VOLUME E / ISSUE 2 April 2015 Contents 2 CEO Note 3 Preview 5 Bathurst Review 7 Country Horse of the Month 9 Meet the Kindred Bodies 10 Mini Trots Report 11 Harness Breeders NSW Bathurst Gold Crown 12 From the Stewards Room 3 5 7 11
CEO Notes CHAMPIONS OF GOLD The wins of Pixies Parlour (Tiara) and Shadow Runner (Crown) epitomise the core value of the Bathurst Gold Grown Carnival that is the intangible thrill connected to victory in these traditional races for two year olds. For Philip Webb the satisfaction of breeding and racing Pixies Parlour is only equalled by the enjoyment experienced by the Dimarco family (Marissa and Sam) in selecting their champion from the yearlings in the paddock at Brooklyn Lodge. The wins of Read About Lexy (Bracelet) and Artistic Flite (Chalice) can t go without mention either. The perseverance of Lex Crosby the breeder/owner of the Bracelet winner and the constant pursuit of that good horse by Theo Papadopoulos the owner of the Chalice winner were rewarded with the victories of their horses. INDUSTRY BUDGET In accordance with the Intracode Agreement the FY2015/16 Draft Budget will be issued to the Harness Racing Clubs Committee next week (April 14). The annual budget which sets out the financial position of the Industry for the ensuing year will go through a stipulated process of review and comment before being finalised by the Board of HRNSW. Of note in the Draft Budget are increases in total prizemoney and Breeders Challenge incentives as well as movements in the operating costs of HRNSW and the respective allocations from the Racecourse Development Fund to individual Clubs and Training Centres. Integral integrity applications form a key cost to the industry especially in the area of litigation and this component of the budget is retained. The Intracode requirement is for the FY2015/16 Budget to be confirmed before the end of June. STRATEGIC PLAN The proposed Strategic Plan will be delivered to the Harness Racing Industry Consultation Committee and other industry stakeholders for consultation during the month of April. A draft Plan was issued to the industry stakeholders for comment last year and has since been expanded taking into account various responses. The Strategic Plan sets out the goals and aspirations that HRNSW seeks to implement between 2014 and 2017 for the sustainable growth of harness racing with the ethos being not to just look to the future but to make the future. RACE DATES The race dates calendar has been finalised after considerable consultation with the Clubs taking into account the availability of tracks and the existing horse population in the districts and regions. Features of the race dates are the increase in races from 6 to 8 for the secondary Saturday night meetings, an increase in the Saturday night Newcastle meetings and a reduction in the number of races not covered by the TAB. The retention, as requested by participants, of R meetings has also been adopted across the regions on a monthly cycle. REVIEWS HRNSW Management is in the process of several relevant reviews concerning the core business of the industry racing. The primary review concerns the programming and handicapping system, the results of which will be conveyed to the participants in late May through a number of Road Shows. The Board of HRNSW has requested independent analysis of the comparative wagering results which will form an integral component of the Road Show information. Other reviews cover the conduct of Trials, Sprint Lane, six months of racing at Paceway Bathurst, Racing of Two Year Olds and respective Clubs and Associations corporate governance. WESTERN DISTRICTS REGIONAL BOARD MEETING The Board and management of HRNSW will hold the first of the regional 2015 Board Meetings in Bathurst over two days in late April. All Western Districts Clubs and the Associations have been invited to attend. Further regional meetings will be held in the Metropolitan (June), South West & Riverina (September) and Hunter & North West (November). Assistance to Clubs through regionalisation of the primary regulatory functions of the industry will be the focus for HRNSW in the ensuing years. John Dumesny HRNSW CEO CEO Note 2 April 2015
