Auckland TR 10 April 2024 – R1 – Clinton Isdale

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 1, Mr Clinton Isdale, the Trainer of TELLURIAN admitted a charge which was filed pursuant to Rule 614(2). The Applicant, Stipendiary Steward Mrs L Selvakumaran, alleged that Mr Isdale was careless when saddling TELLURIAN by adding a gel pad resulting in its rider Apprentice Emily Woller weighing in 1kg overweight.

Rule 614(2) provides that:

A person must not be neglectful or careless in saddling a horse.

Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr B Jones presented Mr Isdale to the Adjudicators Room, as he was seeking to have the matter deal with immediately.  This was because the Stewards Room was not available at that time (due to a meeting taking place concerning the state of the track) and also because Mr Isdale was about to leave the course.

Mr Isdale acknowledged that he understood the nature of the charge and the Rule.  He also confirmed that he did admit the breach. He offered no submissions as to penalty. He was granted permission to leave the course.

The hearing was then adjourned to enable Stewards to deal with the issue that had been raised concerning the state of the track.

Circumstances  

Mr Jones told the Adjudicative Committee that after Race 1, the Rider of TELLURIAN (E Woller), weighed in 1kg overweight.  Upon investigation, it was established that Mr Isdale had added a gel pad to include when saddling TELLURIAN.

When spoken to about this, Mr Isdale told Stewards that Apprentice Rider, Ms Woller, was having her first race ride, and he mistakenly thought the gel pad, which was in her gear bag, was part of her Raceday gear and he inadvertently added it whilst saddling TELLURIAN.  He acknowledged that it was a mistake on his part.

DECISION:

Mr Isdale has admitted the breach, and it is therefore proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

When the Stewards Room became available, the hearing reconvened. Mrs Selvakumaran said that Mr Isdale has a clear record under the Rule.  She submitted that the Penalty Guide provides for a $750 fine where there are consequences to the betting public.  In circumstances where gear is left off when saddling i.e. a towel, the matter would normally be resolved by way of a Minor Infringement Notice (MIN).  However, Stewards elected to file an Information on this occasion, due to gear being added.  It was suggested a fine somewhere between a fine issued under the MIN Schedule ($150) and the $750 recommended in the Penalty Guide would suffice.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee carefully considered all evidence and submissions presented.

The Penalty Guidelines establishes a $750 fine as the starting point in circumstances where there is neglect and consequences for the betting public.  In other circumstances, such as failing to attach a lead bag, there is a starting point of a $300 fine.

Any uplifts are generally dealt with on a fact dependent basis, particularly if there are adverse consequences.  In this case, there were some consequences in that TELLURIAN, a 100 to 1 outsider, was required to carry an additional 1kg.  Balanced against that, its Rider Ms Woller, was having her first race ride, and she claimed an allowance (3kg as opposed to the full 4kg due to the error).  Also, there was no neglect involved, rather it was a case of carelessness, or a lack of attention to detail on Mr Isdale’s part.

After taking all facts into account, the Adjudicative Committee determined that a fine of $300 is an appropriate penalty.

CONCLUSION:

Trainer, Mr Isdale is fined $300.