Double-header country cups weekend

[Messenger]

Tonight at 9.33 and tomorrow at 6.12
Both worth $25k
Both long SS races for those who don't think we have enough of these handicaps. Enjoy

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Trots-Weekly--Moama-Bowling-Club-Echuca-Pacing-Cup---Win--50-TAB-Voucher

Echuca
http://www.harness.org.au/fields.cfm?mc=EC210315&fromstate=vic#7

Ouyen
http://www.harness.org.au/fields.cfm?mc=OU220315&fromstate=vic#7

[codywinnell]

Couldn't be at Echuca last night but made the trip to Ouyen today and enjoyed it thoroughly. It was my first time at the venue but the hard-working locals who run the place do a terrific job and we saw some nice types in Uncle Wingnut (who really has had a great season) and Bonny Under Fire (I love this mare, honest as the day is long) saluting.

Here's my wrap: http://www.harness.org.au/news-article.cfm?news_id=26091

[Messenger]

Anybody know which M Smith was on Mista Styx in the Ouyen Cup - Matthew or Michael? He tried a cute move when he saw the Uncle coming but Greg Sugars and Michael Bellman certainly taught him a lesson and I think the Stewards have given him a holiday for being too obstinate to concede.

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=OU220315&ms=vic#OUC22031501

[Richard prior]

Anybody know which M Smith was on Mista Styx in the Ouyen Cup - Matthew or Michael? He tried a cute move when he saw the Uncle coming but Greg Sugars and Michael Bellman certainly taught him a lesson and I think the Stewards have given him a holiday for being too obstinate to concede.

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=OU220315&ms=vic#OUC22031501

Kev, A friend just informed me it was Michael and the last he heard, Michael was walking home.

[Messenger]

and to think he is 6th on SA's drivers premiership table

[codywinnell]

Anybody know which M Smith was on Mista Styx in the Ouyen Cup - Matthew or Michael? He tried a cute move when he saw the Uncle coming but Greg Sugars and Michael Bellman certainly taught him a lesson and I think the Stewards have given him a holiday for being too obstinate to concede.

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=OU220315&ms=vic#OUC22031501

I'd mentioned this in the above article I linked up to. And he did receive a suspension. I think the initial move wasn't a bad idea - but didn't work out, and once it didn't, you can't just sit there and do nothing covering more ground than the early settlers...

[Messenger]

I'd mentioned this in the above article I linked up to. And he did receive a suspension. I think the initial move wasn't a bad idea - but didn't work out, and once it didn't, you can't just sit there and do nothing covering more ground than the early settlers...

Stupid me did not read the article - it covered it all and was a good read

[codywinnell]

Stupid me did not read the article - it covered it all and was a good read

4 weeks for the driver of Mister Styx.

[Adaptor]

From the stewards at Ouyen:
Michael A Smith, driver of Mister Styx NZ pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 149(1) which states: A driver shall take all reasonable and permissible measures during the course of a race to ensure that the horse driven by that driver is given full opportunity to win or obtain the best possible placing in the field. The particulars of the charge being that approaching the winning post on the first occasion after Mr Smith directed Mister Styx NZ wider from a position one out and one back and it being apparent shortly thereafter that neither Nathan Jack (Comeon Howzat NZ) in the lead nor Greg Sugars (Glenferrie Rustler NZ) positioned outside of the leader were going to relinquish either position, it was both reasonable and permissible for Mr Smith to restrain Mister Styx NZ from near the 1800m to a rearward position, rather Mr Smith elected to remain in a forward position three wide without cover thereafter, which contributed to Mister Styx NZ commencing to give ground from the 1100m to finish in last position beaten approximately 176 metres. Mr Smith’s licence to drive in races was suspended for a period of 4 weeks to commence midnight March 29 2015. In assessing penalty Stewards acknowledged Mr Smith’s guilty plea, good driving record, the regular frequency with which he drives in races and the circumstances of the breach of Rule 149(1). A veterinary examination of Mister Styx NZ revealed no obvious abnormalities.

I wonder if he is still walking home !