Preview of the Month Ahead April signals a return to the cooler weather as winter approaches but the racing around the state should ensure a warm glow for all participants. There are four Carnival Of Cups meetings across New South Wales and with the Len Smith Mile and Australian Pacing Gold Final for two year old colts and geldings to be run on the last Sunday of the month there are plenty of feature races to be run. MUSWELLBROOK MONDAY 6TH APRIL (TAB CARNIVAL OF CUPS) The Easter Monday meeting should ensure a large crowd. The Muswellbrook club will run the annual Muswellbrook Cup this year sponsored by TLE Electrical Wholesalers. The race is for C2/C4 pacers this year and is worth $8,670. The Hunter Valley Harness Racing Association Cup is another of the feature events. For C4 or better horses, the race is worth $10,200 while two heats of the Tabcorp Park Menangle Country series will be run as well. Last year s Muswellbrook Carnival Of Cups meeting was held in February on a Sunday afternoon and Strathlachlan Andy was the star of the day winning the Hunter Valley Harness Racing Association Cup by 11 metres. Since that victory Strathlachlan Andy has won a Tabcorp Park Menangle Country Final and the Tamworth Golden Guitar. WEST WYALONG SUNDAY 12TH APRIL (TAB CARNIVAL OF CUPS) The town of West Wyalong is located in the central west region of New South Wales and with big prize money on offer at the Carnival Of Cups meeting, trainers and horses will travel from across the state to compete. The richest race on the programme is the $14,280 West Wyalong Pacers Cup, a race for C3/C6 horses. The race is run over the gruelling 2540 metres. The SJC Contracting, JK Design and Phillips Building Three Year Old Classic is a $10,200 event with runners qualifying at the club s Easter Saturday meeting. There is also a $10,200 C0 final to be run on the Sunday. Last year s West Wyalong Cup meeting was a day of upsets with only two favourites scoring on the nine race card. The Cup was won by Kennedy Creek while the Three Year Old Classic was won by Goezee. For the record, the only two favourites to win were Our Gold Dust Woman and Lombo Madam Lashe. COOLAMON SUNDAY 19TH APRIL (TAB CARNIVAL OF CUPS) The small country town located near Wagga Wagga in the Riverina plays host to the only all trotting meeting in New South Wales. The $25,000 Gr. 3 La Coocaracha for mares is the feature race but there are several strong support races including the Young Trouper for the two year olds, the NSW Country Derby and Oaks, the Coolamon Monte and the well named Humbletonian where preference is given to maiden trotters. As has become tradition at Coolamon, a guest racecaller is invited to broadcast the races and in the past some of the names that have attended the meeting include Mark McNamara, Jim Jacques, Craig Rail and Ray Fewings. This year Sky Racing s Mitch Manners will call the meeting. The David Aiken trained Spidergirl won the La Coocaracha last year before going onto win two Gr. 1 races later in the season. Preview of the Month Ahead 3 April 2015
INVERELL SUNDAY 26TH APRIL (TAB CARNIVAL OF CUPS) Situated in northern New South Wales, Inverell s a town with a rich harness racing history. Run in conjunction with the Len Smith Mile meeting at Tabcorp Park Menangle, Inverell will run its Carnival Of Cups meeting on the final Sunday in the month. The feature race is the $9,000 Inverell Cup for C2/C4 horses. All other races at the meeting will carry prize money of $6,000. Last year s Inverell Cup was taken out by the Ken Natty trained and Anthony Varga driven Gotta Feeling. TABCORP PARK MENANGLE SUNDAY 26TH APRIL (LEN SMITH MILE AND AUSTRALIAN PACING GOLD) Two Gr. 1 events will be run at the meeting and with two time Inter Dominion winner Beautide aiming for a second successive Len Smith Mile, the meeting will be a big one. Connections will be chasing the big money on offer in the Australian Pacing Gold final for the two year old colts and geldings while the time honoured Carousel will be run at Gr. 2 level with $51,000 on offer. Two Menangle Country finals will also be run with a number of the runners qualifying at Carnival Of Cup meetings during the month. Last year s Len Smith Mile meeting saw the two year old fillies compete in the APG final and the Gary Quinlan trained Queen Of Pop proved too strong for Soho Tokyo and Bamako Mali. The last time the APG two year old colts and geldings final was run at Menangle was in 2013. On that occasion Belinda McCarthy trained the trifecta with Lettucerockthem running 1:52.1, an Australasian two year old record. Preview of the Month Ahead 4 April 2015
