Waikato BOP H 23 October 2025 – R3 – Holly Moralde Sands

Summary of Facts:

Following the running of Race 3, the Respondent Ms Moralde Sands admitted a breach of Rule 869(3)(b); namely that she drove carelessly passing the 200 metres, allowing her horse to make contact and puncture the sulky tyre of PLAY FAST AND LOOSE (N Chilcott).

The Respondent, supported by Mr J Dickie, endorsed the Information and confirmed she understood the Rule and the nature of the charge.

Rule 869(3)(b) provides:

No driver in any race shall drive:

(b) carelessly; (Allowing runner to improve onto a wheel.  Shifting ground.  Easing the pace)

Using available video footage, Stipendiary Steward Mr C Lomey identified the horses involved in the incident namely, GRACE N ELEGANCE, driven by Ms Moralde Sands and PLAY FAST AND LOOSE, driven by Ms N Chilcott.   He said that Ms Moralde Sands, when passing the 200 metres, after following Ms Chilcott, allowed her horse to shift forward, striking and puncturing the wheel of PLAY FAST AND LOOSE.

Mr Dickie noted that it was only Ms Moralde Sands’ 10th drive, her horse was racing fiercely and the conditions for driving were difficult, with a lack of vision due to the weather conditions.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Lomey, considered that the breach was at the low end and noted that Ms Moralde Sands had had only 10 drives.

Mr Mulcay also noted that while the Penalty Guide provides for a penalty of a $300 fine or a 2 day suspension, in the case of Junior Drivers, there can be a reduction in the penalty for mitigating circumstances and taking into account their lack of experience. The Stewards left any decision on this to the Adjudicative Committee.

Mr Dickie, on behalf of Ms Moralde Sands, reiterated his comments that it was only her 10th drive, her horse was racing fiercely and the conditions for driving were difficult, with a lack of vision due to the weather conditions.

Ms Moralde Sands said she would prefer a fine to a suspension.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a $300 fine or 2 day suspension for a low-level breach. There can be a reduction in penalty for a Junior Driver, taking into account any mitigating circumstances and their lack of experience.

After considering the submissions of both the Applicant and Respondent and noting the race film, the Adjudicative Committee assessed the breach as being at the low-level. After evaluating all the factors namely: that Ms Moralde Sands is an inexperienced Junior Driver with only 10 drives, it was a low-end breach with mitigating factors of her horse racing fiercely and adverse weather conditions, the Adjudicative Committee determined a fine of $150 would be an appropriate penalty in this case.

Conclusion:

The Respondent is fined $150.