Wairio TC 8 February 2026 – R3 – Georgia Goodman

Mr Munro alleged that Miss Goodman (RISE UP N DANCE) drove carelessly in Race 3 when striking the wheel of WILD EAST (Mr Hill) passing the 700 metres, with the tyre deflating and coming off the rim.

Mr Munro demonstrated that Miss Goodman was placed in restricted room near the sulky wheel of WILD EAST, when there was a slight easing of the pace near the 1900 metres. She contacted the wheel, which resulted in the tyre puncturing and coming off the rim.

Miss Goodman said RISE UP N DANCE was racing keenly and she was only a little late in avoiding the wheel. Mr  Williamson said the contact was inconsequential, in that it had no effect on the outcome of the race.

Mr Munro agreed that the breach had not affected the outcome.

Decision

As Miss Goodman has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Penalty Submissions

Mr Munro produced the Respondent’s record. Miss Goodman has had 70 lifetime drives — 11 drives this season and 46 last season. Her record is clear under this Rule and Mr Munro said this was the first time she had been charged with any breach of the Rules and she had never previously received a warning. He referred the Adjudicative Committee to the Penalty Guide where the starting point for a first breach striking a wheel is a fine of $300, with consequences going to penalty.

Mr Williamson commented, as did Mr Munro, that Miss Goodman was a Junior Driver with an unblemished record.

Reasons for Penalty

Miss Goodman has made an error of judgement and has contacted the sulky wheel of WILD EAST. Although the tyre deflated, it has not affected the outcome of the race in that WILD EAST went on to win and RISE UP N DANCE finished 3rd.

The starting point in the Penalty Guide is a $300 fine. Mitigating factors are the admission of the breach and excellent record, with this being Miss Goodman’s first breach under the Rules. This, plus her Junior Driver status, merits a $100 discount from the starting point.

Conclusion

Miss Goodman is fined the sum of $200.