Auckland TC 10 May 2025 – R6 – Luk Chin

Following the running of Race 6, the Respondent Open Driver Dr Luk Chin admitted a breach of Rule 869(3)(b); namely that “when driving JASINOVA he drove carelessly entering the home straight by allowing his mare to shift outwards when activating the deafeners.

The Respondent, Dr Chin, endorsed the Information ‘I do admit the breach of the Rule’ and confirmed he understood the Rule, his admission of the breach and the nature of the charge.

Rule 869(3)(b) provides:

No driver in any race shall drive carelessly.

Using available video footage, Chief Stipendiary Steward Nigel McIntyre, with the assistance of Stipendiary Steward Vinny Munro, identified the horse involved in the incident namely, JASINOVA, driven by Dr Chin, racing on the pylons and in the lead, as the field turned for home. Mr McIntyre showed on the replays, Dr Chin activate the deafeners, as he was rounding the home turn and as a result, allowed the horse to shift from a 2 wide position, out into the 3 wide position. He said there was little effect on other runners and submitted the breach was low level.

Dr Chin stated that JASINOVA has led throughout the race and was getting tired when he activated the gear and allowed the mare to shift up the track on the home turn.

Decision:

The charge is admitted by the Respondent and is therefore deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr McIntyre produced the Respondent’s record, which indicated a clear penalty record in relation to this Rule, apart from a warning on 11 April 2025 at Auckland, for lack of control when activating gear.

Mr McIntyre submitted that the breach was low level, with the Penalty Guide providing either a $300 fine, or 2 day suspension as penalty.

The Respondent requested a suspension as penalty and requested any suspension begin as soon as possible.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee assessed the breach as low level, with the Penalty Guide providing a $300 fine, or 2 day suspension starting point for a 1st offence.

There were no aggravating factors to consider, therefore no uplift in penalty was warranted.

After evaluating all of the factors and submissions on penalty, the Adjudicative Committee determined a 2 day suspension to be an appropriate penalty in the circumstances of this case.

Conclusion:

Dr Chin was suspended for 2 days, from the conclusion of racing tonight, 10 May 2025, up to and including 16 May 2025. Relevant race dates encompassed in this period of suspension are 15 May at Cambridge and Auckland on 16 May 2025.