Geraldine TC 9 December 2023 – R11 – ZSA ZOE

ID: RIB30527

Respondent(s):
Sheree Tomlinson - Driver

Applicant:
Stipendiary Steward - Mr Shane Renault

Adjudicators:
Dave Anderson

Persons Present:
Stipendiary Stewards - Mr Shane Renault, Mr Paul Williams and Ms Tomlinson

Information Number:
A20555

Decision Type:
Protest

Rule(s):
859(3) - Riding/driving infringement - Start Regulations

Plea:
Not Contested

Protest:
ZSA ZOE started in advance of its correct barrier position

Animal Name:
ZSA ZOE

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
09/12/2023

Race Club:
Geraldine Trotting Club

Race Location:
Orari Racecourse - Orari Station Road, Orari, 7992

Race Number:
R11

Hearing Date:
09/12/2023

Hearing Location:
Orari Racecourse

Outcome: Protest Upheld

Penalty: Zsa Zoe is disqualified from the race

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 11, Stipendiary Steward Mr Shane Renault presented an Information by way of a protest alleging a breach of Rule 859(3). The details on the Information were “Driver Sheree Tomlinson (ZSA ZOE) started in advance of its correct barrier position in front of her mark.”

Rule 859(3) provides:

(3) When a horse starts in advance of its mark or correct barrier position, in addition to any other penalty that may be imposed, the horse shall be disqualified and deemed to be scratched from the race.

Mr Renault showed all available videos of the start to identify ZSA ZOE drawn 1 on the front line. He pointed to ZSA ZOE walking towards its correct mark and as the field was released, he paused the video to show the horse, with the barrier strand pressed hard against its chest, was almost a length in advance of its correct mark.

Mr Renault said as per the Rule, Stewards seek a disqualification of ZSA ZOE from the race.

Ms Tomlinson said she did not contest the protest, as it was clear on the video, the Rule was breached.

DECISION:

The Adjudicative Committee found the Rule to have been breached and disqualified ZSA ZOE from the race and was declared a late scratching.

Decision Date: 09/12/2023

Publish Date: 11/12/2023