Bathurst Review The new 1000 metre Bathurst track received a Gold Crown carnival christening that many will never forget. The hard working Bathurst team orchestrated seven meetings in the space of ten days which culminated in a successful yet chilly evening with popular victories in both of the Gr. 1 races. ALABAR BATHURST GOLD CROWN The two year old feature has provided many good news stories since Rocket Jason won the first running of the race in 1987. However when veteran trainer Sam Dimarco won this year s Gold Crown with Shadow Runner, a new chapter was written in the race s history. Dimarco left the sport of harness racing in 2001, a talented trainer that had won Sires Stakes with horses like Copper Queen and Miss Prissy. Dimarco had some health issues that meant he needed some time to look after himself and his family. While battling and dealing with his health problems, Dimarco developed depression but a decision by his daughter Marissa to purchase two yearlings and give them to her father to train has helped with his fight. The two horses Marissa purchased, Gotta Go Gold and Shadow Runner, both qualified for the Bathurst Gold Crown but it was the latter driven by Michael Formosa that etched his name onto the winners list. After the race Dimarco confirmed the victory was something he will treasure forever. It means a lot, I didn t think we d get to Bathurst let alone win the race. Michael Formosa was very confident, in the week leading up to the race he had been saying to me we were going to be right in it, Dimarco said. I wouldn t be training these horses if it wasn t for Marissa, when I walked away 12 years ago I wasn t going to be back in harness racing but she pushed me to train them and that s the only reason I am here. Shadow Runner, a son of Shadow Play, rated 1:55.7 in winning and held off a late burst from the Peter Gavin trained Karloo Damajor with Jack Butler s Sams The Master in third. The favourite Bettermatch had been unbeaten before the race but galloped and finished tenth. It may not be the last time the placegetters clash this season with the three of them all eligible for the Pepper Tree Farm Breeders Challenge. SLINGSBY HOLDINGS BATHURST GOLD TIARA As a trainer Steve Turnbull has won the biggest races in Australia. Turnbull has won the Inter Dominion, a Miracle Mile and a Chariots Of Fire but surprisingly he has never been able to train the winner of a Gold Crown or Gold Tiara up until this year. Pixies Parlour was the filly that changed all that when she led throughout to win the Gold Tiara with Turnbull s daughter Amanda in the sulky. I finally have won a big two year old race at Bathurst, it is a great feeling, especially in front of the home crowd, Turnbull said. Everyone got behind us, the filly has got a really good owner and all of the family has had something to do with her so it makes it all the more special. Only two months prior to the carnival Turnbull believed he had a horse that would be competitive in the Gold Crown only to lose him through injury which meant the stable s main target would become the Gold Tiara. We trialled a few of them just before Christmas and Josh (Turnbull) still had Pixies Parlour at the time, she was still in her second prep and we took her into Bathurst for a look at the track in a green trial. Josh O shea drove her and she flew through at the finish, like an old mare and I said to Josh I thought this was a two year old trial and he said this is the filly I ve been talking about, she definitely took my eye that night. April Bathurst Review 5 April 2015
Pixies Parlour could be set for a very good season. The daughter of Village Jasper can compete in the Breeders Challenge and is also eligible to run in the Breeders Challenge Blue Final too. Runner up Hot Shot Woman is trained by Rob Xerri and will look towards the Breeders Challenge while Belinda McCarthy s pair Soho Madeleine and Three Squared finished third and fourth respectively. GROUP 1 FEEDS GOLD CHALICE Artistic Flite added the Gold Chalice to the Gold Crown title he won a year ago for new trainer Shane Tritton. Despite drawing wide Lauren Panella pressed forward at the start before finding the front and racing away for a very comfortable