Auckland TC 24 November 2022 – R9 – PRINCE ENVY

Summary of Facts:

Following the running of Race 9, the Applicant Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Mulcay filed an Information pursuant to Rule 870(3) instigating a protest alleging that fourth placed PRINCE ENVY (N Chilcott) broke and galloped more than 150 metres.

The Respondent Ms Chilcott was present at the hearing and indicated the protest was not contested.

The Judge’s provisional placings were:

1st –   No. 1   MUMS JEWEL

2nd –  No. 6   ASTERIA LAVRA

3rd  –  No. 5   FAITH IN MANCHESTER

4th –   No. 8   PRINCE ENVY

Rule 870(3) provides that ‘Any horse which breaks from its gait shall promptly regain its proper gait’.

The Horse Breaking Regulations provide that:

(a) Any horse which breaks from its gait either at the start or during the running of any race and continues on in the break for a distance of 150 metres or greater, shall be deemed to be in breach of Rule 870(3) in that it has failed to promptly regain its proper gait.

Submissions for Decision:

Either – broke in excess of 150m

Using available race films, Mr Mulcay identified PRINCE ENVY, which was the lead horse, as the field passed the 500-metre mark.  He pointed out that shortly thereafter PRINCE ENVY broke and galloped.  Using the marker pegs as a guide, he pointed out that PRINCE ENVY went off stride free of interference and galloped for approximately 200 metres.  After regaining its gait PRINCE ENVY finished the race in 4th place.

Mr Mulcay submitted that PRINCE ENVY was therefore in breach of Rule 870(3) and the Breaking Horse Regulations and should be disqualified from the race.

Ms Chilcott did not contest the Steward’s interpretation of the incident.

Reasons For Decision:

After hearing submissions and reviewing the race films, it was evident to the Adjudicative Committee that PRINCE ENVY broke free of interference and galloped for more than 150 metres.

Accordingly, PRINCE ENVY is in breach of r 870(3) and the relevant Breaking Horse Regulations and is disqualified from fourth placing, and horse No. 2 (A TROPHY WIFE) is promoted from fifth to fourth.

Decision:

PRINCE ENVY was disqualified, and authority was given for stake money and dividends to be paid in accordance with the amended placings.