Methven TC 30 November 2025 – R5 – Mia Holbrough

Summary of Facts:

Following the running of Race 5, the Respondent Junior Driver, Mia Holbrough, admitted a breach of Rule 869(3)(b); namely that “when driving LILY’S A STAR, she drove carelessly shortly after the start by allowing her horse to strike the sulky wheel of MELTON MAGNATE, resulting in her horse breaking and losing all chance.”

The Respondent endorsed the Information ‘I do admit the breach of the Rule’ and confirmed that she understood the Rule and the nature of the charge.

Rule 869(3)(b) provides:

No driver in any race shall drive carelessly.

Miss Holbrough was assisted at the hearing by Licensed Trainer Brad Mowbray.

Using available video footage, Stipendiary Steward Shane Renault, identified the horses involved in the incident namely, LILY’S A STAR driven by Miss Holbrough, drawn 3 on the second line with MELTON MAGNATE, driven by Ellie Barron, drawn 2 on the second line, as the mobile start was made. Mr Renault pointed out that shortly after the start, Miss Holbrough eased her horse down behind MELTON MAGNATE and in doing so, misjudged the movement and her horse struck the sulky wheel of MELTON MAGNATE and as a result, LILY’S A STAR broke, losing all chance. He added that the tyre on the sulky wheel of MELTON MAGNATE, did not deflate.

Miss Holbrough elected to make no submissions in regard to the incident, apart from confirming the tyre on MELTON MAGNATE’s sulky did not deflate.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Renault produced the Respondent’s record, which indicated a clear record in regard to this Rule.  The Respondent, he said, has had 171 drives so far this season.

Mr Renault submitted that the Penalty Guide provided a $300 fine as a starting point for a breach of this Rule. He said that Miss Holbrough had requested that a suspension be considered as penalty, The Stewards, he said, did not object to a suspension being imposed and submitted a 2 day suspension be considered as penalty in this case.

Miss Holbrough confirmed her request for a suspension as penalty and asked that her suspension begin as soon as possible. She informed the hearing that she had commitments at the upcoming Timaru meeting, where fields were drawn and Drivers declared.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a $300 fine for an initial breach of this Rule, when a Driver strikes a wheel.

After consideration to Miss Holbrough’s submission, a suspension was deemed appropriate as penalty in this case.

Taking all factors into consideration, including Miss Holbrough’s status as a Junior Driver, her admission of the breach being mitigating, with the aggravating factor of LILY’S A STAR losing all chance, this Adjudicative Committee determined that a 2 day suspension was appropriate in this case.

Conclusion:

Miss Holbrough is suspended for 2 days, commencing after racing on Wednesday 3 December 2025 at Timaru, up to and including 6 December 2025.

Relevant meetings encompassed in this period are 5 December – Addington and Geraldine – 6 December 2025.