Gore HRC 19 February 2023 – R4 – Daniel Anderson
ID: RIB15950
Animal Name:
Real Sport
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
19/02/2023
Race Club:
Gore Harness Racing Club
Race Location:
Gore Racecourse - 136 Gore-Mataura Highway, Gore, 9772
Race Number:
R4
Hearing Date:
19/02/2023
Hearing Location:
Gore Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Junior Driver Daniel Anderson is suspended for 3 days
Background
Following the running of Race 4, Robyn’s Treasure Fillies and Mares Mobile Pace, the Respondent Junior Driver Daniel Anderson (REAL SPORT) did not admit, a breach of Rule 869(3)(b) in that as the Driver of REAL SPORT in the race, he drove carelessly by allowing his runner to contact BETTER BE WATCHING (M Williamson), then shifting out abruptly checking MARY MOURNE (M Hurrell) passing the 1250 metres.
Rule 869(3)(b) provides that:Â No driver in any race shall drive carelessly.
The Respondent did not admit this breach and was supported by Mr B Williamson. Mr Williamson also requested Mr Ross Wilson, the Co-trainer of  REAL SPORT to be called as a witness.
Evidence
Stipendiary Steward Mr Vinny Munro requested Stipendiary Steward Mr Mark Davidson to highlight the alleged incident using video replays of the head on, side on and back on images.
He pointed out REAL SPORT driven by the Respondent racing at the rear of the field.
He also highlighted the pace easing in the race about the 1250 metre mark, where he highlighted REAL SPORT coming into contact with BETTER BE WATCHING (M Williamson). Mr Davidson highlighted this contact showing Mr Anderson moving into the vacant space despite the easing of the pace.
As a result of the contact, REAL SPORT has moved out, checking MARY MOURNE (M Hurrell) with both horses breaking, losing their chances.
Mr Munro added that it was Mr Anderson’s responsibility to take action with the easing of the field, highlighting the action that Senior Driver Mr Matthew Williamson took, who was racing directly in front of REAL SPORT.
Mr Anderson stated his horse was having its first start and was racing greenly, and the horse itself had raced into the space. He stated he had driven the horse recently to qualify but with only four horses starting, saying that the race day experience was quite different.
Mr B Williamson stated that Mr Anderson was a Junior Driver with less than 100 race day drives. It was “unreasonable “ he could react like a Senior Driver like Mr M Williamson, as Mr Munro had made mention of. He reiterated Mr Anderson’s thoughts that REAL SPORT was very green.
Mr Williamson asked Mr Ross Wilson, the Co-trainer of REAL SPORT, about the horse’s racing manners and experience. Mr Wilson stated that the horse was having its first start after having three trials and recently qualifying. The horse has trouble “steering at home and was very green.” Mr Wilson believed Mr Anderson was a victim of circumstance and the horse had overreacted to the easing of the field.
Mr Munro clarified several points that had been made earlier, asking Mr Williamson are Drivers always looking ahead at the whole field? Mr Williamson replied “yes where possible,” but he believed Mr Matthew Williamson was far more experienced than Mr Anderson. Mr Munro clarified that it was Mr Anderson’s responsibility under the Rule to take action.
Decision
After very lengthy deliberations, the Adjudicative Committee was clearly satisfied that Mr Anderson had driven carelessly and the charge is proved.
Reasons for Decision
The Adjudicative Committee found the video evidence compelling and conclusive. Mr Anderson has taken no evasive action when the field eased and as a result, two horses have been put out of the race.
Submissions for Penalty
Stipendiary Steward Mr Munro produced the Respondent’s record which indicated a clear record under this Rule.
Mr Anderson has had 96 lifetime drives, 63 last season and 16 this season.
Mr Munro stated he believed the carelessness was mid range, noting that two horses had their chances extinguished. Mr Munro confirmed the Penalty Guide starting point for this breach was a three day suspension.
Mr Anderson, after some deliberation, requested a deferment of penalty.
Reasons for Penalty
The Adjudicative Committee agreed that the level of carelessness was mid range and that the appropriate penalty was a three day suspension. Mr Anderson has simply made an error of judgement and has not reacted to the easing of the field.
Conclusion
The Respondent’s license to drive is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 26 February 2023, to the conclusion of racing on March 11 2023.
Mr Anderson’s deferment having been granted.
Decision Date: 19/02/2023
Publish Date: 21/02/2023