NZ Metro TC 23 June 2024 – R9 – Ben Hope

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 9, Stipendiary Steward Mr Paul Williams presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(3)(b) by Open Driver Mr Ben Hope.

Mr Hope stated he was conversant with the Rule, the Charge and he confirmed his admittance of the breach.

Mr Williams played the final 200m of the race and identified Mr Hope racing in the middle of the Racetrack, with UCANTHANDLETHETRUTH (S Thornley) to his outside, with OCEAN BREEZE (B Butt) outside Mr Thornley. Mr Williams pointed to Mr Hope, at approximately the 150m, shift his horse outwards onto Mr Thornley, contacting UCANTHANDLETHETRUTH’S hind leg, causing this horse to gallop and lose several lengths.

Mr Williams showed Mr Hope correct his horse, but he said it was obviously too little, too late.

Mr Hope had nothing to add to Mr Williams’ assessment.

DECISION:

The Respondent having admitted the charge, it was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Williams stated Mr Hope has had 135 drive this season and 311 in the previous.

He said Mr Hope has 3 prior breaches of the Rule since February.

6 February at Amberley, $300 fine.

19 April at Ashburton, 3 day suspension.

3 May at Auckland, 5 day suspension in a Group 1 Race.

Mr Williams said Mr Hope has been fully cooperative, however his record is now very poor, and the Stewards would be seeking a suspension of no less than 5 days.

Mr Hope made no submissions on Penalty, but asked for a deferment to allow him to drive on 28 June.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a starting point of a 4-day suspension for a second or subsequent breach of the Rule.

Mr Hope’s record is a major aggravating factor, and his carelessness has extinguished the chances of another runner. The Adjudicative Committee, in considering the evidence, finds an uplift in penalty of 2 days to be suitable in this case.

Mr Hope has admitted the breach at the earliest opportunity and has been professional throughout the process, for which the Adjudicative Committee can afford him a one-day discount of his suspension. His request for a deferment to drive this coming Friday is granted.

CONCLUSION:

Driver Ben Hope’s Licence to drive in races is suspended for 5 days, from the conclusion of racing on 28 June, up to and including racing on 14 July 2024.