Ashburton TC 5 June 2022 – R1 – SASSY STAR
ID: RIB9305
Animal Name:
SASSY STAR
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
05/06/2022
Race Club:
Ashburton Trotting Club
Race Location:
Ashburton Racecourse - Racecourse Road, Ashburton, 7700
Race Number:
R1
Hearing Date:
05/06/2022
Hearing Location:
Ashburton Racecourse, Racecourse Rd, Ashburton 7700.
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: SASSY STAR is relegated from 2nd to 3rd placing
Summary of Facts:
Following the running of Race 1 Stipendiary Steward Mr Shane Renault instigated a protest into the 2nd placed runner SASSY STAR alleging a breach of Rule 870(5), namely that “SASSY STAR galloped across the finish line in 2nd place and was lapped on by the 3rd placed horse SLAINTE.”
Rule 870 (5) provides:
Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-rule (4) hereof any horse which is not in the correct gait when its nose reaches the finish line and which is lapped on by any other horse or horses in the correct gait shall be placed by the Adjudicative Committee behind such horse or horses provided that where such mentioned horse is not in its correct gait as a result of interference to such horse or its driver, then (subject to Rule 869A) such relegation of the horse shall be at the discretion of the Adjudicative Committee.
The Respondent Ms Butt was not present at the hearing but had indicated on the Information the protest was not contested.
The Information was endorsed accordingly.
The provisional placings are:
1st No 3
2nd No 1
3rd No 2
4th No 12
The official margins were 1/2 length – 3/4 length – 1/2 head – 1/2 length
Submissions For Decision:
Stipendiary Steward Mr Renault stated that approximately 10 metres from the finish SASSY STAR broke from its gait, free of interference, and galloped across the finish line in 2nd place. SLAINTE which finished in 3rd place was 3/4 of a length behind at the line and was lapped on.
Mr Renault said Stewards were seeking the relegation of SASSY STAR from 2nd to 3rd placing.
Reasons For Decision:
On reviewing the race films of the concluding stages of the race it is apparent that SASSY STAR broke and galloped free of interference and was lapped on by SLAINTE at the finish line.
Decision:
The protest is upheld and SASSY STAR is relegated from 2nd to 3rd placing.
The amended placings are:
1st No 3
2nd No 2
3rd No 1
4th No 12
5th No 7
In accordance with this decision, the payment of stakes and dividends is authorised.
Decision Date: 05/06/2022
Publish Date: 06/06/2022