NZ Metro TC 8 October 2025 – R7 – SOLEMN SON
ID: RIB59397
Animal Name:
SOLEMN SON
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
08/10/2025
Race Club:
NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club Inc
Race Location:
Addington Raceway - 75 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch, 8024
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
08/10/2025
Hearing Location:
Addington Raceway, Christchurch
Outcome: Protest Dismissed
Penalty: N/A
BACKGROUND:
Following the running of Race 7, THE BACKING BLAIR FANZONE – 10 OCTOBER TROT, an Information by way of a Protest was instigated by Stipendiary Steward Miss Maja Szukiel, in that SOLEMN SON, placed 2nd by the Judge, “broke in excess of 150m in the early stages.”
The Judge’s provisional placings were as follows:
1st BRIANNA
2nd SOLEMN SON
3rd MIKKO KOIVU
4th ROYAL DIEDRE
Rule 870(3) provides:
“870(3) Any horse which breaks from its gait shall promptly regain its proper gait.”
EVIDENCE:
Miss Szukiel played the available videos and had Mr Renault identify SOLEMN SON, drawn 7 on the front line at the 2600m start.
Miss Szukiel said SOLEMN SON has trotted for a stride or two as the tapes were released, but then has galloped for more than 150m. She said Mr Cameron believes his horse has, within this gallop, trotted for a time.
Mr Cameron said he would not be contesting the Protest if he didn’t believe he had trotted for several strides.
REASONS FOR DECISION:
In accordance with the requirements of the Rule, it must be proved that SOLEMN SON has been in a continuous gallop for more than 150m.
The video from both angles was played several times, both at normal speed and slow motion. After galloping for approximately 100m, SOLEMN SON has switched back to a trot for two full strides which under the Rule, exonerates the horse from the alleged breach.
DECISION:
Accordingly, the protest was dismissed. Payment of dividends and stake money, in accordance with the Judge’s placings, was therefore approved.
Decision Date: 08/10/2025
Publish Date: 09/10/2025