Central Otago TC 2 January 2023 – R3 – Robbie Holmes
ID: RIB13952
Animal Name:
MAJOR WILSON
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
02/01/2023
Race Club:
Central Otago Trotting Club
Race Location:
Omakau Racecourse - Racecourse Road, Omakau, 9376
Race Number:
R2
Hearing Date:
02/01/2023
Hearing Location:
Omakau Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver, Robbie Holmes suspended for two days
Mr McIntyre alleged that Mr Holmes drove carelessly near the 1100 metres in Race 3 when shifting ground inwards checking MAJOR WILSON.
Mr McIntyre demonstrated on the videos that near the 1100 metres the Respondent was racing towards the rear of the field when he shifted in when not clear of MAJOR WILSON. Mr Morrison had to grab hold, the horse tangled briefly, and lost 3 to 4 lengths. MAJOR WILSON eventually dropped out and Mr Morrison informed the Stewards that the incident had no bearing on the horse’s performance.
Mr Holmes said he was not aware that Mr Morrison was to his inside and he had thought he had room to shift in. He believed MAJOR WILSON had lost only 2 lengths in the incident.
Both parties agreed there had been no contact.
Decision
As Mr Holmes has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submissions as to penalty
Mr McIntyre produced the Respondent’s record which was clear under this Rule in the past 12 months. He submitted the breach was low end and that a 2-day suspension was appropriate.
Mr Holmes asked that any suspension be deferred until after racing at Cromwell on 6 January.
Reasons for penalty
Mr Holmes has admitted a low-end breach of the careless driving Rule. He has shifted in when not clear of Mr Morrison who has had to take hold of his horse. MAJOR WILSON tangled and lost about 3 lengths. Significantly, Mr Morrison has said the incident had no bearing on the horse’s performance.
The starting point in the Penalty Guide for a first breach is a 10-drive suspension. Mr Holmes averages some 4 drives a meeting. After credit for record and admission of the breach, the penalty is a 2-day suspension.
Conclusion
Mr Holmes is suspended from driving from the end of the meeting on 6 January up to and including 13 January 2023.
Decision Date: 02/01/2023
Publish Date: 12/01/2023