Ashburton TC 1 June 2025 – R6 – Jason Thomas

Following the running of Race 6, G & R Partnership Trot, Open Driver, Jason Thomas, denied a charge that, as the Driver of BONJOUR PARIS, in the race, he “caused a delay to the start when he let his horse charge the barrier strand”.

Rule 858 provides as follows:

(1)  A driver must not:-

      (a)  Delay the start.

Clause 17.2 of the Starting Regulations provides:

Once called into line the horses are to line up back from the tape and walk forward when instructed to under clear direction from the Starter.

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward, Shane Renault, pointed out on a video replay BONJOUR PARIS, driven by Mr Thomas, having drawn barrier position 1 of the horses on the front row of the 2400 metres standing start race.

Mr Renault said that all of the horses had been turned into line in good formation and moving forward. Stewards were alleging that Mr Thomas had allowed his runner to improve its position at speed without restraining it, and go forward and breast the barrier strand. It appeared that Mr Thomas had anticipated that the start was about to be effected, Mr Renault said. He showed that Mr Thomas had relaxed the reins and only took hold of his horse “after some time”. His feet were out of the footrest and he had not taken a hold of his runner, Mr Renault said.

The Starter elected not to declare a start, because of the speed at which Mr Thomas’s runner was going, and required the field to come out of line and walk around, before coming into line again, therefore resulting in a delay to the start.

Mr Thomas said that, when he looked across, all runners were in line. He had given the horse its head and it had taken off on him. He admitted that his feet were out of the sulky footrests, but he was unable to stop his horse in any event.

DECISION:

The charge was found proved.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that Mr Thomas had allowed BONJOUR PARIS to walk forward at speed and breast the tape, which was clear from the video evidence, appearing to anticipate the start, while the other runners were walking up to the tape in normal fashion. This resulted in the Starter requiring the field to reassemble, with a consequent delay to the start. The Starter was correct in requiring the field to do so.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Renault said that Stewards were seeking the penalty prescribed by the Minor Infringement Scheme – that is to say, a fine of $200.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Thomas has defended the charge of delaying the start, as is his right. The Adjudicative Committee has found the charge proved but finds, in determining penalty, no grounds for departing from the Minor Infringement penalty which he would have incurred, had he accepted the breach in the first instance.

CONCLUSION:

Open Driver, Jason Thomas, was fined the sum of $200.