Gore HRC – 27 Dec 25 – R12 – S Hill (heard at Roxburgh TC 4 Jan 2026)
ID: RIB62537
Animal Name:
NEK DELIGHT
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
27/12/2025
Race Club:
Gore Harness Racing Club
Race Location:
Gore Racecourse - 136 Gore-Mataura Highway, Gore, 9772
Race Number:
R12
Hearing Date:
04/01/2026
Hearing Location:
Roxburgh
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Junior Driver Hill suspended for 3 racing days from the conclusion of racing on 6 January up to and including 11 January 2026
Mr Munro alleged that Junior Driver Mr Hill (NEK DELIGHT), who was assisted by Mr B Williamson, drove carelessly in race 12 when he shifted outwards leaving the final bend causing CRACKER OPIE wider which contacted the sulky wheel of TUA LIPA which broke.
Evidence
Mr Munro demonstrated on the videos that Mr Hill was racing in the trail as the field rounded the final bend. He shifted ground outwards dictating CRACKER OPIE wider on the track, which contacted the sulky wheel of TUA LIPA and broke as a consequence.
Mr Munro said Mr Hill had just needed to be patient but had shifted a stride too soon. NEK DELIGHT had finished 3rd and he believed CRACKER OPIE had been weakening prior to the incident.
Mr Hill said he was racing in the trail, and he knew the leader had “done a bit of work”, so he decided to come off. He had seen a half gap and had gone for it. He was aware there had been contact. He now realised he should have waited another 20 metres.
Decision
As Mr Hill has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submissions as to penalty
Mr Munro produced the Respondent’s record which showed that Mr Hill has had 434 lifetime drives, 253 the last and 9 this season. He had a previous breach of this rule on 21 November last in a Group race, when he was suspended for 5 days. Mr Munro described the current breach as low level.
Mr Hill agreed with Mr Munro’s submissions.
Reasons for penalty
Mr Hill when trailing has shifted ground outwards looking for a run and has dictated CRACKER OPIE outwards. CRACKER OPIE, which was tiring at the time, came into contact with TUA LIPA and broke from its gait. The Penalty Guide provides a 3-day starting point for a second breach of this Rule. The admitted breach is low level and, considering the number of drives the Respondent has, his record does not warrant any increase in the starting point.
Mr Hill sought a deferment of any suspension until after the meeting at Cromwell on 6 January.
Decision as to penalty
Mr Hill is suspended from the end of racing on 6 January up to and including 11 January 2026. This is 3 racing days.
Decision Date: 04/01/2026
Publish Date: 09/01/2026