm not defending her drive from last week, but the horse appeared to pull a bit hard and she's only 47kgs.

[aussiebreno]

Go back to July 13 and have a look at The Sunshine Sprint from Albion Park, Pretty fair drive from back in the field to weave through the traffic. I'm not defending her drive from last week, but the horse appeared to pull a bit hard and she's only 47kgs.
Didn't have to think about much from 3 pegs though if race I am thinking of. Just sit and steer, just like when she is in front.
Being still a relative newcomer to the sport she lacks the nous and race smarts that comes with experience. That's to be expected obviously but just saying, not a criticism just a statement, because you gain that overnight.

[ScabsCat]

Go back to July 13 and have a look at The Sunshine Sprint from Albion Park, Pretty fair drive from back in the field to weave through the traffic. I'm not defending her drive from last week, but the horse appeared to pull a bit hard and she's only 47kgs.

She stayed on the pegs and didn't move a muscle until the home straight.

[Richard prior]

Fair Call. As an owner, I would prefer to see the horse driven a bit quieter, he has a big sprint when driven this way. I'm sure the punters would like to see him driven so he's in the mix and driving a horse a bit quieter can sometimes lead to traffic problems.

[ScabsCat]

Another 2 examples from Sunday at Eugowra where Lauren Panella had favoured runners she "couldn't hold":

Stewards questioned L Panella regarding the tactics adopted on MISS TRICKIN LOMBO. L. Panella stated that MISS TRICKIN LOMBO had a tendency to over race

Stewards questioned L Panella regarding the performance of MOSSDALE BILL NZ. L. Panella stated that the gelding had a tendency to over race

[Pena]

This is the second time Lauren could not hold a horse in the last 3 weeks after the COT inquiry. The fact that she is 47kg is not a good enough excuse. Maybe she should have her licence restricted to horses that don't pull if she can't hold them.

[teecee]

Or "Punters Beware". if she is driving a puller.

[Messenger]

Robert Morris driving for all the Lauren haters tonight in the 3rd. He was on the $12 second fav and therefore his biggest concern has to be the long ons on Fav BUT there just seemed to be something about his drive that suggested he was only interested in beating her. Not suggesting anything untoward as there is nothing wrong with holding the fav in a pocket on the fence, I guess with him being a concession driver - he is not experienced enough to not make it so bloody obvious. I guess this is why many tracks have sprint lanes as horses not getting a chance to strut their stuff is not a good look

[ScabsCat]

Kevin, if you want to see a Robert Morris special have a look at http://www.trotstv.com.au/?mc=PC081013&rn=1
In my humble opinion it was the worst drive I have ever seen on the new Menangle track given the fact that his horse was $1.20 favourite and the stablemate was in the lead and went on to win the event. Somehow, he only got 4 weeks for a drive that should have seen a very very serious charge!

[ScabsCat]

I have been told by a friend of mine who knows a lot more about the inner workings of NSW harness racing that the current bunch of stewards there are very ordinary to say the least! VIC stewards look to be a lot more experienced and better able to do their job

[broco]

I cant comment on the stewards they have a job to do, but in all racing codes and not aimed at any steward but on a whole I think it should be mandatory that you have driven races or ridden races before you can be a steward or maybe we don't need to go that far but at least have driven or ridden trackwork and be able to work side by side with a trainer in putting gear on etc etc I think a lot are very smart in theory but just don't have the practical knowledge to put it into place and read a race and there is where the hands on experience would have served them well, but I also suppose there is not a long line up of people wanting to become stewards either so they go with what they can get and educate as best they can, I just don't think it fair that someone who has never sat in a pad or in a gig and ASKED half a tonne of horse flesh to do as 45 to say 90kgs of human wants, can tell you how you should have ridden or driven that race, but then I think the same of the sideline drivers who would have done it this way or the sideline trainers who could improve any horse, but if you gave them the reins the poor horse would end up down the main street or if you gave them a bridle to put on it would end up on the horses tail instead of its head.
I guess if its not you out there then its not up to you to pass judgement but that's me and im pretty old fashioned in my thinking, I also still face people if I have a problem instead of going behind their back to do it and that died out at least 10 year ago lol

[Pena]

German last week you were having a go at Team McCarthy for attacking MB now it is Lauren. You must not like FOR for some reason. Don't worry about that drive what about the one on Suave Stuey Lombo yesterday. She drove him straight up the back of them just as the camera was panning back to her. Then after losing 80-100 metres she takes off 4 and 5 wide on the last bend. It was one of the biggest slaughter jobs I have ever seen. I thought it made Robbie Morris' drive look like a gem.

