Auckland TC 21 March 2025 – R3 – Crystal Hackett

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 3, Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Steve Mulcay filed an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(3)(b) by Junior Driver Miss Crystal Hackett, in that she drove carelessly near the 1200 when shifting ground inwards causing interference to MEMORIES (T Hanara) which broke and lost ground.

Ms Hackett stated she understood the Charge, the Rule and confirmed her admission of the breach. Ms Hackett was assisted at the hearing by Open Driver Mr Scott Phelan.

Rule 869(3)(b) provides:

No driver in any race shall drive carelessly.

Using the available race films, Mr Mulcay identified the horses involved in the incident, namely ILLICIT LOVE and MEMORIES.  He said that nearing the 1400 metres, ILLICIT LOVE was in second place on the leader’s back, and MEMORIES was trailing ILLICIT LOVE three back on the fence.

Mr Mulcay said that nearing the 1400 metres, ILLICIT LOVE shifted off the leader’s back to its outside.  Shortly after, Ms Hackett made the decision to shift back into the trail.  By this stage, MEMORIES had improved forward into the space vacated by ILLICIT LOVE.  When shifting in, ILLICIT LOVE checked MEMORIES, who broke and lost ground.  Mr Mulcay pointed to other horses who were also hampered to varying degrees as a result of the incident.

Ms Hackett and Mr Phelan agreed with Mr Mulcay’s description of the incident.

DECISION:

The Respondent having admitted the breach, it was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Mulcay said that Ms Hackett has a clear record under the Rule.  He said that Stewards assessed the breach as mid-level.  He referred the Adjudicative Committee to the Penalty Guide starting point for a mid-level breach.

Mr Mulcay noted that although ILLICIT LOVE won the race, he did not believe the breach was a factor in the final result.

Ms Hackett said that she would prefer a fine, rather than a suspension.  Mr Phelan also reiterated that it could not be said that the breach was a factor in ILLICIT LOVE winning the race. He said Ms Hackett simply made a costly mistake.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

After considering the race films and submissions, the Adjudicative Committee assessed Ms Hackett’s culpability to be in the mid-range i.e. a mid-level breach of the Careless Driving Rule.  The Penalty Guide establishes a starting point penalty of either a $500 fine, or 2-day suspension for a mid-level breach.

A $500 fine was adopted as the starting point.  A $50 reduction was applied to the starting point for Ms Hackett’s admission of the breach and her good record.

CONCLUSION:

Junior Driver Miss Crystal Hackett is fined $450.