Gore HRC 15 February 2026 – R7 – Craig Ferguson
ID: RIB63990
Animal Name:
BABE ON THE BEACH
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
15/02/2026
Race Club:
Gore Harness Racing Club
Race Location:
Gore Racecourse - 136 Gore-Mataura Highway, Gore, 9772
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
15/02/2026
Hearing Location:
Gore Racecourse, Gore
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Trainer Craig Ferguson is fined $150
BACKGROUND
Following the running of Race 7, Senior Stipendiary Steward Vinny Munro alleged a breach of Rule 865(2) by Trainer Craig Ferguson. The particulars of the charge were that Mr Ferguson had presented his horse, BABE ON THE BEACH, without the notified gear, being blinds and an anti-choke device.
Rule 865(2) states:
Every horse entered in a betting race shall be presented in the assembly area prior to the race in the same notifiable gear as that notified under sub-rule(1).
Breaches of the Rule are normally captured by the Minor Infringement Regulations and carry a prescribed penalty for a first or second breach of a $100 fine.
With this being a third alleged breach within the 120 day reset period, it became subject to a hearing before the Adjudicative Committee.
At the start of the hearing, Mr Ferguson confirmed his understanding of the Rule and the nature of this charge, along with his admission of the breach.
EVIDENCE
Stewards alleged that Mr Ferguson had presented his horse, BABE ON THE BEACH, for Race 7 without the notified gear, namely blinds and an anti-choke device.
Mr Munro referred to two previous breaches of the Rule by the Respondent within the 120 day reset period:
*26 October 2025 – Tuapeka HRC (fined $100)
*9 November 2025 – Winton HRC (fined $100)
Stewards had calculated the Tuapeka breach as being 112 days prior and the Winton breach 97 days prior, both falling within the 120 day reset period.
“A third breach goes to an Information (a charge subject to a hearing), and that’s why we’re here,” Mr Munro said.
Mr Ferguson had nothing to add.
DECISION
As Mr Ferguson has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY
When a third breach of the Rule occurred within the reset period, Mr Munro said Stewards typically sought an increase to a $150 fine to act as a deterrent.
Mr Ferguson made no penalty submission.
REASONS FOR PENALTY
The Adjudicative Committee checked precedents involving similar cases of horses being presented with incorrect gear. A third breach of the Rule most commonly results in a fine of $150 being imposed. In this instance, to meet the requirements of deterrence and consistency, there is no reason to depart from this amount.
CONCLUSION
Trainer Craig Ferguson is fined $150.
Decision Date: 15/02/2026
Publish Date: 19/02/2026