Auckland TC 24 October 2025 – R4 – Vaughan Blanchard

Evidence

Mr N McIntyre (Chief Stipendiary Steward) brought a charge against Messrs P and V Blanchard (Trainers) in that they were late in their notification of the Driver for their horse PATRICK MAHOMES in Race 4 at the Auckland Trotting Club race meeting held on Friday 24 October 2025.

The Conduct of Meetings Regulation provides that

19.3(c) Driver notifications are required from Trainers within 24 hours of acceptances

Mr P Blanchard (representing the Training Partnership) advised that the partnership did not admit a breach of the Rule.

The matter of Late Driver Notifications are generally dealt with under the Minor Infringements Schedule. As the charge was not admitted, it was held as a defended hearing.

While not admitting the charge, Mr Blanchard accepted that the communication of the Driver for PATRICK MAHOMES had been late, but by way of mitigation, he said the internet was down in his area from Saturday till Tuesday and he liked to view who was driving the other horses in a race before confirming his Driver.

Mr McIntyre advised that under Regulation 19.3(c), Driver Notifications for the meeting on Friday 24 October were required by 2pm on Tuesday 21 October (24 hours after acceptances closed on Monday 20 October at 2pm).

Mr Kevin Smith (North Island Handicapper) had advised the Stewards that at 12.38pm on Tuesday 21 October, he had been advised of the Drivers for a number of the Blanchard Stable horses, and he was advised the Drivers of the other runners would be provided shortly. However, the Driver for PATRICK MAHOMES was not advised until 4.42pm, after Mr Smith had sent a request for a Driver at 4.18pm.

Messrs P and V Blanchard had been given a warning for a previous breach of this regulation on 10 October. This being the second breach, it required a charge.

Reasons for Decision

While he elected to defend the charge, Mr Blanchard admitted that the stable had been late in notifying the Driver for PATRICK MAHOMES in Race 4.

Mr McIntyre provided evidence that the Trainers had been late in their notification. This was not contested and in fact, was confirmed by Mr Blanchard.

There is no doubt that the Driver Notification for PATRICK MAHOMES was 2 hours 42 minutes outside the required deadline of 2pm Tuesday 21 October.

While Mr Blanchard argued in his defence, the internet was down and he wished to view who were the Drivers of the other horses, this could only be considered as an argument in mitigation. He admitted in the hearing, that the Driver Notification was late, and there was evidence that despite the internet being down, the Drivers for the other horses in the stable had all be advised before the deadline. It is important for punters to be provided with confirmed Drivers within the required time frame. Racing operates in a competitive market and it depends on accurate and timely information to ensure investments from punters.

Decision

The charge was therefore found to be proven.

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr McIntyre referred to the Minor Infringements Schedule, which provided for a fine of $50. He saw no reason to deviate from that Penalty Guideline.

Mr Blanchard said he left the decision to the Adjudicative Committee; he only wanted to make his point regarding the internet.

Decision as to Penalty

The Adjudicative Committee saw no reason to deviate from the $50 fine provided for under the Minor Infringement Schedule.

Conclusion

The Respondent is fined $50.