[german]

German last week you were having a go at Team McCarthy for attacking MB now it is Lauren. You must not like FOR for some reason. Don't worry about that drive what about the one on Suave Stuey Lombo yesterday. She drove him straight up the back of them just as the camera was panning back to her. Then after losing 80-100 metres she takes off 4 and 5 wide on the last bend. It was one of the biggest slaughter jobs I have ever seen. I thought it made Robbie Morris' drive look like a gem.

I have nothing against anyone nor against FAR i do tho have something against incompetent drivers!

If Suave Stuey Lombo goes away with them in the NZ CUP it is the horse to beat.

[german]

I dont think my post should have been removed there was no inapropriate language. Someone putting some make up on and doing there hair. What now im not allowed to speak the truth. Is this site in wanting of peoples opinion or do i have to agree with Tee Cee to addd a post.?

[Richard prior]

Read The Rules.

[teecee]

I dont think my post should have been removed there was no inapropriate language. Someone putting some make up on and doing there hair. What now im not allowed to speak the truth. Is this site in wanting of peoples opinion or do i have to agree with Tee Cee to addd a post.?

Mr Johnson...
I don't know why I am responding to this. If you wish to take issue directly then correspond with me directly via PM but if you wish to sidetrack the issues of this thread.... just this once so all can see where you are trying to go here...
I did make it pretty plain to you when logging your infractions the reasons why.
I am trying to be a little tolerant here when the mark has been clearly overstepped. Previously such comments would not get a second chance.
I should perhaps just act as per many former members operated as do you. They use up their warnings. They don't post any more. As with you they found it difficult to address the issue without dragging in the personalities.
As I write this there are 135 people viewing this forum. Only 6 are listed as members. That means there are plenty of people from all round the world reading what you write, and some of it IMO beggars belief but I accept it's only YOUR OPINION, and are responding to in a not too friendly manner. Naturally enough most are female showing absolute disgust at your effort of..in their opinion blatant sexism.
Writing or using sexist, racist, foul, offensive or any number of other form constitutes degrees of inappropriate language.
If you use any of these and get pinged for it....don't whinge about it or try seeking the support of the masses. It wont work.!!

In case you didn't know, sexism is illegal in the common law of NZ and I believe Australia so it wont be tolerated here.
As you have previously been advised you have no more warnings left.Your post and this reply has no relevance to this thread and in time when people have had a chance to read and digest it I shall move it to the appropriate thread.

Finally... It is pretty clear to me that you didn't seek out and read nor understand what you signed up to when signing on as a member here. I strongly suggest you do so.

Thank You

[Maorisidol]

She just had a drive on the Qld trotter The Dude Abides, tried to go up the inside of a galloping horse while catching up from 80m handicap, got squeezed galloped, galloped again seemed to nearly run up the back of the horse was then following pulled out on top turn near 400, seemed to hang a little, galloped when pushed, galloped again in straight, still should have won by 50m based on what he made up moral beaten.
Can't remember seeing him gallop in Qld, very reliable...
Won't be backing a trotter with Lauren driving again...

[Toohard]

Lauren Panella 4 weeks for improper driving in race 1 at Newcastle.

[teecee]

where did u see that????
when does it start???

[Toohard]

I copied from Greg Hayes TC. After finish line.

[Maorisidol]

Lauren Panella 4 weeks for improper driving in race 1 at Newcastle.

From Stewards report on Harness.org.au
"L Panella was found guilty of a charge under Rule 168(1) for improper driving in that after passing the winning post at the conclusion of the race she directed her horse HEZA PRESIDENTE down onto the back of BALLOCHBUIE NZ and made contact with driver K Barnes’ helmet. L Panella’s licence to drive in races was suspended for a period of 4 weeks to commence midnight Saturday 16 November 2013 to expire midnight Saturday 14 December 2013. In determining penalty Stewards believed that an appropriate penalty was 6 weeks suspension but taking into account the feature races in which L Panella would be unable to participate in due to the suspension reduced the term of the suspension to 4 weeks."