victory. We ve been coming to Bathurst for a while but that s the first race we have won on Crown night, I m very proud of him and we were just lucky to have him come to our stable and now we are trying to make the most of it, Tritton said. Artistic Flite is definitely on the improve, we are very mindful of the long season he has in front of him, he is an untapped talent and works with my fast class horses but still has a few things to learn. David Kennedy s Sporty Spook was the main danger to Artistic Flite according to punters but a second row forced Sporty Spook s driver Jarrod Alchin to attempt to push underneath the Tritton trained pacer in the run to the first turn. It was touch and go, Jarrod certainly played his hand, Lauren showed some skill to close the door and while it probably didn t win her the race it made it a hell of a lot easier. After the Chalice win he s off to the Seymour series in Queensland, then the Breeders Challenge in Sydney back to Brisbane for the Queensland Derby and then the Breeders Crown so he has a lot of racing to go this season. Second was the Steve Turnbull trained Mouse In The House while the Kerry Ann Turner trained Sports Chaton was third with Sporty Spook fourth. TABLELANDS BUILDERS GOLD BRACELET Bernie Hewitt provided popular owner Lex Crosby with another feature race victory when Read About Lexy fought back after being headed inside the final 400 metres to win the Gold Bracelet. Last year s Gold Tiara winner Makes Every Scents looked set to make the big Bathurst double when she put her head in front on approaching the final turn only to have the pint sized Read About Lexy kick back underneath her. Read About Lexy went super to win the Bracelet that night, she really had to tough it out, she was well and truly headed but she fought back like the little trooper she is, Hewitt said. I thought leading was her best chance, I thought if Makes Every Scents had led her then she would have been too speedy for us and the sprint lane doesn t kick in until late. It was Read About Lexy s sixth win of the season and will not be her last with Hewitt confirming she will now travel to Melbourne. She ll now head to the Victorian Oaks, she had a couple of days off after the win but then it is Victoria before coming back to New South Wales for the Breeders Challenge. Read About Lexy is getting stronger all the time, she pulled up terrific after the Bracelet win, she wouldn t have blown a candle out. Makes Every Scents held onto second place with Somelovesomewhere running third for Shaun Snudden and Corey Bell. A large crowd, somewhere in the vicinity of 2000 people attended the evening but many more attended the other race meetings and functions associated with the carnival. The club headed up by CEO Danny Dwyer should be congratulated for a tremendous effort and now can look forward to next year. April Bathurst Review 6 April 2015
Country Horse of the Month Strathlachlan Andy HARDINGS AND STRATHLACHLAN ANDY You need a lot of energy to keep up with Geoff Harding and his sons Matthew, Mitchell and James. A passion for harness racing is true to this family, and there is no fuss and bother, they all work side by side. The three brothers have followed their father Geoff into harness racing and enjoying success, especially with stable star Strathlachlan Andy who topped the $100,000 prize money purse recently after a win in the Roberts & Morrow Chartered Accountants Armidale Cup. The gelding smashed the Armidale track record when he clocked 1.59.7 for 2360 metres. Based at Bobs Farm, at Port Stephens, near Newcastle the family has the best of both worlds, with easy access to the Newcastle International Paceway for racing and the beach at Anna Bay, just ten kilometres away for fast work. We have 34 acres here which has a jog track, but we head to the beach for fast work said Harding who has a team of 10 horses in work at the moment. Geoff Harding made his way into harness racing via a family connection and even though he was born at Forbes in Central West NSW, the family had relocated to Sydney by the time he was ready to commence schooling. Growing up at Liverpool, Harding saw plenty of the old Harold Park and Fairfield Paceways. I liked the old days of the standing starts, especially if the horse was good away but these days it s all about speed and there is nowhere to hide Raising