Auckland TC 8 October 2021 – R3 – Logan Hollis

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 3 an Information was filed alleging Mr Hollis drove carelessly near the 200m when allowing his mount to strike the sulky wheel of ACE STRIKE causing his ownr drive to break.

Mr Hollis acknowledged that he understood the Rule and that he admitted the breach.

EVIDENCE:

Using the films Mr Dooley identified Logan Hollis driving BET WEST as the field entered the final straight. BET WEST was travelling well in tight quarters and Mr Hollis commenced to drive his horse forward in an attempt to improve his runner’s position but there was not enough room for him to do so and as a result his drive struck the wheel of ACE STRIKE and broke.  In mitigation, Mr Dooley said that ACE STRIKE may have moved out slightly contributing to the incident.

Mr Hollis said he had admitted the breach and that he thought that in mitigation ACE STRIKE did move outwards while his runner moved inwards contributing to the incident.

REASON FOR DECISION:

As the breach is admitted the charge is proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Dooley said Mr Hollis had a clear record under the Rule and had freely admitted the breach. In mitigation he said that ACE STRIKE may have contributed to the incident and it was an aggravating factor that as a result of striking a wheel BET WEST lost its chance. Mr Hollis said he would prefer a fine to a suspension.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

The Guidelines provide a fine of $300 or a 6 drive suspension as a starting point.

When assessing an appropriate penalty the Committee had regard for the Driver’s good record, the mitigating factors (ACE STRIKE moving out slightly and BET WEST laying in), aggravating factors (BET WEST breaking into a gallop) and also the impact of Covid in regard to driving opportunities. After balancing all factors the Committee determined an appropriate penalty would be $200.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mr Hollis is fined $200.