One driver has been fined and another is facing a stewards inquiry after a fiery start to Leeton’s harness racing meeting on Wednesday night.
Corey Bell has been fined $500, with $300 of that suspended for the next 12 months, after having a verbal slanging match with fellow reinsman David Moran following the completion of the TAB Rewards Pace (1758m).
Bell was fined for his actions after the race where he swore at Moran and threw his whip as the pair were returning towards the stables.
In a fast first half of the race, Bell and Gwenie My Dear ($8.30) were pressured for the lead by Moran on Hares Ourchance ($6.60) for the first 700 metres.
The pair strode well clear of the remainder of the field and were 15 metres in front before Moran restrained his horse.
The pace slowed substantially but neither Gwenie My Dear or Hares Ourchance finished in the placings.
Hares Ourchance tired badly to finish last, beaten 68 metres by Yarrawonga visitor Mark Attack ($10.50).
Gwenie My Dear battled into fourth, losing by 37.7 metres.
Stewards questioned the tactics of both drivers and have opened an inquiry into Moran’s driving tactics.
Both Moran and trainer Shane Hillier gave evidence on Wednesday night with more to come in the following weeks.
Bell and trainer Shaun Snudden combined later in the program with Sewican to win the Process Priners Place (1758m).
After being placed in his five last starts, Sewican ($1.60 fav) broke through for his first win since May.
The Mach Three mare was three wide without cover for the last lap but powered on for a 10.6-metre win.
Hillier and Moran also combined to win with Sir Roy ($1.40 fav).
After breaking his string of three wins at Cobram on Monday, the three-year-old was quickly back into the winners list after being victorious in the Leeton Veterinary Hospital Pace (1758m).
Im Johnny Jet ($1.60 fav) was another impressive winner on the six-race card and he hasn’t finished worse than second in seven Australian starts.
With four wins under his belt since April, he’s now won two from two at his hometrack for Phil and Reece Maguire.
He was another who had to race three wide without cover for the last lap but defeated Waratah Beach and Sit Down Walter by 1.4 metres in the NH3 Refrigeration Pace (2147m).
The pair couldn’t be split in the battle for second half in a strong finish to the race.
Harness racing will return to Lin Gordon Paceway on July 24 for a Friday afternoon meeting.
