Timaru HRC 24 May 2026 – R7 – Hayden Douglas

Following the running of Race 7, Remembering Colin Berry Mobile Pace, Junior Driver, Hayden Douglas, as the Driver of SALUTE in the race, admitted a charge that he “drove carelessly racing into the first bend by shifting ground inwards, checking AR GEE RULZ (Ben Hope), which had to be restrained”.

Mr Douglas told the Adjudicative Committee that, prior to pleading to the charge, he had viewed the replays of the incident with Open Driver, John Dunn. He had admitted the charge on the advice of Mr Dunn and was happy to waive the presence of Mr Dunn at the hearing.

Rule 869 provides:

(3)  No driver in any race shall drive:- 

    (b) carelessly

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward Shane Renault, pointed out on video replays the two runners involved – AR GEE RULZ had drawn barrier position 7 behind the mobile at the 2050 metres start, SALUTE had drawn the outside of the second row. Shortly after the start, SALUTE was racing 3-wide behind LOUS PINUP GIRL (Tim Williams). Mr Hope pulled in behind SALUTE and got to the inside of that runner. Mr Williams had then eased WISHING FOR U (John Dunn) down to the markers, leaving himself 2-wide. Mr Douglas had followed Mr Williams down the track, leaving two runners to his inside – AR GEE RULZ and DONTTELLTHEBOYS (John Morrison). Mr Hope, established to the inside of Mr Douglas, had to restrain his runner and, in doing so, lost his rightful position in the running.

Mr Douglas said that it had happened quite quickly. Mr Williams had shifted down to 2-wide and, in the meantime, the other two runners had improved to the inside. At the time, he could not see Mr Morrison’s runner.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, was deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Renault said that Mr Douglas has had 160 drives this season and has a clear record under the Careless Driving Rule. Stewards considered the breach to be in the low-range, he said, for which the Penalty Guide suggested a starting point of a $300 fine.

Mr Douglas had indicated that he would prefer a fine, Mr Renault said. Having regard to Mr Douglas’ Junior Driver status and the circumstances surrounding the breach, a fine of no less that $250 would be appropriate, Mr Renault submitted.

Mr Douglas confirmed that he would prefer a fine to a suspension.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The breach was a low-range breach. Mr Douglas has eased his runner, shortly after the start, onto the back of Mr Williams. In the meantime, the other two runners had improved to his inside, resulting in Mr Hope having to restrain his runner briefly, and losing his position.

The RIB Harness Racing Penalty Guide (October 2024) provides a starting point for a first, low-level breach of a fine of $300 or a 2-days suspension. Mr Douglas has indicated to the Stewards, and confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee, that he would prefer a fine. The breach, being low-level, can satisfactorily be dealt with by way of a fine. Having regard to the low-level nature of the breach, Mr Douglas’ admission of the breach, his good record and his Junior Driver status, a discount from the Penalty Guide starting point is appropriate, and the Adjudicative Committee fixes that discount at 25 per cent or $50.

CONCLUSION:

The Respondent, Junior Driver Hayden Douglas, is fined the sum of $250.