Auckland TR 7 May 2025 – R7 – Grant Shaw

Evidence:

Mr A Dooley produced an Information (A19222) alleging that Mr G Shaw (Class B Trainer) had scratched ZENZERO GIRL after the 7.30am scratching time on race day. As Mr Shaw was not on course, the hearing was heard by telephone.

Mr Dooley advised that Mr Shaw had scratched ZENZERO GIRL after the required time of 7.30am. Mr Shaw had rung Mr Dooley at approximately 8am, complaining that there was not sufficient tie up stalls at Ellerslie. Mr Dooley advised him to ring Mr C Baker at the Club, to see if the matter could be reconciled, before taking any action. In the end, Mr Shaw did not call Mr Baker and subsequently scratched ZENZERO GIRL with the Racing Bureau.

Mr Shaw advised that he had scratched his horse, because there were not sufficient stalls at Ellerslie. He considered this an animal welfare issue, which needed to be addressed. He could not recall Mr Dooley advising him to ring Mr Baker at the Club, when he spoke with Mr Dooley.

Mr Dooley noted as a mitigating factor, no horse had been denied a start due to ZENZERO GIRL’s late scratching.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Dooley advised that Mr Shaw had a clear record and the Penalty Guide provided for a $200 fine, where the scratching had not denied a horse a start. The Stewards saw no reason to depart from the Guidelines.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee considered, as the late scratching had not denied a horse, the Penalty Guideline of a $200 fine was appropriate.

Conclusion:

Mr Shaw was fined $200.