Tabcorp Park Melton – 08 October 2016
RACE 6 – VHRSC CLASSIC
At the Geelong Harness Racing meeting on 18 October 2016, Stewards reconvened an inquiry into Mr Nathan Purdon's drive on Ohoka Punter NZ in Race 6 the 'VHRSC Classic' at Tabcorp Park Melton on 8 October 2016.
Mr Purdon explained that prior to this race he was unaware of the change of tactics notified for Stunning Grin to be driven less aggressively circumstances permitting and given that, he was satisfied to remain in a position back at the wheel of the leader Stunning Grin during the early and middle stages, despite the relatively slow tempo during the lead time and first quarter.
Mr Purdon added that given the manner in which Stunning Grin had been driven to maintain the lead at its previous start at Melton on 29 September 2016 he was reluctant to challenge for the lead and he was also mindful that Ohoka Punter NZ had paced roughly shortly after the start and that an ear plug had also prematurely released. Mr Purdon further explained that due to these factors he elected not to challenge for the lead as he also considered Ohoka Punter NZ may over-race had he of not been able to obtain the lead. Ultimately, Ohoka Punter NZ finished in 3rd place beaten 1.9 metres as a $1.30 supertab favorite.
After giving consideration to further evidence from Mr Purdon and Licensed Trainer Mr Dean Braun who was present to assist Mr Purdon, Mr Purdon pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 239A which reads: A person whose conduct or negligence has led or could lead to a breach of the rules is guilty of an offence.
The particulars of the charge being that Mr Purdon as the trainer and driver of Ohoka Punter NZ in Race 6 at Tabcorp Park Melton on 8 October 2016 was negligent in failing to have an awareness of the notification of driving tactics declared by the connections of Stunning Grin in the aforementioned race and due to not being aware of such publicised information, Mr Purdon failed to progress forward in an attempt to lead during the early and middle stages, when Stewards considered that based on the combination of the declared tactics of Stunning Grin and the times recorded during the lead time of 49.1 seconds and first quarter of 31.7 seconds it was reasonable for Mr Purdon to attempt to do so. In assessing penalty Stewards acknowledged Mr Purdon's guilty plea, relative inexperience as a licensed person, personal circumstances, the expectation that particularly as a licensed driver Mr Purdon and fellow drivers ought to be aware of such information for the professional preparation of driving in a race, especially given that the declaration of intended driving tactics in accordance with Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 44(1) and HRV Change of Tactics Policy is information that can affect the manner in which a race is tactically run and therefore has the potential to influence a drivers obligations under the provisions of AHRR 149. Mr Purdon was fined $500.
HRV Stewards intend to recommence an inquiry on Friday, 21 October 2016, in relation to the tactics adopted on Stunning Grin by driver Rodney Petroff and trainer Vince Vallelonga in Race 6 the 'VHRSC Classic' at Tabcorp Park Melton on 8 October 2016.
Link to HRV Change of Tactics (COT) Policy:
http://www.hrv.org.au/integrity/stewards-industry-policies/hrv-change-of-tactics-policy/
Yarra Valley – 10 October 2016
RACE 6 – JOHN & MARLENE’S 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY PACE
Steve Cleave, trainer or Blue Suede Hooves, has reported that the gelding had pulled up well since the performance. Mr Cleave added that Blue Suede Hooves had worked strongly subsequent to the race and has engaged the gelding at Kilmore on 19 October 2016.
Brent Lilley, trainer of Best Scribe, has reported that the gelding had pulled up well since the performance. Mr Lilley added that he was disappointed with the performance of Best Scribe and has sent the gelding to the spelling paddock.
Shepparton – 11 October 2016
RACE 7 – BOHBRON PARK PACE (2ND DIV)
Danny Thackaray, trainer of Shezarocka, has reported that the mare had pulled up well since the race. Mr Thackeray added a veterinary examination of Shezarocka subsequent to the race revealed the mare incurred some minor grazing and bruising as a result of the incident and had been given a slight let up in her work. Shezarocka is engaged at Shepparton on 20 October 2016.
Tabcorp Park Melton – 14 October 2016
RACE 5 – EDITHVALE PROBUS PACE
Kerryn Manning, trainer of Jaccka Art NZ, has reported that a veterinary examination has revealed a slight strain in the gelding’s near fore suspensory ligament. Ms Manning added that Jaccka Art NZ has been sent to the spelling paddock.
RACE 9 – ALDEBARAN PARK TROT
Kerryn Manning, trainer of Matatoki NZ, has reported that the gelding had pulled well since the performance. Ms Manning added that Matatoki NZ has been sent to the spelling paddock.
Swan Hill – 15 October 2016
RACE 5 – HARAS DES TROTTEURS JIM ROBERTS SWAN HILL TROTTERS CUP
Peter Lindberg, trainer of Robbie Zuve, has reported that the gelding had pulled up well since the race. Mr Lindberg added that he was satisfied with the performance of Robbie Zuve and that the gelding had worked well subsequent to the race.
RACE 8 – HELLOWORLD PACE
Joe Costa, trainer of Bernies Idol, has reported that a veterinary examination and blood tests taken from the gelding have failed to reveal any abnormalities. Mr Costa added that Bernies Idol had pulled up well since the performance and that the gelding had worked strongly subsequent to the race. Bernies Idol is engaged at Maryborough on 23 October 2016.
