Stewards scratch filly from $100,000 final

Western Australian Harness Racing Stewards caused a major surprise last night when they ordered the late scratching of the warm favourite Sheer Rocknroll from the $100,000 Westbred 2 year old Fillies Classic at Gloucester Park, after she was found with treatment puncture marks on her neck.

Trained by Ross Olivieri, Sheer Rocknroll, had been inspected by stewards at her Oakford stable yesterday afternoon and what they found caused them considerable alarm.

As a result, the third favourite was withdrawn five minutes before starting time.

Chief steward Carl Cody made the following brief statement regarding the late scratching

“Our course investigator Phil O’Reilly was accompanied by steward Brad Bennetts when they visited the Oakland stables of Ross Olivieri on Friday afternoon."

"During that visit they saw a bleeding puncture wound on the neck of  Sheer Rocknroll".

"As a result we had no option but to scratch her from her race tonight."

“Ross Olivieri has denied a race-day treatment of the filly and an inquiry is ongoing.” Carl Coady said.

Harnesslink Media