Tabcorp Park Melton – 1 May 2021
RACE 9– AUSTRALIAN PACING GOLD (4YO MARES) FINAL (GROUP 1) (1720 MS)
Anna Woodmansey, trainer of Pelosi, advisedstewards since arriving back in Queensland a foot abscess has been identified in the off hind hoof. Ms Woodmansey advised Pelosi has been treated accordingly since. Ms Woodmansey, advised that the abscess may have been a underlining issue which may have contributed to the mares performance.
Ballarat – 5 May 2021
RACE 9 – FLYING HORSE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE 3YO TROT (2200 MS)
Chris Alford stable representative for Alison Alford trainer of Thats Not My Gait, advised subsequently from the event the filly have had a lung flush and urine test which the stables are awaiting results. Mr Alford advised Thats Not My Gait also underwent hock treatment and has been given a light week since the event and the stable would continue with the current preparation.
Tabcorp Park Melton – 8 May 2021
RACE 7 – DEL-RE NATIONAL FOOD GROUP PACE (2240 MS)
Josh Aiken stable representative for David Aiken,trainer of Honalua Bay, advised subsequently from the event blood tests revealed the gelding displaying a viral infection which will be treated accordingly. Mr Aikenadvised the stable would continue with the current preparation.
RACE 8 – DNR LOGISTICS VULCAN TROTTERS FREE FOR ALL (GROUP 3) (1720 MS)
Josh Aiken stable representative for David Aiken,trainer of Big Jack Hammer, advised subsequently from the event blood tests revealed the gelding displaying a viral infection which will be treated accordingly. Mr Aikenadvised the stable would continue with the current preparation.
Yarra Valley – 10 May 2021
RACE 5 – ASHMORE SMASH REPAIRS LILYDALE PACE (1650 MS)
Zac Phillips stable representative for Tayla Nicholson,trainer of Dreamers Delight NZ, advised subsequently from the event blood tests failed to reveal any abnormalities. Mr Phillips advised it will now the stables intention to increase the mares workload and continue with the current preparation.
SUPPLEMENTARY STEWARDS REPORT
Warragul– 4 April 2021
RACE 5 – EDDIE EVISON MEMORIAL WARRAGUL TROTTERS CUP (2627 SS)
Stewards initially adjourned an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the winner of the event Stress Factor NZ (D Douglas) being able to obtain a run to the inside of the leader Father Christmas NZ (R Payne) racing down the back straight on the final occasion.
Upon adjournment, Stewards reviewed the wagering of the event, which failed to identify any activity of concern relative to the driving conduct within the race. Stewards further reviewed the previous history of Father Christmas NZ and the evidence initially obtained.
Subsequently, Ross Payne, driver of Father Christmas NZ was found guilty of a charge under rule 162(1)(www)(c) which states:
A driver shall not allow his horse to shift ground in a manner which advantages another horse.
The particulars of the charge being that racing down the back straight on the final occasion whilst in the lead position and in a position closest to the marker pegline, Mr Payne failed to make sufficient effort to prevent Father Christmas NZ from shifting ground outwards, which resulted in Stress Factor NZ (D Douglas), the eventual winner of the event, being advantaged by being able to obtain a clear and unimpeded run to the inside of Father Christmas NZ.
In assessing penalty in accordance with the HRV Minimum Penalty Guidelines, Stewards took into account the following factors:
- Mr Payne’s longstanding and clear prior record;
- That Mr Payne has participated as a driver in more than 3600 races in Victoria;
- The current frequency in which Mr Payne drives in races;
- That this matter involved horses from the same stable;
- The effect that this occurrence had on the outcome on the event;
- That any penalty needs to provide a general and specific deterrent and;
- That the evidence did not establish any intentional or deliberate action by Mr Payne, which would have likely resulted in a more serious offence and greater penalty being imposed.
Accordingly, Mr Payne’s licence to drive in races was suspended for 3 weeks to commence midnight 19 May 2021.
