Ashburton TC 2 June 2024 – R1 – Colin DeFilippi
ID: RIB42755
Animal Name:
OLIVER
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
02/06/2024
Race Club:
Ashburton Trotting Club
Race Location:
Ashburton Racecourse - Racecourse Road, Ashburton, 7700
Race Number:
R1
Hearing Date:
02/06/2024
Hearing Location:
Ashburton Raceway
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Colin DeFilippi is suspended for 3 days
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of the Race 1, Stipendiary Steward Mr Shane Renault presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(3)(b) by Driver Mr Colin DeFilippi.
Mr DeFilippi stated he was conversant with the Rule, the Charge and confirmed he admitted the breach.
Mr Renault played the video of the first 200m of the race and identified Mr DeFilippi driving OLIVER, drawn 6 in the standing start 2400m event. He showed Mr DeFilippi begin smartly and drive his horse forward towards the lead. Mr Renault pointed to A REASON TO FIGHT (S McNally) drawn 1, also beginning fast and leading. He said Mr DeFilippi has shifted inwards to take the lead off A REASON TO FIGHT, has misjudged the manoeuvre and contact was made, resulting in A REASON TO FIGHT galloping for a distance.
Mr DeFilippi said in his defence, A REASON TO FIGHT has drifted out slightly and brought the two horses closer together.
DECISION:
The Respondent having admitted the breach, the charge was deemed to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Renault said Mr DeFilippi had a previous breach on record at Rangiora on 19 May, where he struck a wheel and was fined $250. Stewards saw this breach as mid-level and the starting point for a second breach is a 4-day suspension.
Mr DeFilippi said he didn’t require any deferment of a suspension.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The Penalty Guide provides a 4-day suspension starting point for a second breach of the Rule.
The Adjudicative Committee’s view is Mr DeFilippi has misjudged his move to the lead. A REASON TO FIGHT can be seen on the video, while being steadied, to have his head turned in and become a little awkward. This may have contributed to the incident, but the onus is on Mr DeFilippi to give sufficient room.
Mr DeFilippi has admitted the breach and the Adjudicative Committee considers a 3-day suspension is the appropriate Penalty in this case.
CONCLUSION:
Driver Mr Colin DeFilippi’s Licence to drive in races is suspended from the conclusion of racing today 2 June, up to and including racing on 14 June 2024.
Decision Date: 02/06/2024
Publish Date: 06/06/2024