Melton - 25 November 2017
RACE 5 – ALDEBARAN PARK CHRIS HOWE TROTTERS FREE FOR ALL (GROUP 3) (2240 MS)
On 25 November 2017, after obtaining preliminary evidence from Nathan Jack, driver of Cyclone Jeter NZ, Mark Pitt, driver of Vincennes, Anton Golino, trainer of the aforementioned horses and Brad Angove, trainer/driver of Sundons Courage, Stewards adjourned an inquiry in relation to various matters of concern regarding the conduct of this event. Subsequent veterinary examinations of Cyclone Jeter NZ and Vincennes revealed no apparent abnormalities.
Upon adjourning this matter, Stewards conducted an analysis of the wagering data which did not identify any further associated or additional concerns in relation to the conduct of this race. Furthermore, an analysis of the relevant horse’s previous and most recent racing history was undertaken.
Upon consideration of all the evidence the following action was taken by Stewards:
Brad Angove, trainer/driver of Sundons Courage, pleaded guilty to a charge under AHR Rule 240(c) which states:
A person shall not, whether alone or in association with others, do, permit or suffer anything before, during or after a race which in the opinion of the stewards or controlling body is improper.
The particulars of the charge being that as the driver of Sundons Courage when engaged in Race 5 at Melton on 25 November 2017, the ‘Aldebaran Park Chris Howe Trotters Free For All (Group 3)’ that before the race within the confines of the drivers room Mr Angove approached Nathan Jack, driver of Cyclone Jeter NZ, also engaged and drawn to his immediate inside in the aforementioned race, for the purpose of ascertaining the intended driving tactics on Cyclone Jeter NZ, which in the opinion of Stewards subsequently contributed to the manner in which Mr Angove drove Sundons Courage at the start which was contrary to that gelding’s most recent and usual racing pattern to be driven forward and in these circumstances Stewards considered that Mr Angove’s conduct was improper. Mr Angove’s licence to drive in races was suspended for a period of three (3) months to commence midnight 29 March 2018.
In assessing penalty Stewards took into account the following factors:
• Mr Angove’s guilty plea, clear prior record and cooperation in this matter;
• Mr Angove’s personal circumstances;
• That in this instance, the offence was considered to be a driving related offence and therefore action was accordingly taken against Mr Angove’s driver licence;
• Mr Angove had driven in approximately 184 races and despite being an A grade driver since July 2017 is relatively inexperienced;
• The circumstances of this case in that Stewards considered this to be a serious conduct related matter in that Mr Angove instigated the approach to another party competing in this race and once Stewards became aware and were privy to such information, the need for any penalty to be a deterrent both generally and specific for the wider industry to comprehend that such conduct is not acceptable or deemed appropriate.
In issuing this penalty Stewards determined that Mr Angove’s drive when viewed in its entirety had not denied Sundons Courage its opportunity to give of its best in the circumstances of the race thereafter.
Based on the evidence obtained Nathan Jack, driver of Cyclone Jeter NZ was exonerated of any wrongdoing as a party to this conversation, in that Mr Angove had instigated this conversation and that Mr Jack’s response was deemed appropriate in the circumstances and in no way was designed to adversely influence the actions of Mr Angove nor advantage Mr Jack and his drive in any way.
Furthermore, Mark Pitt, driver of Vincennes, was fined $200 under Rule 162(1)(j) for failing to maintain his position whilst drawn the inside of the second row at the start.
Mr Pitt (Vincennes) was also fined $200 under Rule 168(1)(a) for careless driving in that rounding the final turn whilst leading, he allowed Vincennes to shift outwards which enabled Cyclone Jeter NZ to progress immediately prior to the sprint lane becoming available. In issuing this penalty Stewards took into account that this was a careless action as opposed to any intentional act and that based on the entirety of the evidence, in the Stewards opinion Mr Pitt’s actions had not affected the outcome of the race as irrespective Cyclone Jeter NZ would still be afforded first opportunity to utilise the sprint lane and would have likely won the event regardless of this occurrence.
When assessing the driving tactics adopted by Nathan Jack on Cyclone Jeter NZ, Stewards deemed them to be consistent with that mare’s most recent racing pattern at Melton on 4 November 2017, when Mr Jack had also led and then surrendered the lead.
Mildura – 14 March 2018
RACE 6 - O'DONNELL FAMILY PACE
Stewards concluded an inquiry into the driving tactics on Flojos Gold. In particular the reasons for the mare being restrained during the early stages which appeared in contrast to its usual tactics. Driver Jayden Brewin explained that his intention was to race forward at the start, however, Flojos Gold was lethargic during the warm up and in the score up. Mr Brewin added that as the start was affected, it became apparent that he could not improve forward as intended therefore he restrained to find a favourable position in the running line. Trainer Ian Watson explained that Flojos Gold had not shown significant gate speed at its most recent start and that the mare seemed to be performing below expectation. Subsequent to the race, blood test were undertaken which indicated that Flojos Gold may be suffering from a virus. Under the circumstances, Stewards took no further action other than to remind Mr Watson that any intended change of tactics must be notified prior to the race.
RACE 7 - BIG BLUE BUILDING PACE
Ellen Tormey, (Charlie Knew), and Darby McGuigan, (The Reverend Black), where questioned regarding the reasons for Charlie Knew sustaining a flat tyre near the 600m. After taking evidence, It was established that The Reverend Black shifted out as Charlie Knew was directed three wide just in advance of The Reverend Black resulting in contact being made to the outside sulky wheel of Charlie Knew. Stewards considered that the incident was contributed to by both drivers and therefore took the matter no further.
Darby McGuigan and Ellen Tormey were questioned as to the reason for leaving the racecourse before the commencement of their inquiry. Ms Tormey explained that she had been made aware that Charlie Knew had got down in the horse float. They had left the stewards room area to attend to the horse and then proceeded to leave the course. Both drivers were reminded of their obligation to attend an inquiry when directed.
MELTON – 19 March 2018
RACE 3 - ALABAR 3YO PACE
Stewards inquired into the driving tactics adopted on Bossanova Bay. Stewards took evidence from Geoff Webster driver of the gelding, who explained that after galloping away the gelding commenced to pull hard and he improved three wide in the middle stages as the pace had steadied at that stage of the race. He added that he allowed the gelding to race clear in the lead after obtaining the lead passing the 800 metres. A veterinary examination was conducted on the gelding which revealed lacerations to its near side hock, and pastern a slow recovery and an endoscopic examination was performed which revealed grade one exercised induced pulmonary haemorage and signs of a low grade respiratory infection. Considering the veterinary evidence no action was taken against Mr Webster. Bossanova Bay was stood down from racing until the completion of one satisfactory trial.
KILMORE – 28 March 2018
John Yeomans, trainer of Idrather Rahma, advised that the mare was showing signs of a low grade virus and had been spelled following the race.
Melton – 29 March 2018
RACE 7 - ALABAR VICBRED PACE
Margaret Lee, trainer of Keayang Destiny, added that the stable were awaiting blood test results and added that they would continue with the preparation of the mare.
Echuca – 1 April 2018
RACE 5 - BENDIGO BANK EASTER CUP
Brad Aylett, trainer of Four Shotzzz, advised that he was awaiting results of blood taken from the gelding and would advise the results of that test when he was to become aware.
RACE 7 - ECHUCA WORKERS & SERVICES CLUB EUREKA SERIES FINAL
Alison Alford, trainer of Forever Ours, explained that connections were awaiting results of blood taken from the mare and would advise of the results from them tests when available.