three boys, Harding wanted them to enjoy the country life and in the early days established himself at Moonbi and raced his team at Tamworth but when it came time for the boys to gain employment Harding and his wife Joanne made the decision to move to Bobs Farm. Moonbi was a better spot to bring the boys up when they were kids but we decided to move when they got older for employment opportunities. In fact that was the right move with eldest son Matthew gaining a trade as a Fitter Machinist and is now an Operator with a Hunter Valley based mine and Mitchell learning the electrical trade and based at an aluminium plant at Tomago. James is the youngest at 20 and he is going to give the horses a go fulltime I am pleased they have a trade behind them said Harding James is the youngest at 20 and he is going to give the horses a go fulltime For Matthew and Mitchell the boys are also enterprising in renovating a couple of houses together in their spare time. There is no wonder the boys have made their presence in harness racing with not only their father Geoff leading the way, but their mother Joanne also had a fair share in the industry with handling the reins in her early days. Joanne drove Lynargar to its first win said Harding. That win was back in January 1987 at Penrith when Joanne piloted the Lyndon Bye Bye gelding to his first victory so it is no wonder Matthew, Mitchell and James are involved in harness racing. Strathlachlan Andy is now giving the family a lot of fun with 16 wins and 13 placing from only 38 starts for the Harding stables. Country Horse of the Month 7 April 2015
Raced by Matthew, it is Geoff who handles the training of the Blissfull Hall USA-Strathlachlan Gem 5yo gelding with the broodmare sire being Chip Off The Block USA so Strathlachlan Andy is the right horse for this family. Breaking in Strathlachlan Andy, Geoff drove the gelding to a win on debut at Newcastle, before Matthew hit his straps and drove Andy to 11 wins which included the $25,000 Prydes Easifeed Golden Guitar Final at Tamworth back in January. He also drove him to victory in a heat of the Inter City Pace, and a win at Menangle. Geoff Harding also drove a winner of the Golden Guitar Final at Tamworth back in 2007 with a catch drive behind Lets Ride The Tide. I just told Matthew to go out and show me how it is done joked Harding of the Golden Guitar Final. James Harding then took the reins after his return from 12 months in America behind Strathlachlan Andy, and even though he had gained two winning drives with the horse early on, it was the win in the Narrabri Cup and then in the Armidale Cup that was the highlight. He is just a nice horse to drive said James Harding, who spent time in New Jersey where he worked for Jimmy Takter who had 90 horses in work, before recently returning home. It was a bit of a surprise when James said he was heading to America but I have to give him a pat on the back for doing it - he organised it all himself said Geoff Harding. With Matthew and James gaining a name as reinsmen in the sport it is Mitchell they all rely upon. He is our backstop around the stables. Feeds up when we go away to race and helps with the horses a lot said Harding. I have had some handy horses over the years but Andy is the best I ve had added Geoff Harding, A visit to see James in America last October by Harding senior saw a change to Stratchlachlan Andy s training. I learnt a bit while I was in America. I changed Andy s training a little when I am a proud father and it is always good when someone comes up to you at a harness meeting and congratulates you on your boys. I came back and he is just thriving. Hopefully he keeps improving off that as he will be a good horse. And the future for team Harding? I would like to win Lotto joked Geoff Harding. I always buy a ticket but you know I will always do harness racing I am a proud father and it is always good when someone comes up to you at a harness meeting and congratulates you on your boys. Compiled by Julie Maughan Country Horse of the Month 8 April 2015
