Forbury Park TC 8 July 2021 – R 8 – Ian Goodman

EVIDENCE:

Miss Haley alleged that Mr Goodman drove carelessly on the final bend when allowing his horse DACHY in Race 8 to contact the sulky wheel of OHOKA AGENT (Mr B Williamson).

 

Miss Haley identified the relevant horses on the videos. She commented that the Respondent had anticipated a run to the inside of Mr Williamson that was not quite there. She then demonstrated that Mr May had forced Mr Williamson back in when Mr Williamson was trying to shift wider on the track looking for a run. Mr Goodman pushed on looking for the run to the inside of Mr Williamson and, in so doing, came into contact with Mr Williamson’s sulky wheel. The tyre deflated as a consequence.

 

Mr Goodman said he moved down when he saw a gap and DACHY decided it was time to go. She was an experienced nine-year-old mare and was wanting to get on with the job. He was too late in pulling her back and her oft foreleg contacted the inside wheel of Mr Williamson’s cart. He believed to an extent he was the victim of circumstances and, as DACHY was the second favourite, he had to put her in the Race.

REASON FOR DECISION:

Mr Goodman has admitted the charge of careless driving. It is thus proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Miss Haley produced the Respondent’s record. Mr Goodman had not driven for three years. Miss Haley described Mr Goodman’s record as excellent. The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a 6-drive suspension or a $300 fine. Miss Haley submitted a fine of $250 was appropriate.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

Mr Goodman has looked for a run inside Mr Williamson which was not quite there. He has accepted there was contact with the wheel of OHOKA AGENT. The tyre has deflated. A review of the finish of the race shows there was over a length between OHOKA AGENT and the fast-finishing horse to which it ran second. It is unlikely in these circumstances that the flat tyre cost the horse a better placing. The chances of DACHY, however, were extinguished as the horse galloped out of contention.

A fine is the appropriate penalty. Taking the $300 starting point there is a $50 discount for the Respondent’s good record and his admission of the breach.

CONCLUSIONS:

The penalty is a fine of $250.