Auckland TC 26 April 2024 – R7 – Crystal Hackett

Summary of Facts:

Following the running of Race 7, the Respondent Junior Driver Ms C Hackett, supported by Mr J Dunn, admitted a breach of Rule 858(1)(i); namely that when driving MACH SHARD she failed to maintain her position behind the mobile at the start.

Ms Hackett, endorsed the Information ‘I do admit the breach of the Rule’ and confirmed she understood the Rule.

Rule 858(1)(i) provides:

858(1) A driver must not:-

(i) Fail to maintain his or her position.

Using available video footage, Senior Stipendiary Steward, Mr S Mulcay identified the horse MACH SHARD driven by Ms Hackett, drawn 6 off the mobile gate, approximately half a length back from its correct position, as the field passed the candy pole 50m from the start. Mr Mulcay then showed MACH SHARD was a length behind the barrier arm as the start was made. He noted that MACH SHARD went on to win the race.

Ms HACKETT had no comment to make. Mr Dunn noted that it was difficult to keep up to the barrier at the mile start at Alexandra Park.

Decision:

The charge is admitted by the Respondent and is therefore deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Mulcay advised the Respondent’s record was clear under this Rule.

Mr Mulcay stated that this breach is usually dealt with by way of a MIN, with a fine of $100. He said as this was a Group 1 Race, an Information was filed. He stated that previous breaches of this Rule in Group Races had incurred fines of $200. He submitted that a fine of $200 be considered as penalty.

Ms Hackett had no comment to make on the penalty.

Reasons for Penalty:

These breaches of this particular Rule are usually dealt with by way of the MIN system, with a $100 fine. As this is a Group Race, Mr Mulcay filed an Information and recommended a fine of $200 as penalty.

The Adjudicative Committee was able to identify historic penalties for breaches of this Rule in Group Races that resulted in penalties of $200. The most recent being Mr P Nairn at Addington on 9 February.

The Adjudicative Committee determined that in this case, being a Group 1 event, and for the sake of consistency, a fine of $200 was appropriate.

Conclusion:

Ms Hackett is fined the sum of $200.