Tabcorp Park Melton – 23 December 2016
RACE 4 – EMPIRE STALLIONS VICBRED PLATINUM COUNTRY SERIES H FINAL
Stewards have concluded an inquiry into the driving tactics adopted by Matthew Craven on Just Wantano, in particular the reasons for the apparent lack of vigour shortly after the start when the opportunity presented to drive forward and obtain the positon following the race favourite and leader Without You. When questioned on the evening Mr Craven explained that Just Wantano previously has had a tendency to break gait early in its races and due to the mare racing roughly shortly after the start he was reluctant to place Just Wantano under any great pressure.
This matter was adjourned to allow Stewards the opportunity to review the previous race starts of Just Wantano and analyse the wagering activity on this race.
Wagering analysis on this race was conducted in conjunction with Global Sports Integrity (GSI) and did not reveal any area of concern.
Upon review of the extended exposed form and previous race starts of Just Wantano Stewards were satisfied that the tactics adopted by Mr Craven were reasonable in the circumstances and accordingly took the matter no further.
RACE 5 – TAB.COM.AU PACE
Stewards have concluded an inquiry into the conduct of Matthew Craven when appearing before Stewards.
After considering the evidence tendered Stewards issued a charge against Mr Craven under Rule 231(2) which states:
A person shall not misconduct himself in any way.
The particulars of the charge being that when appearing before Stewards he directed inappropriate language towards Stewards.
In assessing penalty Stewards took into Mr Craven’s guilty plea, the remorse shown and his previous offence record which displayed one prior offence. Stewards imposed a fine of $1,000 with half of that penalty suspended for a period of 2 years provided Mr Craven does not reoffend under the conduct related rules during that period.
Tabcorp Park Melton – 20 January 2017
RACE 8 – ALABAR PACE
Stewards have concluded an inquiry into the driving tactics adopted by Noel Shinn, driver of Machli, and Christopher Shinn, driver of Aurore.
This matter was adjourned to allow Stewards to consider the evidence tendered and review any other relevant matter including wagering data on this race.
Wagering analysis was conducted on this race in conjunction with Global Sports Integrity (GSI) which did not reveal any area of concern.
The Stewards concerns centred around Machli (N Shinn) racing on equal terms and slightly in advance of the leader Rocking NZ during the middle stages whilst the stablemate Aurore (C Shinn) was following Machli.
When questioned regarding on the evening regarding the tactics adopted Noel Shinn, driver of Machli, explained that the mare commenced to race keenly after obtaining the position outside the leader during the early stages. Mr Shinn added the mare continued to over-race when Our Prima Regal commenced to improve three wide passing the 1700m and only raced on equal terms and slightly in advance of the leader due to a combination of its driver steadying the speed and Machli continuing to over-race.
Christopher Shinn, driver of Aurore, explained that after the mare began well, however unable to cross Rocking NZ, he steadied the mare with the view of obtaining the favourable position trailing that runner but was unsuccessful and elected to take cover when the opportunity presented as Machli continued to improve three wide. Mr Shinn added that Aurore pulled hard during the early and middle stages and as a result proved disappointing over the final stages despite being held up behind Machli when it commenced to give ground rounding the final turn.
Upon determination of the matter Stewards were mindful of the sectional times recorded during the area of concern and upon comparison with the average for the previous 5 years for races of this distance Stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that Mr N Shinn pressured the leader Rocking NZ to an unreasonable or unacceptable degree, however advised both parties that the stable will be closely monitored moving forward in similar situations.
RACE 9 – 2CONSTRUCT PACE
Stewards have concluded an inquiry into the driving tactics adopted on Kotare Yarra NZ in particular the failure of Kotare Yarra NZ to be driven forward at the start, which appeared in contrast to the tactics adopted in recent times, and the reasons for Kotare Yarra not shifting out in advance of Athlone approaching the 1300m prior to being covered by that runner resulting in Kotare Yarra NZ being restrained by its driver Austin Mifsud to then obtain a position in the running line.
