Auckland TC 23 January 2026 – R2 – Tony Cameron

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 2, Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Mulcay presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(3)(b) by Open Driver Mr Tony Cameron.

Mr Cameron confirmed that he understood the nature of the charge and his admission of the breach.

Rule 869(3)(b) provides:

No Driver in any race shall drive carelessly.

Mr Mulcay demonstrated the breach using available race films. They started from the 2200 metre mark. He pointed to the first turn out of the home straight.

Mr Mulcay identified the three horses involved in the incident, namely EVERNDEN (T Cameron), on his inner SAMMY LINCOLN (H Orange), and on his inside was I’M TRUE ENOUGH (T Herlihy).

Mr Mulcay said that Mr Cameron sought to shift down from a 3-wide position. In doing so, he crossed into SAMMY LINCOLN and they locked wheels. SAMMY LINCOLN was checked and broke. Mr Cameron, at the time of the shift, was not aware that Mr Herlihy had established I’M TRUE ENOUGH on the inside of SAMMY LINCOLN.

Mr Mulcay said that Mr Cameron immediately took corrective action, and SAMMY LINCOLN did not lose any significant ground as a consequence of being checked.

Mr Cameron said that he agreed with Mr Mulcay’s interpretation of the breach. He had nothing further to add.

DECISION:

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

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Mulcay noted that Mr Cameron had no prior breaches under the Rule, and he freely admitted the breach. Referring to the Penalty Guide’s $300 fine or 2-day suspension starting point for a first offence, he stated Stewards considered the breach to be low-level, with minimal impact on SAMMY LINCOLN, who placed third. He added, these factors were presented as mitigation for Mr Cameron.

Mr Cameron said that he would prefer a fine as opposed to a suspension. He made no further submissions as to penalty.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide for a starting point of a $300 fine or 2-day suspension.

There are no aggravating factors to consider.  In mitigation, Mr Cameron has a clear record and he admitted the breach.  He took immediate corrective action after locking wheels with SAMMY LINCOLN, who settled reasonably quickly and finished the race in third place.  Accordingly, a modest discount of $50 is applied to the $300 starting point.

CONCLUSION:

Driver Mr T Cameron is fined $250.