Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 31 May 2024 – R9 – John Parsons, Karen Parsons and Varma Ramhit

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Prior to Race 9, Stipendiary Steward Veronica Algar lodged an Information alleging a breach of Rule 534(1) in that Trainers John Parsons, Karen Parsons and Varma Ramhit, failed to scratch FLOAT in Race 9 by the required time of 7.30am.

Rule 534(1) reads as follows;

534(1) At any time from the Withdrawal Deadline to the scratching deadline (as specified for the relevant Race Meeting in accordance with Rule 510(d)(v) or as amended by NZTR from time to time) on the relevant Race day, a person intending to scratch a horse from a Race (after it has been accepted or is deemed to have been accepted) shall give notice to that effect to NZTR and where such notice for scratching a horse refers to a Race Meeting but does not specify a particular Race at that Race Meeting, such notice shall be deemed to apply to all Races for which the horse has been accepted or deemed to have been accepted at that Race Meeting.

John Parsons attended the hearing representing the Training Partnership.

The Respondent acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach.

EVIDENCE:

Ms Algar stated that FLOAT was 3rd on the ballot in Race 9 on today’s racecard. She explained that the Racing Bureau contacted Karen Parsons at 7.10am this morning to inform them that FLOAT had gained a start due to three scratching’s in the event. Ms Algar said Mrs Parsons contacted the Bureau at 7.20am to ask what Riders were available for the race.

She stated that at 7.40am, Mrs Parsons contacted the Racing Bureau and scratched FLOAT after the time limit for scratching of 7.30am. Tim Aldridge, from the Racing Bureau, contacted Ms Algar at 7.45am informing her that FLOAT has been withdrawn at 7.40am.

She said that this late scratching prevented another runner, SAILING AWAY, from gaining a start in the event. She explained that the connections of SAILING AWAY had preferred to start in this event and had declared Warren Kennedy as the Rider in case the horse gained re entry. Ms Algar stated that SAILING AWAY did start in Race 1 on today’s card, but this was not the preferred race for the horse.

Mr Parsons stated that they did not think FLOAT would get into the field. He said they were unprepared when they received the call from the Bureau to notify that FLOAT had gained entry. Mr Parsons added that they played around too long trying to get a Rider and it was obviously too late when the decision was made to scratch the horse.

DECISION:

Mr Parsons admitted the breach, therefore the charge was deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Ms Algar stated that the Penalty Guide provided a $350 fine starting point for a breach of this Rule, where a horse is denied a start. She said the the Respondent had a clear record in regard to this Rule over the previous 12 months. Ms Algar stated that highly experienced Trainers such as the Parsons should know the time constraints and Rules in regard to scratching by the required time of 7.30am on Raceday.

She submitted that an aggravating factor was the fact that SAILING AWAY was denied a start in its preferred event.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guide provides for a fine of $350 for a breach of this Rule when another runner is denied a start in the race.  The Adjudicative Committee has deemed an aggravating factor was that SAILING AWAY was denied a start in its preferred race.

In this instance, the Adjudicative Committee determined that an uplift in penalty was warranted, which was set at $50. The Adjudicative Committee therefore determined that a fine of $400 is an appropriate penalty in this case.

CONCLUSION:

Trainers Parsons and Ramhit are fined $400.