Meet the Kindred Bodies HARNESS BREEDERS NEW SOUTH WALES President FLORA ROBSON Vice President DARRYLL KELL Treasurer PAT DRISCOLL Secretary DYANNA THOMMENY Social Media Officer KAREN KEMP Membership Officer LISA KELL Committee KRISTY DAY KEVIN HIPKINS ANDREW DANIELS LES CAMARDA DARREN REAY Contact: e. HBRNSW@GMAIL.COM w. HARNESSBREEDERSNSW.COM.AU Harness Breeders New South Wales actively support, promote and encourage the breeding and breeders of Standardbreds horses in New South Wales. With over 360 members, HBNSW is the largest of the harness associations in NSW. Annual membership is $75 with a range of benefits for all members. NEW SOUTH WALES STANDARD BRED OWNERS ASSOCIATION President PETER NEIL Vice President DANIEL CORDINA Treasurer PETER GREEN Secretary FRAN FITZPATRICK Committee PETER DEWSBURY PETER PLUMMER BRIAN INGRAM MARIE NEIL NEIL PARNABY MICHAEL BROWN Contact: e. INFO@NSWSOA.ORG.AU w. NSWSOA.ORG.AU New South Wales Standardbred Owners Association is the official accredited body representing standardbred owners in NSW. The association aims to encourage ownership of the standardbred by endorsing the benefits of being an owner and the methods of becoming one. Annual membership is $50 with a number of benefits for members. UNITED HARNESS RACING ASSOCIATION President JOHN MCCARTHY Vice President DARREN MCCALL Secretary ANTON GOLINO Committee KERRYANN TURNER JIM DOUGLASS BERNIE HEWITT JAMIE HOGAN LEON JURD Contact: e. OZONTHETROT@YAHOO.COM.AU The UHRA is the accredited body which represents the harness trainers and drivers in New South Wales. The UHRA focuses on all issues concerning the participant groups and consults with administrative bodies on their behalf therefore presenting a united voice. Annual membership is $10. MINITROTS NEW SOUTH WALES President TERRY JUDD Vice President ANNE WHEELER Secretary/ Treasurer DARYLL JACKSON Contact: e. NSWMINITROTS@HOTMAIL.COM Minitrots New South Wales is an association representing the different min trotting clubs across the state. Mini trotting is for children aged five to sixteen with competitors driving ponies in organised races at harness racing tracks, local shows and organised trial days. Meet the Kindred Bodies 9 April 2015
Mini Trots Report April News NSW CHAMPIONSHIPS This year sees the 31st running of the NSW Mini Trot Championships to be held at Gunning over the Easter period. The carnival has been held annually only missing 2008 due to EI outbreak in the horse population. Dynomite and Smartie was our initial winner and many champions have followed through in their hoof steps. In the midget division Cuddle was dominate for a period with 5 consecutive wins, Magic Floss 3 wins while Little Cheeky, Brumby Jack, Black Babe and Midnight Express were also dual winners. Our Shetlands saw the little grey Jingles dominate for many years with an impressive 7 titles with only Accelerate taking the title twice during Jingles reign. Paleface Katie and Nightmare each have held the title for 4 years each while Secret Mission was successful 3 consecutive years. Falcon Crest and Me Too each were successful twice. Strawberry Road and Energizer both share the honours for the most wins in the pony section with 6 wins each. Dave s Dasher did take 4 titles during the Strawberry Road reign and both ponies were dominated in this era. Miss Magoo and Frosty both were dual winners. ENERGIZER TO RETIRE It has just been announced recently that this year s NSW Mini Trot Championships will be Energizer s last. Sharing the honour with Strawberry Road of 6 titles each Energizer has the opportunity to become the pony with the most wins. Energizer started his first race on the 16-12-1994 at age 3yo.Staring at his home track of Leeton which he won started off 710 metres a little slower than he is now. At the NSW Championships held at Young in 1997 he made the finals, running 9th as a 7yo to Sarah Towers maiden name Moon driving Strawberry Road. 1998 Energizer ventured south to take out Victorian Championships Free For All and finish 2nd in the Victorian Championships. Later that year saw a win in the Inter Dominion Mini Trotters Championship Free For All at Harold Park as well as the Miracle Half Mile at Harold Park later that year. 2004 saw Energizer win his first NSW Championship. His second win was in 2009 a year he also took out the Inter Dominion in Queensland. Energizer has held the title each year since except 2013 when Whispering Gypsy was successful at Gunning the venue of Energizers farewell. Energizer has won numerous races cups at Leeton, Junee, Wagga and Temora areas and horse/pony of the year awards ROSS GIGG MEMORIAL CHALLENGE Newcastle Maitland