Hawera HRC 2 February 2025 – R4 – Josh Dickie

ID: RIB51288

Respondent(s):
Joshua Ivan Dickie - Driver

Applicant:
Mr Nigel McIntyre - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr Bruce Mainwaring

Persons Present:
Mr McIntyre, Mr Dickie

Information Number:
A16279

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Striking Marker

Rule(s):
869(7A)(a) - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Ideal Crunch

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
02/02/2025

Race Club:
Hawera Harness Racing Club

Race Location:
Hawera Racecourse - Waihi Road, Hawera, 4610

Race Number:
R4

Hearing Date:
02/02/2025

Hearing Location:
Hawera Racecourse - Waihi Road Hawera

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver Josh Dickie is fined $150

Background:

Following the running of Race 4, the ‘Turfworkz Mobile Pace 2000m’ an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 869(7A)(a). Details are as follows:

‘In that he shifted his Filly inwards early in the run home contacting the final track marker at the entrance to the passing lane’.

Rule 869(7A)(a) provides – Every driver who moves inwards shall ensure that contact is not made with any track marker.

The Respondent confirmed that he understood and admitted the breach.

Evidence:

Stewards identified the incident. Approaching the turn, the Respondent has his horse against the markers behind the leader. The leading horse is struggling, with Mr Dickie looking to take advantage of the passing lane. His sulky wheel is seen to strike the marker on the one occasion. Mr Dickie agreed with Steward interpretation, although he did add that he was unaware of the infringement, until it was brought to his attention after the race.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

A breach of this nature is normally dealt with by way of a Minor Infringement Notice (Min). An Information was lodged, reflecting that the Respondent had breached this Rule on 3 previous occasions – the last by way of an Information filed at at Auckland TC on 31 December 2024. Currently, the Penalty Guide provides for a fine of $100 for a breach of this Rule.

Reasons for Penalty:

The incident is clearly identified by way of film. It remains very minor in nature, with the Respondent not gaining any discernible advantage as a result. However, an uplift from the $100 ‘starting point’ is imposed, to reflect record. On balance, a fine of $150 is deemed appropriate.

Conclusion:

Mr Dickie is fined a sum of $150.

Decision Date: 02/02/2025

Publish Date: 03/02/2025