From my assessment of the replay, Kylie Barnes chose to keep the lead just after the start on her $18 shot, and obviously Lauren wasn't happy about being denied the lead on her $5.70 shot, simple really.
After the race Lauren totally changed direction of her horse and did drive it (mind you at a very very slow jogging pace) into the back of Kylie's horse causing her to have to readjust her helmet.
Point is, intimidatory behavior like that is not acceptable. It was a low key version of the Cramp/Milne scenario from a physical danger point of view, but it's sour grapes and uncalled for, unprofessional.

[The Escape Club]

and gave Kylie a gob full too. It was my horse that she was driving.

[Maorisidol]

and gave Kylie a gob full too. It was my horse that she was driving.

That unfortunately tells me that someone who would do that in that circumstance has a sense of entitlement.
She expects that she should be given the lead when she wants it.
Funny thing is all kudos to Kylie cos at the end of the day her/your horse Robert, beat Lauren home, hence Lauren was outdriven.

[The Escape Club]

That unfortunately tells me that someone who would do that in that circumstance has a sense of entitlement.
She expects that she should be given the lead when she wants it.
Funny thing is all kudos to Kylie cos at the end of the day her/your horse Robert, beat Lauren home, hence Lauren was outdriven.

I've noticed that since we moved him up there and I've been watching NSW a lot closer.

We've moved another one up there and he's trialling tomorrow, hopefully another one to give them some cheek.

[golden balls]

and gave Kylie a gob full too. It was my horse that she was driving.

What i dont understand Robert is you should have been the one giving Kylie a gob full as well. Why she would not hand up the lead and sit behind Heza Presidente shows either her or yourself have no idea how on what your horse or any others could do. If you take the sit you win. Not hard to work out what your best position would be. Why she would hold the lead was anyones guess. For Ash who said it s was a good tactical drive to hold Lauren out cause you beat her home??? Was that meant to be a joke??? You lost the race cause Kylie didnt hand up the lead, sit behind the leader your guaranteed a 1 2 finish and the way the race was run and based on the performance the previous week didnt you believe sitting behind heza presidante would have been the ideal position and Ballouchie would have run by it in the straight as we all know Lauren would have been running along...
Im not meaning to have a go at you just stating what would have been your best option.

[golden balls]

From Stewards report on Harness.org.au
"L Panella was found guilty of a charge under Rule 168(1) for improper driving in that after passing the winning post at the conclusion of the race she directed her horse HEZA PRESIDENTE down onto the back of BALLOCHBUIE NZ and made contact with driver K Barnes’ helmet. L Panella’s licence to drive in races was suspended for a period of 4 weeks to commence midnight Saturday 16 November 2013 to expire midnight Saturday 14 December 2013. In determining penalty Stewards believed that an appropriate penalty was 6 weeks suspension but taking into account the feature races in which L Panella would be unable to participate in due to the suspension reduced the term of the suspension to 4 weeks."

From my assessment of the replay, Kylie Barnes chose to keep the lead just after the start on her $18 shot, and obviously Lauren wasn't happy about being denied the lead on her $5.70 shot, simple really.
After the race Lauren totally changed direction of her horse and did drive it (mind you at a very very slow jogging pace) into the back of Kylie's horse causing her to have to readjust her helmet.
Point is, intimidatory behavior like that is not acceptable. It was a low key version of the Cramp/Milne scenario from a physical danger point of view, but it's sour grapes and uncalled for, unprofessional.

They should have suspended Kylie for four weelks as well for incompetence. Not handing up the lead and giving her horse every possible chance. She could not win by holding the lead her best option was always to take a sit, if scandalman didnt gallop out she would have been happy to sit 1/1 so why not hand up the lead and take a sit behind a free running leader once scandal man is out of the equarion? maybe she can study some tapes in her 4 weeks off and get to know some tactival driving decisions.

[The Escape Club]

What i dont understand Robert is you should have been the one giving Kylie a gob full as well. Why she would not hand up the lead and sit behind Heza Presidente shows either her or yourself have no idea how on what your horse or any others could do. If you take the sit you win. Not hard to work out what your best position would be. Why she would hold the lead was anyones guess. For Ash who said it s was a good tactical drive to hold Lauren out cause you beat her home??? Was that meant to be a joke??? You lost the race cause Kylie didnt hand up the lead, sit behind the leader your guaranteed a 1 2 finish and the way the race was run and based on the performance the previous week didnt you believe sitting behind heza presidante would have been the ideal position and Ballouchie would have run by it in the straight as we all know Lauren would have been running along...
Im not meaning to have a go at you just stating what would have been your best option.

