Racing NSW stewards again adjourned an inquiry into Adam Hyeronimus’ ride on eventual third placegetter Vauban in the middle stages of Saturday’s Chelmsford Stakes (1600m).
Evidence was taken from Hyeronimus and co-trainer Adrian Bott at Randwick in relation to a passage approaching the 800m when Vauban’s stablemate Sir Delius (Tim Clark), who went on to finish second, had been racing wide without cover before slotting in behind Robusto and in advance of Vauban.
Stewards subsequently examined betting activity and found “no concerns” but called on Clark to provide his take on Wednesday before taking further evidence from Hyeronimus.
Clark was asked if there had been any communication between the two riders during that part of the race to which Clark answered, “no”, and when questioned why he twice looked over his inside shoulder he said he was checking there was room for Sir Delius to safely slot in.
Hyeronimus stated that he didn’t “give my horse a dig” to get on the back of Robusto and hold out Sir Delius as he didn’t feel it was in the best interests of Vauban, a stayer who was first-up and being set for the Melbourne Cup (3200m).
Technical difficulties delayed the start of the reconvened inquiry on Wednesday, prompting Racing NSW stewards to postpone the handing down of any decision until this weekend’s Rosehill meeting.
