Captain Hammerhead disqualified in Shepparton Gold Cup

In one of the most dramatic feature harness racing races, highly talented pacer Captain Hammerhead was disqualified from  this year’s Neatline Homes Group 3 $50,000 Shepparton Gold Cup at the Shepparton raceway last night before a capacity crowd who turned up to witness what was an anti climax to what had turned out to be a fabulous race.

In what had been a stirling performance Captain Hammerhead did all the work having to race outside the leader New South Wales visitor Kanena Provlima (A Rocknroll Dance).

James Herbertson on Kanena Provlima was the second favourite and as expected found the lead from his coveted barrier 2.

Warm favourite Tact Macleod almost buck jumped at the start but then lost any chance of seriously challenging for the lead. Although his driver Anthony Butt had him pacing quickly and he secured a trail he never quite looked as if he would trouble the leaders.

Captain Hammerhead had a stirring battle with Kanena Provlima and just as he edged clear in the home straight driver David Moran dropped his foot out of the cart and according to stewards contacted the hind leg of Captain Hammerhead. After a lengthy hearing instituted by the stewards themselves Captain Hammerhead was disqualified and Kanena Provlima was promoted to the winner with Sew What and Perfect Stride uplifted for the minor placings. (At the time of publication the official stewards report had not been released)

NSW visitor Kanena Provlima (trained by KerryAnn Morris/driven by James Herbertson has been declared the winner of the Group 3 $50,000 Neatline Home Shepparton Gold Cup🏆, with first-past-the-post Captain Hammerhead was disqualified after a stewards inquiry. pic.twitter.com/R0Ojv1Ou6R

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) January 11, 2025

Leading New South Wales trainer Kerry Ann Morris who brought Kanena Provlima to Shepparton was full of praise for the veteran gelding

“He’s just a lovely old horse and he thrives on Melbourne tracks. After he did well last year that’s why we brought him back”.

Winning driver James Herbertson who picked up the driver after regular reinsman Robert Morris opted to drive at Menangle Park commented.

“’The main plan went out the window. The horse was massive in defeat (before being promoted to winner). It was a real Country Cup. At the end of the day you can come out the right end or the wrong end. I appreciate the sponsors for their support.”

Morris added that the plans were now to go to Ballarat for their Cup next Saturday night.

“We’ll see how he pulls up. He probably will go to the Hunter Cup.”

Sew What who had the trail behind the leader was a game runner up while Perfect Stride and Western Sonador came from well back to be just behind Sew What.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink