VIC - Stewards Supplementary Report
Mildura – 1 July 2022
RACE 7 – TASCO PETROLEUM PACE (1790 MS)
Stewards initially adjourned an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the winner of the event Budd Sidewinder being able to obtain a run to the inside of the leader Sammys Ideal (Ashleigh Markham) inside the final 200m.
During the adjournment Stewards reviewed the wagering of the event, which failed to identify any concern relative to the driving conduct within the race. Stewards further reviewed the previous history of Sammys Ideal and the evidence initially obtained along with further evidence tendered by Mr Markham during the second sitting of the inquiry on 21 July 2022.
Subsequently, Ashleigh Markham, driver of Sammys Ideal, pleaded guilty to a charge under AHR Rule 162(1)(www)(c) which states:
162. (1) 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 Sammys Ideal shifting out inside the final 200m resulting in Budd Sidewinder, which was previously held up, being advantaged by obtaining clear running to the inside of Sammys Ideal and finishing ahead of Sammys Ideal.
In assessing penalty, Stewards took into account the following factors:
- Mr Markham’s good prior offence record;
- Mr Markham’s guilty plea and forthright evidence;
- The current frequency in which Mr Markham drives in races;
- The effect that this occurrence had on the outcome on the event and the level of advantage obtained;
- That any penalty needs to provide a general and specific deterrent;
- Previous penalties imposed under this rule;
- The detrimental impact such incidents may have on the industry.
Accordingly, Mr Markham’s licence to drive in races was suspended for a period of 3 months effective immediately.
Mr Markham was advised of his rights of appeal.
Bendigo – 30 August 2022
RACE 4 – HYGAIN 2YO MAIDEN TROT (1650 MS)
Mark Hayes, trainer of That Other Thing advised subsequent to the run at Bendigo on August 30 2022, that blood tests had revealed no abnormality. Mr.Hayes stated That Other Thing will undergo a full veterinary check prior to racing again.
Melton – 2 September 2022
RACE 1 – DNR LOGISTICS TROT (2240 MS)
Paddy Lee, trainer of Sultan Sass advised subsequent to the poor performance at Tabcorp Park Melton on September 2 2022, that the mare would now be spelled.
RACE 3 – BOB CONROY 2YO TROTTERS CLASSIC (GROUP 2) (2240 MS)
Andy Gath, trainer of Basilica advised subsequent to the poor performance at Tabcorp Park Melton on September 2 2022, that blood tests had revealed a virus. Mr.Gath stated that Basilica will be treated accordingly before continuing with the current preparation.
RACE 5 - TORNADO VALLEY TROT FINAL (GROUP 2) (2240 MS)
Andy Gath, trainer of Vacation Hill NZ advised subsequent to the poor performance at Tabcorp Park Melton on September 2 2022, that blood tests had revealed a virus. Mr.Gath stated that Vacation Hill NZ will be treated accordingly before continuing with the current preparation.
RACE 6 – TAB NEED FOR SPEED PRINCE FINAL (GROUP 1) (1720 MS)
Matthew Craven, trainer of Hautacam advised subsequent to the poor performance at Tabcorp Park Melton on September 2 2022, that the gelding had recovered well. Mr.Craven stated Hautacam will be given a short break before continuing with the current preparation.
RACE 7 – TAB NEED FOR SPEED PRINCESS FINAL (GROUP 1) (1720 MS)
Margaret Lee, trainer of Aldebaran Vera advised subsequent to the poor performance at Tabcorp Park Melton on September 2 2022, that the filly had recovered well. Ms.Lee stated Aldebaran Vera has worked well since and will continue with the current preparation.
Melton – 2 September 2022
RACE 1 – DNR LOGISTICS PACE (1720 MS)
Kent Harpley, trainer of Boxofchocolates advised subsequent to the run at Tabcorp Park Melton on September 3 2022, that the mare had recovered well. Mr.Harpley could offer no explanation for the poor performance and stated Boxofchocolates would trial prior to returning to the races.
RACE 3 – COBBITTY LODGE 4YO PACE (2240 MS)
Eric Anderson, stable representative of Treacherous Rock advised subsequent to the run at Tabcorp Park Melton on September 3 2022, that the horse had recovered well. Mr.Anderson stated Treacherous Rock would continue with the current preparation.
RACE 6 – HBV STALLION GUIDE AMARILLEN MATRIARCH PACE FINAL (GROUP 3) (2240 MS)
Lisa Bartley, trainer of The Wolf NZ advised subsequent to the poor performance at Tabcorp Park Melton on September 3 2022, that the mare had recovered well. Ms.Bartley stated The Wolf NZ has worked well since and would continue with the current preparation.
Craig Turnbull, trainer of Smooth Debate advised subsequent to the poor performance at Tabcorp Park Melton on September 3 2022, that the mare had recovered well. Mr.Turnbull stated Smooth Debate would continue with the current preparation and be driven more conservatively moving forward.
RACE 7 – TAB MINUTEMAN FREE FOR ALL (2240 MS)
Rodney Lakey, trainer of Lochinvar Art advised subsequent to the run at Tabcorp Park Melton on September 3 2022, that tests had revealed the horse was suffering from a lung infection. Mr.Lakey stated Lochinvar Art would be treated accordingly before continuing with the current preparation.
Charlton – 5 September 2022
RACE 8 – JOSEPHINE O'GORMAN @ THE AGENCY VICTORIA PACE (2100 MS)
Robert Walters, stable representative of The Hornet NZ advised subsequent to the poor performance at Charlton on September 5 2022, that the gelding had recovered well. Mr.Walters stated The Hornet NZ may not have been suited leading and would now have a light week or two before a decision is made on the current preparation.
