Central Otago TC 2 January 2023 – R6 – Sam Thornley
ID: RIB13968
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
02/01/2023
Race Club:
Central Otago Trotting Club
Race Location:
Omakau Racecourse - Racecourse Road, Omakau, 9376
Race Number:
R6
Hearing Date:
02/01/2023
Hearing Location:
Omakau Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Junior Driver, Sam Thornley suspended for two days
Mr McIntyre alleged that Mr Thornley drove carelessly near the 700 metres when shifting outwards.
Mr McIntyre demonstrated on the videos that the Respondent was racing on the pylons near the 700 metres when he shifted out to a 3-wide position when not clear of the horses to his outside. Mr Hurrell (SLIPPERY MISTRESS) was jammed up as he had nowhere to go. There were horses to his outside and he could not relieve the pressure. Mr Hurrell galloped and settled at the rear of the field.
Mr Thornley said he was aware that Mr Hurrell was stopping but he had moved too soon. Mr May commented that Mr Thornley was unlucky. Had he waited another 2 strides, Mr Thornley would have been okay.
Decision
As Mr Thornley 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 that the breach was low to mid-range and that a 2-day suspension was appropriate.
Mr Thornley asked that any suspension be deferred until after racing at Roxburgh on 4 January.
Reason for Penalty
Mr Thornley has admitted a breach of the careless driving rule which we assess as mid-range. He has shifted out from a position 3 back on the pylons when not clear of the horses to his outside with the consequence Mr Hurrell has had to take hold of his horse, SLIPPERY MISTRESS, which galloped to the rear of the field.
The starting point in the Penalty Guide for a first breach is a 10-drive suspension. Mr Thornley averages some 3 drives a meeting, although we accept that with him being a very successful Junior Driver, he is getting more drives in recent times. After credit for an excellent record and admission of the breach, and having regard to the gravity of the breach, the penalty is a 2-day suspension.
Concluson
Mr Thornley is suspended from driving from the end of the meeting on 4 January up to and including 8 January 2023.
Decision Date: 02/01/2023
Publish Date: 12/01/2023