Shepparton– 30 June 2021
RACE 8 – TAB LONG MAY WE PLAY PACE (2190 MS)
Don Gee, trainer of Ideal Cullect, advised subsequently from the event blood tests failed to reveal any abnormalities. Mr Gee advised an endoscopic examination disclosed the gelding displaying a low-level respiratory inflammation. Mr Gee advised Ideal Cullect would be given a short let up from racing.
Tabcorp Park Melton – 2 July 2021
RACE 5 – BECOME A VHRC MEMBER TODAY PACE (2240 MS)
Ahmed Taiba, trainer of Major Mal, advised subsequently from the event the entire to have exited his stable.
Bendigo – 3 July 2021
RACE 2– ALABAR BLOODSTOCK PACE (2150 MS)
David Murphy, trainer of Final Peace advised subsequently from the event blood tests revealed the mare displaying a viral infection which will be treated accordingly prior to continuing with the current preparation.
RACE 5 – GREAT OCEAN ROAD REAL ESTATE PACE (2150 MS)
James McPherson, trainer of Rocky Creed, advised subsequently from the event the gelding displaying minor nasal discharge. Mr McPherson advised Rocky Creed has been given a light week and has been treated accordingly and he would continue with the current preparation.
Supplementary Stewards Report
Tabcorp Park Melton – 26 June 2021
RACE 10 – MIMOSA HOMES PACE (1720 MS)
Stewards have concluded an inquiry into the driving tactics adopted by Jason Lee (Gobsmacked) and Chris Alford (The Big End Oftown) where both runners contested the lead during the early and middle stages.
When questioned Jason Lee, driver of Gobsmacked, explained that he continued to persist with maintaining the lead as he was instructed to lead as the gelding previously has won most of its races when doing so. Mr Lee added that in not surrendering the lead to The Big End Oftown he was mindful it had also contested the lead from the start and been positioned three wide and consequently he did not feel it would be a suitable runner to follow. Mr Lee further added that upon securing the lead he steadied the speed significantly to afford Gobsmacked respite after the early use with the second quarter recorded in 31.4 seconds. Post-race veterinary and endoscopic examination of Gobsmacked revealed the gelding to be displaying a delayed post-race recovery, an abnormally high heart rate and Grade 1 EIPH.
When questioned Chris Alford, driver of The Big End Oftown, explained he was instructed to progress forward and obtain the lead if possible. Mr Alford added that once Gobsmacked progressed past Blissfull Mind entering the first turn he expected Gobsmacked to surrender the lead to The Big End Oftown as he had gained a significant advantage over that runner. Mr Alford further added that approaching the 1100m it was apparent Gobsmacked was maintaining the lead and consequently he restrained The Big End Oftown to follow Gobsmacked to allow the gelding respite as opposed to remaining without cover. Mr Alford explained that passing the 700m Gobsmacked commenced to be placed under pressure and tired quickly checking The Big End Oftown resulting in the gelding being held up behind that runner until the passing the 300m which resulted in The Big End Oftown losing all momentum and having difficulty improving into the race thereafter. Post-race veterinary examination of The Big End Oftown failed to reveal any significant findings, a post-race endoscopic examination was attempted however aborted due to the gelding being fractious.
During the adjournment all wagering on this event was analysed with no area warranting further investigation with respect to this matter identified.
Upon consideration of all the evidence Stewards did not feel the tactics adopted by Mr Alford were entirely unreasonable or unacceptable in the circumstances noting that The Big End Oftown had gained a significant advantage on Gobsmacked whilst challenging and were satisfied that The Big End OfTown being held up behind Gobsmacked between the 700m and 300m significantly contributed to the beaten margin of The Big End Oftown and therefore could not attribute the gelding’s finishing position to the actions of Mr Alford. Mr Alford however was advised that Stewards expected him to display greater judgement than he did on this occasion considering his skill and experience.
Stewards took no further action against Mr Lee concerning the tactics he adopted on Gobsmacked. In arriving at this outcome Stewards were cognisant of the post-race veterinary and endoscopic examinations which revealed Gobsmacked to be displaying a delayed post-race recovery, an abnormally high heart rate and Grade 1 EIPH. Further veterinary evidence was tendered by Dr Nick Branson where it was disclosed Gobsmacked was displaying a heart rate of 140 beats per minute approximately 8 minutes post-race and greater than 100 beats per minute approximately 18 minutes post-race which could be attributed to an underlying veterinary issue. Mr Lee was advised that were it not for the veterinary findings Stewards would have likely issued a charge against him.
Shaun McNaulty, trainer of Gobsmacked, was advised that a veterinary clearance must be tendered prior to Gobsmacked starting again.
Tabcorp Park Melton – 2 July 2021
Stewards concluded an inquiry into the circumstances relating to licensed trainer/driver Anthony Butt failing to advise Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) that he had undergone a Covid-19 test prior to attending the Maryborough meeting on Monday, 28 June 2021.
Upon Stewards becoming aware of this occurrence at the Maryborough Mr Butt was removed from his driving engagement and interviewed regarding this matter. When questioned Mr Butt advised that he re-entered Victoria from Queensland prior to any government border restriction becoming effective, that he was never symptomatic, underwent the test in case it was, or become, required by HRV and was not required to undergo the test by any government health order. Mr Butt advised he was unaware of his obligation to report to HRV any occasion where a Covid-19 test is supplied for testing.
Upon consideration of all the evidence tendered by Mr Butt he was issued with a charge under Rule 238 which states:
“A person shall not fail to comply with any order, direction or requirement of the Controlling Body or the Stewards relating to harness racing or to the harness racing industry”.
The particulars of the charge being that Mr Butt failed to advise HRV that he had undergone a Covid-19 test in contravention of the HRV Covid-19 Reporting and Response Policy and Procedure.
Mr Butt pleaded guilty to the charge as issued.
In assessing penalty Stewards considered the following factors:
- Mr Butt’s guilty plea, remorse shown and his clear prior record;
- The objective seriousness of the offence and the importance of the relevant policy and procedure in ensuring racing is able to continue;
- That Mr Butt had voluntarily undertaken the Covid-19 test, was not symptomatic and not required to do so by any Government health order or direction from any health official;
- That the Covid-19 test returned a negative result.
Stewards accordingly imposed a fine of $1000 with half of the penalty suspended for a period of 2 years providing Mr Butt does breach any further Covid-19 related policy, procedure or requirement.