Min Trot Association is pleased to announce they will host a new event on the mini trot calendar to be held at Newcastle Paceway on April 25th Following applications for a mini trot driver to represent NSW in mini trot event in New Zealand it was realized what great talent we have in the junior ranks and a need to bring these together in an event. The concept of the event is for all 10 affiliated clubs in NSW to choose a club representative who will have 5 drives on 5 different ponies on the one night. The Newcastle Maitland Club will supply the ponies who will be handicapped on the night and once handicapped ponies will keep this handicap for the series. A point score over the 5 events will decide the eventual winner. Drivers need to be between 13 and 16 years of age with at least 2 years mini trot driving experience. Harness Racing NSW and Newcastle Harness Racing have shown support for the event and as the late Ross Gigg was always was a tremendous supporter of our juniors in the sport there was little hesitation in naming the event ROSS GIGG MEMORIAL CHALLENGE. With drivers coming from Riverina, Leeton, Shoalhaven, Penrith, Inner City, Bathurst, Dubbo, Tamworth, Canberra, Penrith/Nepean and the local club it is a terrific opportunity to showcase the harness drivers of the future. Mini Trots Report 10 April 2015
Harness Breeders NSW Bathurst Gold Crown BATHURST GOLD CROWN Committee members from Harness Breeders New South Wales were in attendance to witness the running of The 2015 Bathurst Gold Crown Finals, Saturday evening the 28th of March, on the new Bathurst Paceway. This is one of the many Harness Racing Carnivals throughout New South Wales we are privileged to be involved with through our sponsorship program. Harness Breeders New South Wales wish to thank Bathurst Harness Racing Club for their hospitality and allowing us to have a Meet n Greet marquee at this meeting, we thank all of our members who took the time to call in for a drink and chat during the course of the evening. We extend our sincere Congratulations to all of our members who had runners at this meeting, this came to a total of 39 horses on Finals night. Horses bred by our members won 4 of the 9 races on the card those being The Gold Crown, Gold Tiara, Gold Chalice and Gold Chalice Consolation with a further 6 members breeding the 2nd and 3rd placegetters. It was also rewarding to see numerous stallions ably represented by their talented progeny over the course of the carnival. Special mention must go to a member of the current Committee of Harness Breeders NSW Mr. Kevin Hipkins who bred the winner of the Gold Crown, Shadow Runner, this gave his sire Shadow Play his first group one winner in Australia. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WHO TOOK PART AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE 2016 BATHURST GOLD CROWN CARNIVAL. by Flora Robson President - HBNSW WINNERS Gold Tiara Pixies Parlour - PHIL WEBB Gold Crown Shadow Runner - KEVIN HIPKINS Gold Chalice Artistic Flite - MELANIE SETTREE Gold Chalice Consolation Pompidou - ALEX SMITH AND FORMER HBNSW COMMITTEE MEMBER RUSSELL WOODS THE PLACEGETTERS Gold Bracelet Consolation - SAPHIRE STRIDE - BROOKLYN LODGE 3RD PLACE Gold Bracelet Final - MAKES EVERY SENTS - FORMER HBNSW COMMITTEE MEMBER JACKIE GIBSON 2ND PLACE Gold Bracelet Final - SOMELOVESOMEWHERE - ERIC BASHAM 3RD PLACE Gold Tiara Final - HOT SHOT WOMAN - SLOYS COMPANY 2ND PLACE Gold Crown Consolation - SAMS A CHAMP - JOHN BOOTH 2ND PLACE Gold Tiara Consolation - WICKED NIGHTS - LES AND GARY JOHNSON 3RD PLACE. NSW Bathurst Gold Crown Carnival Finals 11 April 2015
From the Stewards Room STABLE INSPECTIONS/ STEWARDS ATTENDANCE AT TRIALS As issues relating to animal welfare occupy the other racing codes, we should not consider that our Industry will be immune from the attention of activists, lobbyists and/or the broader community. In order for harness racing to be perceived as proactive in regards to animal welfare matters Stewards will increase and widen their stable inspections regime in order to ensure issues regarding safety and welfare as well as integrity are addressed appropriately. Similarly Stewards will randomly attend Trials. Participants should understand that as well as checking licences when in attendance Stewards may request breath samples from drivers, request urine