Auckland TC 24 July 2026 – R3 – Nathan Purdon

Background:

This charge arises from Race 3 at the Auckland Trotting Club meeting on 24 July 2026. Mr N Purdon admitted a charge of Careless Driving which was filed pursuant to Rule 869(3)(b).

The Information alleged that Mr Purdon drove carelessly approaching the first turn by shifting in when not sufficiently clear resulting in YANKEE FLYBYE being checked and breaking and briefly hampering trailing runners.

Mr Purdon endorsed the Information ‘I do admit the breach of the Rule.’

Rule 869(3)(b) provides:

No Driver in any race shall drive carelessly.

Using the available race video footage, Mr Mulcay identified the horses involved in the incident as JUST US TWO, driven by Mr Purdon, and YANKEE FLYBYE, driven by Mr Ferguson. Mr Mulcay said that, from the 2200m mobile start, JUST US TWO went forward quickly from barrier six. Approaching the first turn out of the home straight, Mr Purdon shifted his drive down to a one-out position when he was not sufficiently clear of YANKEE FLYBYE. As a result, YANKEE FLYBYE had to be checked and broke. The check resulted from contact with YANKEE FLYBYE’s near foreleg. Consequently, YANKEE FLYBYE drifted back and following runners were hampered to varying degrees.

In response, Mr Purdon said that he left the mobile gate very strongly and believed he was well clear of the runners to his inside. He said he was aware there was room for YANKEE FLYBYE, but that the horse racing three back moved up quickly and occupied the position YANKEE FLYBYE was seeking.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Mulcay advised that Mr Purdon has a clear record under the Rule. He said Mr Purdon had only recently recommenced race driving and that this was his third race drive for the current season. He added that Mr Purdon regularly drives at trials. Mr Mulcay also acknowledged Mr Purdon’s admission of the breach.

Mr Mulcay said the Stewards assessed the breach as closer to mid-range because YANKEE FLYBYE broke and lost ground, and other horses were hampered. He submitted that the starting point for a mid-range breach is a $500 fine or a two-day suspension.

Mr Purdon said he believed only one other runner may have been hampered. He submitted that he would prefer a suspension rather than a fine.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Penalty Guide provides for either a $500 fine or a two-day suspension for a breach of this nature. A mid-range breach is one that causes interference which impacts on the Driver’s own chances or the chances of another horse. On this occasion, YANKEE FLYBYE and other horses were affected. On that basis, Mr Purdon’s culpability is assessed as mid-range.

A discussion followed as to whether a two-day suspension would constitute a meaningful penalty, given that Mr Purdon has had only three race drives so far this season, over a period of seven months. Mr Purdon indicated that he intended to drive more regularly in the coming months.

Having considered the nature of the breach, the consequences for other runners, and the fact that Mr Purdon is an infrequent race Driver, a fine rather than a suspension, was deemed to be the most appropriate penalty.

Accordingly, taking all matters into account, a $500 fine is imposed.

Conclusion:

Mr Purdon is fined $500.