When questioned regarding the tactics adopted on the evening Austin Mifsud, driver of Kotare Yarra NZ, explained that he was advised by trainer Phillip Walters to not drive the filly forward at the start and he was reluctant to race outside the leader such a distance from the finish as Kotare Yarra NZ had not raced since Melton on 23 December 2016 and the filly was racing quite keenly which he felt would worsen should he be positioned without cover. Mr Mifsud added that shortly after obtaining a position in the running line he then directed Kotare Yarra NZ three wide approaching the 800m to improve into the race. Mr Mifsud added he was then afforded cover a short distance later approaching the 700m when Magical Delight shifted out in advance and commenced to improve three wide and he felt that Kotare Yarra NZ had its chance to beat Magical Delight in the run to the finish, however the lack of recent racing told on Kotare Yarra NZ over the final stages. Phillip Walters, trainer of Kotare Yarra NZ, confirmed the instructions issued.
This matter was adjourned to allow Stewards the opportunity to review the previous race starts of Kotare Yarra NZ and review other relevant matters, which included analysis of all wagering on this event in conjunction with Global Sports Integrity (GSI). This analysis did not reveal any area of concern.
Upon consideration of the tactics adopted by Mr Mifsud Stewards were satisfied that they were not so unreasonable or unacceptable so as to be in breach of the rules. In arriving at this outcome Stewards were mindful that despite the filly not being driven forward at the start and not shifting out at the 1300m prior to being covered by runners Kotare Yarra NZ was positioned trailing the eventual winner passing the 700m and afforded every opportunity thereafter.
Phillip Walters, trainer of Kotare Yarra NZ, was fined $200 under Rule 44(1) for failing to notify of an intention to adopt a change of tactics that being the filly would not be driven forward at the start. In assessing penalty Stewards were mindful this race was not metropolitan penalty bearing.
Ballarat – 03 February 2017
RACE 8 – INSPECT LOT 19 @ MELBOURNE APG PACE
Emma Stewart, trainer of Kingofthestars, has reported that the horse pulled up fine subsequent to the race. Ms Stewart added that Kingofthestars had worked well since the performance and that the horse has been nominated at Hamilton on 23 February 2017.
Tabcorp Park Melton – 04 February 2017
RACE 8 – DEL-RE NATIONAL A G HUNTER CUP (GROUP 1)
Mark Purdon, trainer/driver of Smolda, has reported that blood tests taken from the gelding have failed to reveal any abnormalities. Mr Purdon added that Smolda had pulled up fine subsequent to the performance and the gelding had worked well since the race. Smolda is engaged at Tabcorp Park Menangle on 18 February 2017.
Charlton – 06 February 2017
RACE 6 – CHARLTON CUP DAY CHAMPAGNE BAR PACE
Glenn Douglas, trainer of Realy Under Fire, has reported that the gelding pulled up fine subsequent to the race. Mr Douglas added the performance of Realy Under Fire could have been attributed to the prevailing hot weather conditions and the gelding being up in distance. Realy Under Fire has since raced at Swan Hill on 15 February 2017.
Tabcorp Park Melton – 10 February 2017
RACE 9 – DECRON CLAIMING PACE
Jaimie-Lee King, trainer of Major Laugh, has reported that the gelding pulled up fine subsequent to the race. Ms King added Major Laugh has a history of underperforming at Tabcorp Park Melton and could have contributed to the gelding’s performance. Major Laugh has since raced at Ararat on 16 February 2017.
Terang – 11 February 2017
RACE 1 – MORSBEARINGS DALVUI DOMINATOR
Barry Finnis, trainer of Big Bruce, has reported that the gelding pulled up fine subsequent to the race. Mr Finnis added that the performance of Big Bruce could have been affected by the gelding’s heavy workload in the week preceding the race and the prevailing hot weather conditions. Mr Finnis further added that Big Bruce had worked well since the race and the gelding is engaged at Mount Gambier on 19 February 2017.
RACE 3 – BERNIE CLARKE MEMORIAL PACE FINAL
Kevin Von Duve, trainer of The Big Show, has reported that the gelding pulled up fine subsequent to the performance. Mr Von Duve added The Big Show had worked well since the race and that the gelding is engaged at Mount Gambier on 19 February 2017 and nominated at Hamilton on 23 February 2017.
Shepparton – 12 February 2017
RACE 6 – HUNTER RURAL 3YO PACE
Keith Cotchin, trainer of Gone Too Far, has reported that blood tests taken from the filly have revealed an elevated white blood cell count. Mr Cotchin added Gone Too Far is suffering from a viral infection and will treat the filly.
