Auckland TC 21 April 2023 – R7 – Mark Purdon
ID: RIB18972
Animal Name:
AKUTA
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
21/04/2023
Race Club:
Auckland Trotting Club
Race Location:
Alexandra Park - Cnr Greenlane West & Manukau Road Greenlane, Auckland, 1051
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
21/04/2023
Hearing Location:
Alexandra Park
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Mark Purdon is fined $200
Following the running of Race 7, the Dawson Harford Ltd Taylor Mile Mobile Pace (G1) 1600m, Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Mulcay filed an Information alleging the Driver of AKUTA, Mr M Purdon, failed to maintain his position on the Mobile Barrier until the start was declared.
Rule 858(1)(i) provides: A driver must not fail to maintain his or her position.
Mr Purdon was present at the hearing. He confirmed that he understood the Rule and that he admitted the breach.
Mr Mulcay demonstrated the incident by use of the race films and showed that prior to the start, the three horses on the outside of the frontline were behind the mobile arm in the run up to the start of the race. He pointed out that AKUTA (M Purdon) from barrier position No. 6 was more than the permissible half a length behind the barrier arm when the field was dispatched.
Mr Purdon agreed with the Steward’s interpretation of the breach and had nothing further to add.
DECISION
The breach is admitted, and the charge is therefore proved.
PENALTY SUBMISSIONS
Mr Mulcay said that Mr Purdon had a clear record under this Rule. He said that the Penalty Guide provides for a $100 fine but given that the breach occurred in a Group 1 Race, an uplift in the vicinity of $100 is sought.
Mr Purdon offered no submissions as to the penalty.
PENALTY REASONS
The race films clearly establish the breach.
After taking into account the Respondent”s admission, his clear record, and the status of the race, the Adjudicative Committee deemed a $100 uplift from the Penalty Guide starting point of $100, would be appropriate in the circumstances.
CONCLUSION
Accordingly, Mr Purdon is fined $200.
Decision Date: 21/04/2023
Publish Date: 24/04/2023