Waikato BOP H 14 August 2025 – R5 – Luk Chin
ID: RIB57955
Animal Name:
BARSUKOV
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
14/08/2025
Race Club:
Waikato BOP Harness Racing Inc
Race Location:
Cambridge Raceway - 1 Taylor Street, Cambridge, 3434
Race Number:
R5
Hearing Date:
14/08/2025
Hearing Location:
Cambridge Raceway
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Luk Chin is suspended for 3 days
Summary of Facts:
Following the running of Race 5, the Respondent Mr L Chin admitted a breach of Rule 869(3)b); namely that he drove carelessly near the 900m, contacting and puncturing the sulky tyre of EYES TO HEAVEN.
The Respondent endorsed the Information ‘I do admit the breach of the rule’ and confirmed he understood the Rule and the nature of the charge.
Rule 869(3)(b) provides:
No Driver in any race shall drive carelessly.
Using available video footage, Stipendiary Steward S Mulcay identified the horses involved in the incident namely, BARSUKOV driven by Luk Chin and EYES TO HEAVEN driven by Nicky Chilcott. He said that just past the winning post on the final occasion, EYES TO HEAVEN improves to the outside of BARSUKOV, who is in 2nd to last place on the running line. He said that as EYES TO HEAVEN goes past BARSUKOV around the 900m point, Mr Chin angles his drive outwards to get onto the back of EYES TO HEAVEN, but in doing so, contacts its near side sulky wheel, causing it to puncture. He said that EYES TO HEAVEN then went on to break at about the 400m mark.
Mr Chin did not contest the Stewards’ submissions, but added that his horse was over racing and suggested that the track lighting wasn’t very good.
Decision:
The charge is admitted by the Respondent and is therefore deemed proved.
Submissions for Penalty:
Senior Stipendiary Steward S Mulcay produced the Respondent’s record, which indicated 1 previous breach of this Rule within the rest period.
Mr Mulcay added that Stewards assessed the breach as low and the Penalty Guidelines indicated that a penalty of a 3 day suspension, was the appropriate starting point.
The Respondent submitted that he would take any suspension after racing on the 15th of August.
Reasons for Penalty:
The Penalty Guide provides a penalty starting point of a 3 day suspension.
Mr Mulcay accurately outlined the circumstances of the breach. Mr Chin angled his mount out abruptly, to get onto the back of EYES TO HEAVEN, contacting the sulky wheel of EYES TO HEAVEN; a more patient manoeuvre would likely have resulted in a different outcome.
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 determined that a 3 day suspension would be an appropriate penalty.
Conclusion:
Mr Chin is suspended for 3 days, commencing after racing on 15/8/25 and concluding after racing on 28/8/25.
Decision Date: 14/08/2025
Publish Date: 18/08/2025