VIC - Stewards Supplementary Report
Echuca – 31 May 2022
RACE 9 – APG OFFERS $2.2M IN PRIZEMONEY PACE (1755 MS)
HRV Stewards have concluded an Inquiry which was opened following the running of Race 9- “The APG Offers $2.2M in Prizemoney Pace” into the circumstances of the race winner, Border Cross, obtaining a run to the inside of Machavelli (Robert Walters) in the back straight on the final occasion.
After hearing initial evidence on the night, the Inquiry was adjourned and Stewards reviewed wagering data from the race which failed to identify any concern relevant to the driving conduct in the race. Stewards also reviewed the previous racing performance history of Machavelli and the initial evidence tendered on the night. At the resumption of the Inquiry on 25 October 2022 further evidence was tendered by Mr.Walters.
After giving consideration to all of the evidence tendered, Stewards charged Mr Walters pursuant to AHRR 162(1) (www)(c) which states :
A driver shall not -
(www) allow his horse to shift ground in a manner which:
(c) advantages another horse.
The particulars of the charge related to Machavelli shifting ground outwards from approximately the 700 metres resulting in Border Cross, which had raced on the back of Machavelli throughout the race, then being advantaged by gaining a run to the inside of Machavelli and finishing ahead of that runner.
Mr.Walters reserved his plea to the charge and was found guilty as charged by Stewards.
In determining penalty Stewards took into consideration the following factors;
- Mr.Walters reserved plea
- Mr.Walters driving frequency and prior offence record.
- The level of advantage gained by Border Cross
- The level of culpability which was deemed by Stewards to be high
- Relevant penalty precedents
- That the penalty acts as both a specific and general deterrent
- The detrimental effect that an offence of this nature may have upon the harness racing industry.
Accordingly, Mr.Walters licence to drive in races was suspended for a period of five months which was ordered to commence at midnight on the 2nd November, consecutive to a suspension currently being served by Mr.Walters for a separate matter.
Mr.Walters was advised of his right to appeal.
Tabcorp Park Melton – 17 October 2022
RACE 7 – WOODLANDS STUD TROT (1720 MS)
Michael Bellman, trainer of Majestic Pride reported that subsequent to the meeting, that the mare had pulled up lame in its off hind leg caused by a foot abscess. Mr.Bellman stated that Majestic Pride would be treated accordingly before a decision is made on the current preparation.
Swan Hill – 18 October 2022
Conor Crook, trainer of Redfox Raider advised subsequent to the poor performance at Swan Hill on 18 October 2022, that the gelding had recovered well, however his trackwork since has been below par. Mr.Crook stated Redfox Raider would now be spelled.
Maryborough – 19 October 2022
RACE 6 – FITZPATRICKS TRANSPORT PACE (1609 MS)
Jackie Barker, stable representative of Preseidentialchange advised subsequent to the poor performance at Maryborough on 19 October 2022, that the gelding had recovered well. Ms.Barker stated Presidentialchange would continue with the current preparation.
Cranbourne – 20 October 2022
RACE 7 – APG - THE INDUSTRY'S NOT FOR PROFIT SALES CO PACE (2080 MS)
David Miles, trainer of Jo Rocks advised subsequent to the poor performance at Cranbourne on 20 October 2022, that blood tests had revealed the mare had tied up. Mr.Miles stated Jo Rocks would be treated accordingly and continue with the current preparation.
Bendigo – 20 October 2022
RACE 4 –WOODLANDS STUD 3YO PACE (2150 MS)
Greg Sugars, stable representative of Captain Barnato advised subsequent to the poor performance at Bendigo on 20 October 2022, that the gelding had recovered well however would now be spelled.
Tabcorp Park Melton – 21 October 2022
RACE 3 – ALLIED EXPRESS 3YO CLASSIC (2240 MS)
Emma Stewart, trainer of Rich Beauty advised subsequent to the poor performance at Tabcorp Park Melton on 21 October 2022, that the filly had recovered well. Ms.Stewart stated Rich Beauty would continue with the current preparation.
RACE 9 – LOGICAL STAFFING SOLUTIONS TATLOW STAKES (2YO FILLIES) (GROUP 2) (2240 MS)
Emma Stewart, trainer of Tiffs Little Sister NZ advised subsequent to the poor performance at Tabcorp Park Melton on 21 October 2022, that the filly had recovered well. Ms.Stewart stated Tiffs Little Sister NZ would continue with the current preparation.
