Otago RC 18 October 2024 – R2 – Lee Callaway
ID: RIB47446
Animal Name:
PETE'S PRIDE
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
18/10/2024
Race Club:
Otago Racing Club
Race Location:
Wingatui Racecourse - 285 Gladstone Road North, Mosgiel, Dunedin,
Race Number:
R2
Hearing Date:
18/10/2024
Hearing Location:
Dunedin
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Trainer Lee Callaway is fined $500
Miss Haley alleged that Mr Callaway presented the incorrect horse to the plating area for Race 2.
Miss Haley explained that as Mr Callaway was riding in Race 2, he was unable to leave the Jockeys’ Room to saddle his horse PETE’S PRIDE. The brands were inspected at plating, and it was discovered it was the wrong horse. It transpired the horse presented was not PETE’S PRIDE, but the mare EMPRESS SUIKO that was to start in Race 4.
Miss Haley stated the correct horse was then saddled up and there was no delay to the start of the race due to the breach.
Mr Callaway said he had been unable to leave the Jockeys’ Room to oversee the saddling. He was at a loss as to how it had occurred.  He had relied on a Strapper who had helped him for some time and in whom he had confidence. The Strapper had simply mixed up the 2 horses.
Decision
As Mr Callaway has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submissions as to Penalty
Miss Haley produced the Respondent’s record. There were no previous breaches of this Rule.
Mr Callaway said he had been training for some 7 years without incident.
Reasons for Penalty
The starting point in the Penalty Guide is a fine of $800. Previous breaches have resulted in fines ranging from $500 to $700.
From the $800 starting point, there is a $300 reduction for this being Mr Callaway first such breach, although this is to be expected considering the nature of the charge, his admission, his reliance on an experienced Strapper in circumstances where he was unable to personally oversee saddling, and the fact the error was detected early and there was no delay to the start of the race.
Conclusion
Mr Callaway is fined the sum of $500.
Decision Date: 18/10/2024
Publish Date: 21/10/2024