NZ Metro TC 25 November 2022 – R5 – Mark Purdon
ID: RIB13414
Animal Name:
PARAMOUNT EMPRESS
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
25/11/2022
Race Club:
NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club Inc
Race Location:
Addington Raceway - 75 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch, 8024
Race Number:
R5
Hearing Date:
25/11/2022
Hearing Location:
Addington
Outcome: Not Proved
Penalty: N/A
Summary of Facts:
Following the running of Race 5, an Information was filed by Chief Stipendiary Steward Nigel McIntyre alleging the Respondent, Mark Purdon, breached Rule 869(6)(b) in that Mr Purdon, when driving PARAMOUNT EXPRESS, forced MISS YO wider on the track near the 1700m.
The ‘Pushout Rule’ (r869)(6)(b) provides that:
(6) Subject to sub-rule (4) hereof:
(b) a horse during any race shall not be forced to race wider on the track.
The Respondent did not admit the breach and endorsed the Information accordingly.
Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr McIntyre used the available race films to demonstrate the alleged breach. He pointed out PARAMOUNT EXPRESS, driven by Mr Purdon racing on the pylons with MISS YO, driven by Miss Samantha Ottley, racing to his outer in the two wide line. Mr McIntyre stated that approaching the 1700, Mr Purdon has shifted out and forced MISS YO wider on the track into the 3 wide line and then improved forward in the two wide line.
In response, Mr Purdon stated that there was always room for him to improve outwards into the two wide line as Miss Ottley was always in the 3 wide line. He added that there was no affect to Miss Ottley’s runner, and that her horse was looking to ease back and find cover.
Miss Ottley gave evidence that she was not affected by the movement of Mr Purdon’s. She stated that she was looking to ease back and gain cover when Mr Purdon moved out inside of her runner. She said that this movement did not affect her chances and that she was not forced wider on the track as there was room for Mr Purdon to improve on her inner.
Mr Nathan Williamson gave evidence by telephone and stated that he was on the helmet of Miss Ottley going into the first bend. He stated that Miss Ottley was a loose 2/3 wide position going into the bend and that it did not appear that Miss Ottley was forced wider on the track when Mr Purdon shifted outwards from his position on the pylons.
Decision:
The Adjudicative Committee carefully considered all evidence presented and reviewed all the available films of the alleged breach. We were satisfied that near the 1700m Mr Purdon has shifted out from a pylons position to a 2 wide position when racing on the inside of Miss Ottley. The films showed a gap available, albeit of minimum size, available to Mr Purdon, prior to his movement out. Combined with evidence of Miss Ottley and Mr Williamson, we were not satisfied that Mr Purdon’s movement out caused Miss Ottley to race wider on the track. We therefore determined that the charge be dismissed.
The charge is dismissed.
Decision Date: 25/11/2022
Publish Date: 13/01/2023