Westport TC 6 March 2026 – R10 (heard 8 March 2026 at Reefton) – Mia Holbrough

Following the running of Race 10, Stipendiary Steward Mr Shane Renault presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 868(2) by Junior Driver Mia Holbrough.

The hearing of the Information was adjourned sine die and heard this day, 8 March 2026 at Reefton Raceway.

Rule 868 provides:

(2)   Every driver shall take all reasonable and permissible measures at all times during the race to ensure that his/her horse is given full opportunity to win the race or to obtain the best possible position and/or finishing place.

Miss Holbrough stated she was conversant with the Rule and the Charge and confirmed she admitted the breach.

Miss Holbrough was assisted prehearing by Open Driver Miss Sheree Tomlinson, but not present at the hearing, which Miss Holbrough was comfortable with.

Mr Renault played the race video of the home straight and identified Miss Holbrough (FOLIEJON STAR) racing 3 back against the pylons. Mr Renault pointed to the trailing horse, RED WINE KISSES (J Curtin) shift inside the leader COUNTRY GOLD (J Dunn), with Miss Holbrough on its back. Mr Renault said from this point, there was enough room for Miss Holbrough to take the passing lane, but she remained on RED WINE KISSES’ back and finished the race full of running.

Miss Holbrough said once she was able to activate the earplugs, she thought there wasn’t enough room in the passing lane. She said, now after looking at the films, there was, but at the time, she thought there was barely enough room for her horse’s legs to get into.

DECISION:

The Respondent having admitted the breach, it was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Renault said Miss Holbrough had 58 drives this season and 184 the previous and has a clear record under the Rule.

Mr Renault said due to the factors of Miss Holbrough’s admission and status as a Junior Driver, Stewards believe a 5-day suspension would be a sufficient penalty.

Miss Holbrough said she would start any suspension immediately.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provides a 7-day suspension for a first breach of the Rule. Miss Holbrough has submitted an honest assessment of her drive, and this, combined with her status as a Junior Driver and admission, the Adjudicative Committee agrees with Stewards, a 5-day suspension to be a fair and reasonable sanction in the circumstances of this breach.

Miss Holbrough is a regular Southland Driver, however the meeting at Invercargill on 11 March has fields and Drivers notified.

CONCLUSION:

Junior Driver Mia Holbrough is suspended from the conclusion of racing today, up to and including racing on 20 March 2026.

Meetings encompassed in this suspension are: NZMTC – 13 March, Banks Peninsula TC – 15 March, NZMTC – 18 March, Wyndham HRC – 19 March and NZMTC – 20 March.