Waikato BOP H 26 January 2026 – R12 – Wilson House

Summary of Facts:

Following the running of Race 12, the Respondent Mr W House – Junior Driver, admitted a breach of Rule 869(3)(b); namely that he drove carelessly near the 1400 by contacting and puncturing the sulky tyre of RUSHKINOFF.

The Respondent endorsed the Information ‘I do admit the breach of the rule’ and confirmed he understood the Rule and the nature of the charge.  Mr W House was asked if he would like a support person, given he was a Junior Driver, to which he declined and confirmed he was ready to proceed.

Rule 869(3)(b) provides:

No driver in any race shall drive carelessly.

Using available video footage, Stipendiary Steward Mr S Mulcay identified the horses involved in the incident, namely MILLION DOLLAR CHIC, driven by Mr W House, and RUSHKINOFF, driven by Mr Z Butcher.   He said that as Mr House makes his way around towards the 1400, Mr House goes to improve his position to the inside of RUSHKINOFF, driven by Mr Butcher, who was in a position to shift down and Mr House has taken hold and there has been contact to Mr Butcher’s wheel, with the tyre and tube being punctured and ultimately came away from the rim over the final stages, impacting on that runner’s ability to finish the race off.  An error of judgment on Mr House’s part, however, the consequences are the wheel has punctured; hence the charge being made.

The Respondent Mr W House had no response or comment to add.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr S Mulcay produced the Respondent’s record, which indicated Mr House has a clear record.

Stipendiary Steward Mr S Mulcay stated the RIB Penalty Guidelines have a recommended starting point of a monetary fine of $300 and the Stewards would not be seeking any uplift of that.

The Respondent, Mr W House, had nothing further to add.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Penalty Guide provides a penalty starting point of:

• Any time driver hits wheel (the consequence of this action go to penalty) – Starting Point $300 fine.

After considering the submissions of both the Applicant and Respondent, noting the race film and the resultant impact on the affected runner(s), the Adjudicative Committee assessed the breach and adopted a $300 fine as the starting point.

After evaluating all the factors, the Adjudicative Committee determined a $300 fine to be an appropriate penalty in the circumstances of this case.

Conclusion:

The Respondent was fined the sum of $300.