Central Otago TC – 2 January 2026 – R10 – G Thornley

ID: RIB62538

Respondent(s):
Gemma Nicole Thornley - Junior Driver

Applicant:
Mr N McIntyre, Chief Steward (Chair)

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall

Persons Present:
Mr N McIntyre, Mr V Munro (Senior Stipendiary Steward), Ms R Haley (Stipendiary Steward), Ms G Thornley, Mr J Dunn, Driver (Assisting Ms Thornley)

Information Number:
A19919

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless driving

Rule(s):
869(3)(b) - Riding/driving infringement - Careless Driving

Plea:
Admitted

Stewards Report

Results

Animal Name:
FATHER MIKE

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
02/01/2026

Race Club:
Central Otago Trotting Club

Race Location:
Oamaru Racecourse - Highway 1, Oamaru North, Oamaru, 9494

Race Number:
R10

Hearing Date:
02/01/2026

Hearing Location:
Omakau

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Junior Driver G Thornley suspended for 2 racing days

Mr McIntyre alleged that Ms Thornley (FATHER MIKE) drove carelessly in race 10 in that she shifted ground inwards near the 1250 metres allowing the trailing runner to make contact with the inside sulky wheel, the tyre of which deflated, with the horse being retired from the event.

Evidence

Mr McIntyre demonstrated on the videos that near the 1250 metres Ms Thornley after making ground 3 wide shifted ground inwards allowing the trailing runner to come into contact ever so slightly with her inside wheel. FATHER MIKE broke from its gait, galloped, and was retired from the race.

Mr Dunn commented that it was a minor error of judgment which had had severe consequences for Ms Thornley. It had not impacted upon the chances of any other runner.

Ms Thornley confirmed Mr Dunn’s comments.

Decision

As Ms Thornley has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions as to penalty

Mr McIntyre produced the Respondent’s record. Ms Thornley has had 309 drives and there is nothing on her record. He described the breach as low level interference wise, but the consequences of the carelessness were high for Ms Thornley.

Ms Thornley highlighted her very good record, that she was a Junior Driver and had admitted the breach. Ms Thornley sought a deferment of any suspension until after the meeting at Timaru on 7 January.

Reasons for penalty

The admitted breach is towards the lower end of the range. The misjudgement was slight but was enough to extinguish the chances of FATHER MIKE. Ms Thornley’s record is clear under this Rule. She has admitted the breach and her Junior Driver status is noted.

Decision as to penalty

Ms Thornley is suspended from the end of racing on 7 January up to and including 11 January 2026. This is 2 racing days.

Decision Date: 02/01/2026

Publish Date: 09/01/2026

Central Otago TC – 2 January 2026 – R10 – G Thornley

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