No input from me, I'm in outback WA but I agree.

[Lenem]

Totally irrelevant whether or not leader should have handed up !!!! That sort of intimidation by Panella after the race is an absolute disgrace!

[golden balls]

Totally irrelevant whether or not leader should have handed up !!!! That sort of intimidation by Panella after the race is an absolute disgrace!

no it wasnt, who wouldnt have been mad at someones incompetence, it was the slightest bump if anything at all she hardly even touches her was just accidental. If i dont do my job properly ill be reprimanded maybe Panella was just given her a reprimand as she new the stewards would not do anything as they have no idea about racing and have no idea what was going on in that race. There the real discrsce.
Watch the replay there is absolutely nothing in it at all the horse barely touches kylie at all you get worse than that during harness races everyday. Too be fair are we now going to rub out every driver thats horse touches a fellow riders helmet half the drivers at melton would have been rubbed out... the horse on panellas outside drifts in they are at a walking pace by this stage.
By the next menangle meeting we will have no drivers left. The stewards shpuld be doing there real job and finding out why the race wa run like it was who cares about a small tap on the helmet which was completely innocent and accidental.
Do the right job stewards although that can be hard when they are not experienced racing form entusiasts

[Messenger]

no it wasnt, who wouldnt have been mad at someones incompetence, it was the slightest bump if anything at all she hardly even touches her was just accidental. If i dont do my job properly ill be reprimanded maybe Panella was just given her a reprimand as she new the stewards would not do anything as they have no idea about racing and have no idea what was going on in that race. There the real discrsce.
Watch the replay there is absolutely nothing in it at all the horse barely touches kylie at all you get worse than that during harness races everyday. Too be fair are we now going to rub out every driver thats horse touches a fellow riders helmet half the drivers at melton would have been rubbed out... the horse on panellas outside drifts in they are at a walking pace by this stage.
By the next menangle meeting we will have no drivers left. The stewards shpuld be doing there real job and finding out why the race wa run like it was who cares about a small tap on the helmet which was completely innocent and accidental.
Do the right job stewards although that can be hard when they are not experienced racing form entusiasts
I have not even watched the race yet but I do not need to, to know that you need to get your goldens out of your mouth Peter. You are talking about people's workplace - no intimidation is allowed in any workplace nowadays SO hearing that Lauren has delivered a gobful is enough for a stewards warning. I will get back to you after I watch the race but you are telling me the stewards gave 4 weeks for INNOCENT and ACCIDENTAL lol

[mango]

Looking at the form for both horses I don't blame kylie for holding the lead and maybe Lauren should of been looking for cover. One would think Kylie would be smart enough to drive to Ian Wilson's instruction's and if so she has done the right thing. Regardless of Kylie's drive it doesn't give Lauren the right to have a dummy spit after the race and do what she done.

[Boydy]

Unfortunately you will not be able to watch the incident.

The replay has been cropped right before the incident occurred.

The normal replays fade out but not this one, so it has been obviously altered.

I am not sure why HRNSW do not want people to see what occurred!!

[Danno]

no it wasnt, who wouldnt have been mad at someones incompetence, it was the slightest bump if anything at all she hardly even touches her was just accidental. If i dont do my job properly ill be reprimanded maybe Panella was just given her a reprimand as she new the stewards would not do anything as they have no idea about racing and have no idea what was going on in that race. There the real discrsce.
Watch the replay there is absolutely nothing in it at all the horse barely touches kylie at all you get worse than that during harness races everyday. Too be fair are we now going to rub out every driver thats horse touches a fellow riders helmet half the drivers at melton would have been rubbed out... the horse on panellas outside drifts in they are at a walking pace by this stage.
By the next menangle meeting we will have no drivers left. The stewards shpuld be doing there real job and finding out why the race wa run like it was who cares about a small tap on the helmet which was completely innocent and accidental.
Do the right job stewards although that can be hard when they are not experienced racing form entusiasts

Fair dinkum Peter,

I'll bet my bottom dollar you,

a) are talking through your pocket and

b) have never sat behind a horse in your life

how can you possibly think they WILL finish 1/2 if Kylie hands up, what would you know about the driving instructions she was given, what do you now about Ballochbuie's ability at Newcastle with a sit behind a horse driven by Lauren Panella ?? ( who religiously runs along and usually the fastest quarter of the race is the second last quarter, a situation that usually makes it harder to get out from behind the leader at the right time)

Answers aren't that hard, nil, nil, nil, nil.

