Stawell – 27 June 2018
Race 8 - SHELTON & LANE PRINTERS PACE
Stewards concluded their inquiry into Lance Justice’s drive on Beach Skipper in race 8 at Stawell on 27 June 2018, in the Shelton and Lane Printers Pace. After taking further evidence from driver Lance Justice and acting on their own observations and viewing the official race replay stewards charged driver Lance Justice under Rule 149(2) which reads: A person shall not drive in a manner which in the opinion of the Stewards is unacceptable. When after issuing an initial challenge to the early leader Hot Breakfast approaching the winning post on the first occasion he issued a further challenge in the back straight shortly after, when Lets Save The Day moved forward three wide to his outside. This challenge continued for approximately 300 metres until entering the home straight with a lap to run when driver Justice took hold of Beach Skipper and allowed Lets Save The Day to race forward three wide and eventually take the lead in the front straight with a lap to run.
Beach Skipper NZ then gave ground over the concluding stages, to be beaten 28.5m into 6th place.
Driver Justice, was found guilty as charged and after considering his not guilty plea, his good driving record over a number of years and the medium level of culpability for a driver of his experience, he was suspended for a period of 4 weeks. As he has engagements at Cranbourne on Monday 20th August his suspension was deemed to commence midnight of that date.
Shepparton – 9 August 2018
Race 4 - WOODLANDS STUD BREEDERS CROWN SERIES 20 (3YO FILLIES) (8TH HEAT)
Laura Crossland, trainer of Elianna Franco NZ, explained that the filly appeared have recovered well and added that the stable had continued with the normal preparation of Elianna Franco NZ during the past week. Ms Crossland added that in the opinion of connections the filly may have not been suited to pulling throughout the race. Elianna Franco NZ is engaged to race at Bendigo 18/8/18.
Mildura – 10 August 2018
Race 7 – ZILZIE WINES PACE
David Vozlic, trainer of Somedan, advised that blood test results from the gelding revealed Somedan to be suffering from a liver infection. Mr Vozlic added that Somedan would undergo treatment prior to resuming racing.
Tabcorp Park Melton – 11 August 2018
Race 8 – EMPIRE STALLIONS VICBRED CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL (GROUP 3)
Kari Males, trainer of San Domino, advised that blood test taken from the gelding during the week failed to show any obvious concerns. Ms Males added however subsequent to the event San Domino underwent a post-race scope on track which revealed a possible infection. Acting upon that evidence the gelding has been treated and appears to be showing no ill effects. Ms Males further added that San Domino has been engaged to race at Melton (25/8) and added that connections would accept for that race if the gelding had recovered sufficiently.
