Ashburton TC 23 December 2021 – R4 – GOLD CHAIN
ID: RIB6598
Animal Name:
GOLD CHAIN
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
23/12/2021
Race Club:
Ashburton Trotting Club
Race Location:
Ashburton Racecourse - Racecourse Road, Ashburton, 7700
Race Number:
R4
Hearing Date:
23/12/2021
Hearing Location:
Ashburton Racecourse, Ashburton
Outcome: Protest Upheld
Penalty: Horse GOLD CHAIN disqualified
BACKGROUND:
Following Race 4, Bill Doyle Memorial Handicap Trot, an Information instigating a protest was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr Paul Williams, against the horse placed 2nd by the Judge, GOLD CHAIN (Bob Butt), on the ground that it broke in excess of 50 metres inside the final 200 metres.
Mr Butt, Trainer and Driver of GOLD CHAIN, had endorsed on the Information form, firstly, that he did not wish to be present at the hearing of the information and, secondly, that he did not contest the protest.
The Breaking Horses Regulation provides that any horse which breaks from its gait within the final 200 metres of any race and continues on in the break for a distance of 50 metres or greater shall be disqualified.
EVIDENCE:
Mr Williams had Mr McIntyre show a video replay of the final 150 metres of the race. He pointed out GOLD CHAIN disputing the lead to the outside of stablemate, PHOEBE ONYX, passing the 100 metres, and well clear of the field.
With approximately 80 metres to run, GOLD CHAIN, which had been inclined to lay in, went into a break, free of interference, and continued on in a gallop to past the finishing line, finishing in 2nd placing. The video replay clearly showed that the horse had broken well before the 50 metres marker on the inside of the track.
Mr Williams sought disqualification of GOLD CHAIN.
REASONS FOR DECISION:
The Committee was satisfied that GOLD CHAIN had broken from its gait, free of interference, with approximately 80 metres to run and had continued on in a gallop to the finishing line, a distance in excess of 50 metres in breach of the Breaking Horses Regulation. The Committee is required to disqualify the horse.
CONCLUSION:
The protest is upheld and GOLD CHAIN is disqualified.
Consequent upon the disqualification, the amended placing for the race are as follows;
1st  11  Phoebe Onyx
2nd  7  Wanna Play With Me
3rd  4  Boss Kenny
4th  2  Maui
5th  6  Kowhai Sundown
It is ordered that dividends and stakes be paid in accordance with that amended result.
Decision Date: 23/12/2021
Publish Date: 24/12/2021