Your entitled to your opinion and just as entitled to air it, even if it is mindless tripe.

[golden balls]

Fair dinkum Peter,

I'll bet my bottom dollar you,

a) are talking through your pocket and

b) have never sat behind a horse in your life

how can you possibly think they WILL finish 1/2 if Kylie hands up, what would you know about the driving instructions she was given, what do you now about Ballochbuie's ability at Newcastle with a sit behind a horse driven by Lauren Panella ?? ( who religiously runs along and usually the fastest quarter of the race is the second last quarter, a situation that usually makes it harder to get out from behind the leader at the right time)

Answers aren't that hard, nil, nil, nil, nil.

Your entitled to your opinion and just as entitled to air it, even if it is mindless tripe.

Your wrong i wasnt on was just stating the obvious that they would have finished 1 2 and thats a given, i know racing.
You obviously know nothing about form as you have stated theres no run if there is a quick 3rd qtr!!! WRONG!!!!!!
With a quick 3rd qtr this takes awa anyone making significant ground out wide allowing only opportunities for horses placed along the inside... this can clearly be seen by many quick 3rd qtr Panella drives. Since you dont do the form Ill forgive you for not knowing this.

Im a professional form student so leave it to me kid, you stick to what your good at Grape Picking thats what they do in the Hunter Valley isnt it???

[teecee]

Please stick to the topic and leave the personalities out of it.
Thank you

[Danno]

Your wrong i wasnt on was just stating the obvious that they would have finished 1 2 and thats a given, i know racing.
You obviously know nothing about form as you have stated theres no run if there is a quick 3rd qtr!!! WRONG!!!!!!
With a quick 3rd qtr this takes awa anyone making significant ground out wide allowing only opportunities for horses placed along the inside... this can clearly be seen by many quick 3rd qtr Panella drives. Since you dont do the form Ill forgive you for not knowing this.

Im a professional form student so leave it to me kid, you stick to what your good at Grape Picking thats what they do in the Hunter Valley isnt it???

Peter if you were the professional from student you claim to be you would know the 3rd quarter at Newcastle is run virtually in a straight line with minimal turns involved, the track lends itself therefore, to many drivers allowing their horse to slip along a bit quicker than is ideal and hence start to get a bit more tired than ideal at around ther 300 mark, which is usually an ideal spot to get out from behind the leader....I know this not from picking grapes our pretending to myself that I know racing...I know this because I have driven a few winners at Newcastle and many of those coming off the leaders back.
This characteristic of the track also enables horses further back to improve their position in the 3rd quarter with less effort than at a lot of other circuits, again making it more difficult to get off the leaders back at the right time.
I have no idea how long you have been an "expert" on harness form, but you might need to do a bit more homework on your assessment of racing at Newcastle, funny you didn't mention how wrong I was about you never having been in a bike or any of the other points I mentioned about why Kylie might not have handed up.

Some punters and form students get a bit peeved when a race doesn't pan out the way they see it and get upset, people who have sat in the bike and done it a few times come to the understanding that it's a race and the plan A you had can quickly turn to plan B ....plan C or.... bugger it we'll just have to wing it, ask a few drivers if I'm wrong here, thats if you know any.

[The Escape Club]

no it wasnt, who wouldnt have been mad at someones incompetence, it was the slightest bump if anything at all she hardly even touches her was just accidental. If i dont do my job properly ill be reprimanded maybe Panella was just given her a reprimand as she new the stewards would not do anything as they have no idea about racing and have no idea what was going on in that race. There the real discrsce.
Watch the replay there is absolutely nothing in it at all the horse barely touches kylie at all you get worse than that during harness races everyday. Too be fair are we now going to rub out every driver thats horse touches a fellow riders helmet half the drivers at melton would have been rubbed out... the horse on panellas outside drifts in they are at a walking pace by this stage.
By the next menangle meeting we will have no drivers left. The stewards shpuld be doing there real job and finding out why the race wa run like it was who cares about a small tap on the helmet which was completely innocent and accidental.
Do the right job stewards although that can be hard when they are not experienced racing form entusiasts

I've just watched the replay again and with regards to the highlighted above, you're kidding yourself. You could've got another horse between Panella's and the horse outside of her. If anything the outside horse was moving further away.

[broncobrad]

Tried to stay on the sidelines here but on this one Mr Parker you are way off beam. Have you got some sort of axe to grind here?