samples from drivers, check on drivers vests and order samples from horses seeking to qualify, or requalify. THE USE OF THE WHIP On 22 and 23 April in Hobart HRA will hold the 2015 Chairman of Stewards Conference. Representing all States, as well as New Zealand, this forum through an expansive agenda will examine and debate important matters relevant to our Industry and the Rules. In view of recent media attention it may be of interest to participants to hear that the use of the whip is an agenda item for discussion. One proposal to be canvassed is a requirement limiting the use of the whip only whilst a driver is holding a rein in each hand. We would be pleased to hear from any driver who has a logical or informed opinion. In the meantime there is no apology for the recent increased scrutiny by the Stewards have given the use of the whip in races. Although it has been a number of years since the whip rules were addressed to reflect the contemporary view of society it has been disappointing to witness the lack of commitment and compliance with the Rules. For the benefit of Drivers summarized hereunder the present requirements and provide the Rules pertaining to the use of the whip. 156(2). A driver shall hold a rein in each hand at all times unless he or she is adjusting approved gear or driving in the final 200 metres of a race. 156(3) a. a whip shall not be used so as to obstruct, strike or endanger another driver or horse; b. a driver shall not use the whip excessively; c. a driver shall not allow a whip to project outside the sulky; d. a whip shall not be used in a jabbing or prodding motion; e. a horse shall not be whipped after it has passed the winning post at the finish of a race, its run is finished, or if it cannot maintain or improve its position. 156(4). For the purposes of sub-rule (3) (b) a driver shall be deemed to have used the whip excessively in the following circumstances which are not exclusive:- a. If the tip of the whip is drawn further back than the driver s shoulder; b. If the whip action involves more than a wrist an elbow action; c. If the reins are lengthened so as to result in loose reining regardless of whether the whip is being used at the same time; d. If the whip action is used other than a flicking motion. In addition Stewards will also deem the following actions as using the whip excessively ; Where a driver applies the whip in repeatedly in a constant, consecutive and/or unrelenting manner over an extended distance. Where a Driver does not break up whip use so as give his horse a chance to respond. From the Stewards Room 12 April 2015
In contrast to the actions of some local drivers recently, the judicious use of the whip by top drivers including Dexter Dunn and Gavan Lang during the recent Carnival was most evident. For the benefit of the Industry I appeal for the cooperation of all drivers in complying with these Rules. Compliance is vitally important to the future sustainability of our Industry. WHIP CARRIAGE DURING A RACE The Stewards note that during races several drivers have commenced to carry their whips over the shoulder. This conduct clearly has the potential to cause contact to occur with the head or face region of the trailing horse and the possibility of the horse breaking or sustaining an eye injury. Drivers are directed that forthwith during the running of a race all whips are to be carried either tucked under the arm or forward of the body. Failure of drivers to comply in the first instance will result in a reprimand being issued. However subsequent breaches may result in more significant penalty being imposed. In addition Drivers are reminded of the requirements of Rule 156(3)(c) which states a driver shall not allow a whip to project outside the sulky. UNREGISTERED PRODUCTS HRNSW is aware that a number of Trainers have been contacted by a company (or agents) in relation to purchasing the unregistered medications BIO BLEEDER and BIO BLOCKER. Trainers are reminded of Australian Harness Racing Rule 194: 194. A person who procures or attempts to procure or who has in his possession or on his premises or under his control any substance or preparation that has not been registered, labelled, prescribed, dispensed or obtained in compliance with relevant State and Commonwealth legislation is guilty of an offence. From the Stewards Room 13 April 2015