Auckland TC 8 August 2025 – R1 – Leah Hibell

Following the running of Race 1, the Respondent, Leah Hibell, admitted a charge that she breached Rule 869(3)(b); namely that  she drove carelessly near the 200m when she allowed her gelding to contact the sulky wheel of MARIA KIRILENKO (T Cameron), resulting in INNOCENT MAN breaking and losing all chance.

The Respondent endorsed the Information ‘I do admit the breach of the rule’ and confirmed she understood the Rule and the nature of the charge. The Respondent was supported at the hearing by Trainer, David Butcher.

Rule 869(3)(b) provides:

No driver in any race shall drive carelessly.

Using available video footage, Stipendiary Steward, Keith Coppins, identified the horses involved in the incident namely, INNOCENT MAN driven by the Respondent and MARIA KIRILENKO, driven by T Cameron.   He said that it was clear from the video replay, that Ms Hibell had allowed her gelding to move in too close to MARIA KIRILENKO and as a result, it was inevitable that upon contact with Mr Cameron’s sulky, INNOCENT MAN would be checked.  He demonstrated the consequences of that contact, which led to Ms Hibell’s horse breaking around the 200m, thereby losing all chance.  He pointed out that at that time, MARIA KIRILENKO was weakening, which probably contributed in part to the incident.

In explanation, the Respondent stated that she misjudged the distance.

Decision:

The charge is admitted by the Respondent and is therefore deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Coppins advised that the Respondent had a previous charge of careless driving on 15 May 2025 which she had admitted, therefore the Penalty Guide (2nd breach) applied, which provides a starting point for the current breach of 3 days suspension.  He submitted that the Stewards would accept a reduction of one day, for the mitigating factor of MARIA KIRILENKO weakening.

The Respondent made no submissions as to penalty.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Penalty Guide provides a penalty starting point for a 2nd breach within 6 months, of 3-days suspension.

After taking into account the submissions of both the Applicant and Respondent; noting the race film and the resultant impact on the affected runner, the Adjudicative Committee adopted a 3 day suspension as the starting point.

The Respondent should be given credit for her early admission of the breach.  Also, the mitigating factor mentioned above by Mr Coppins, is recognised.

After evaluating all of these factors, the Adjudicative Committee determined that a one day reduction from the Starting Point was appropriate in the circumstances of this case.

Conclusion:

Junior Driver Leah Hibell is suspended for two days (no deferment was sought), namely from 9 August 2025 until 15 August 2025 (inclusive).