NZ Metro TC 29 August 2025 – R9 – Robbie Close

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 9, Stipendiary Steward Mr Matt Sole presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(3)(b) by Open Driver Mr Robbie Close.

Mr Close stated he understood the Charge, was conversant with the Rule and he confirmed he did not admit the breach.

Mr Sole played videos of the mobile start to identify Mr Close (SWEET ESPRESSO) drawn two at the gate. He pointed to Mr Close ease his horse just after the release point, to take a trail behind LONGVIEW TUI (S Thornley). He pointed to SWEET ESPRESSO’S near side foot strike the offside wheel of LONGVIEW TUI’S sulky, causing Mr Close’s horse to gallop and shortly after, break a hopple, ending its chances.

Mr Close said after viewing the videos, he agrees he had struck a wheel. He said the tyre didn’t deflate and LONGVIEW TUI’S chances were not affected.

Mr Close said he is defending this charge, because Mr Sole had accused him of making his horse break a hopple.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

Mr Close’s opening statement “I have hit the wheel” is not a great start in defending a charge of striking a wheel.  Mr Close may have taken exception at the Steward’s description of the consequences of the breach; however, the Adjudicative Committee find the only relevant factors are, the wheel was hit, the horse did gallop, and duly find the charge proved.

DECISION:

The Charge was found to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Sole said Mr Close has had 402 drives this season and 606 last season.

Mr Sole said Mr Close has two previous breaches of the Rule namely:

13 April – 3-day suspension

25 July – 3-day suspension

He said the Stewards would expect an uplift from the 3-day starting point, because of this record.

Mr Close made no submissions, other than he wished to start any suspension as soon as possible.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a 3-day suspension any time a Driver hits a wheel 2nd breach. There is no provision for a third breach.

The Adjudicative Committee considers an uplift is warranted given Mr Close’s record, the consequences of the horse losing its chance of competing and finds a 4-day suspension the appropriate penalty in this case.

Mr Close is a regular Driver at Southland Meetings when they don’t coincide with Canterbury race days, and the Stewards had no objection to including these in any suspension.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Robbie Close’s Licence to drive in races is suspended from the close of racing on 31 August, up to and including racing on 11 September 2025.