Geraldine TC 7 December 2024 – R12 – Robbie Close
ID: RIB49188
Animal Name:
DENNIS DENUTO
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
07/12/2024
Race Club:
Geraldine Trotting Club
Race Location:
Orari Racecourse - Orari Station Road, Orari, 7992
Race Number:
R12
Hearing Date:
07/12/2024
Hearing Location:
Orari Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Robbie Close is fined $250
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of Race 12, Stipendiary Steward Mr Shane Renault presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(3)(b) by Open Driver Mr Robbie Close.
Mr Close stated he understood the Charge, was conversant with the Rule and he confirmed he did admit the breach.
Mr Renault played videos of the final 300m to identify Mr Close (DENNIS DENUTO) racing three back on the rail. He pointed to Mr Close shift his horse outwards onto BETTERTHANDIVA (L Dobbs), who was dictated out onto BETTERWITHBLING (S Hill) who shifted out onto KRYSTAL DELIGHT (B Hope), contacting that horse’s leg, resulting in it pacing roughly.
Mr Renault called the three affected Drivers who stated, interference came from the inside. Mr Renault said Mr Close’s shift was too abrupt and gave little time for reaction, which caused a concertina effect resulting in three horses receiving checks to varying degrees.
Mr Close made no comment.
DECISION:
The Respondent having admitted the breach, the charge was found to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Renault said Mr Close has had 545 drives this season and has a clear record under the Rule.
He said the opinion of the Stewards was this was a low-range breach, and he would leave it to the Adjudicative Committee to set the Penalty.
Mr Close made no submissions on Penalty.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The Penalty Guidelines provide $300 fine or a 2-day suspension for a low-range breach, first offence.
The Adjudicative Committee considers this breach to be low-range and Mr Close said he would prefer a fine as Penalty.
Mr Close has admitted the breach, has a clear record and the Adjudicative Committee finds a $250 fine as fair and reasonable.
CONCLUSION:
Driver Mr Robbie Close is fined $250.
Decision Date: 07/12/2024
Publish Date: 10/12/2024