Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards have concluded an inquiry into the driving tactics adopted by Josh Aiken on Calcavado in Race 7 at the Tabcorp Park Melton meeting conducted on 16 March 2016.
The concerns Stewards held were regarding Calcavado not being directed out from the marker pegs passing the 1500m which resulted in Calcavado being held up until passing the 200m. Stewards further held concerns regarding Mr Aiken’s lack of vigour in driving Calcavado out over the final 200m. The concerns held by Stewards were heightened given that leading in to its engagement Calcavado had not won for 9 consecutive starts and by not winning at Tabcorp Park Melton on 16 March 2016 the gelding’s class assessment was reduced in accordance with Australian Handicapping Rule (AHR) 17.
When questioned Mr Aiken explained that Calcavado failed to travel keenly as would normally be the case and as a result almost immediately after the start he had commenced to apply the whip in an attempt for the gelding to travel more suitably. Mr Aiken added that he was ultimately unsuccessful in getting Calcavado to travel strongly and was concerned that if the gelding was not travelling well with cover this would only worsen racing without cover. Mr Aiken explained that he was unable to drive Calcavado out over the final 200m with his usual vigour due to the gelding hanging in and Jaccka Wilco NZ shifting out to his inside. This matter was adjourned to allow Stewards the opportunity to analyse wagering information and review the previous race starts of Calcavado.
During the adjournment analysis was conducted on all wagering activity on this event by HRV Stewards with the assistance of Global Sports Integrity. This analysis failed to reveal any obvious concerns.
The following persons were interviewed during the adjournment of this inquiry:
- Licensed person Mr Josh Aiken. Forensic examination was conducted on Mr Aiken’s mobile telephone.
- Licensed person Ms Kima Frenning. Forensic examination was conducted on Ms Frenning’s mobile telephone.
- Registered owner Mr Luke Stokie.
- Mr Trevor Canobie , managing owner of Calcavado.
Further evidence was taken today from Mr Aiken and stable representative Mrs Colleen Aiken relative to the race in question and the prior race starts of Calcavado for the current racing season. At today’s inquiry Mr Aiken tendered the following documents:
- Veterinary Report from Dr Simon Robinson of the Victorian Equine Group
- Statement of David Aiken, trainer of Calcavado
Upon consideration of the evidence in its entirety Stewards could not be satisfied that the tactics adopted by Mr Aiken were so unreasonable or unacceptable so as to be in breach of the rules or be satisfied the tactics were designed to ensure Calcavado was afforded a reduction in class in accordance with AHR 17. Stewards accordingly took the matter no further and in arriving at this outcome Stewards were mindful of the following:
- The previous race starts of Calcavado indicated the gelding was best driven in a conservative manner in races of 2100m or further. This was particularly evident at the gelding’s performance on 8 October 2015 at Kilmore where Calcavado finished in last placing after racing outside the leader without cover and the remaining occasions Calcavado had raced over 2100m or further for the current season it had been driven in a conservative manner and finished in a higher placing.
- Calcavado had raced keenly and travelled well in its previous race starts and for it not to do so at Tabcorp Park Melton on 16 March 2016 was unusual. Given this it was not unreasonable for Mr Aiken to react in the manner in which he did when Calcavado failed to race keenly.
- The Post-race veterinary examination of Calcavado conducted on 16 March 2016 revealed the gelding to be displaying a slow recovery and abnormal throat sounds. The veterinary report tendered at the inquiry from Dr Robinson was consistent with these findings and outlined that Calcavado had been treated for a viral infection subsequent to the race, with numerous stable runners suffering from viral infections during this period. This occurrence may have contributed to Calcavado failing to travel well during the early and middle stages of the race in question.
- Mr Aiken’s evidence regarding Calcavado not travelling keenly and the whip being applied leading up to the 1500m was supported by the available replays.
- Mr Aiken’s evidence concerning Calcavado not being fully driven out over the final 200m was confirmed on the available replays as Calcavado was inclined to hang in and Jaccka Wilco NZ was shifting out to his inside forcing Calcavado wider.
