Hawera HRC 2 February 2025 – R9 – Zev Meredith

ID: RIB51296

Respondent(s):
Zev James Meredith - Junior Driver

Applicant:
Mr Nigel McIntyre - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr Bruce Mainwaring

Persons Present:
Mr McIntyre, Mr Meredith

Information Number:
A16281

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Breach of the Push Out Rule - moving ground

Rule(s):
869(4) - Riding/driving infringement, 869(6)(b)(c) - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Boss Kenny

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
02/02/2025

Race Club:
Hawera Harness Racing Club

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

Race Number:
R9

Hearing Date:
02/02/2025

Hearing Location:
Hawera Racecourse - Waihi Road Hawera

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Junior Driver Zev Meredith is fined $200

Background:

Following the running of Race 9, the ‘Egmont Plumbing Hawera Trotting Cup HCP Cup’ an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 869(4) and 869(6)(b)(c). Details are as follows;

‘In that he shifted his Gelding outwards near the 1100m and forced High Energy’ (C Hackett) to race wider on the track’.

The pertinent Rules provide:

869(4) No driver shall during any race do anything which interferes or is likely to interfere with his own horse and/or other horse or it’s progress.

869(6)(b) a horse during any race shall not be forced to race wider on the track (c) a horse during a race shall not move ground outwards once the nose of the wider runner coming forward is in line or past it’s sulky wheel and until the wider runner going forward is fully past – where these sub rules shall only apply until 1000 metres from the finish.

Mr Meredith confirmed that he understood the Rules and admitted the breach. Given his status as a Junior Driver, there was discussion as to whether assistance by way of a Senior was required. Given his experience as a Driver, the Adjudicative Committee and Respondent were comfortable to proceed without such assistance.

Evidence:

Stewards identified the incident.  At the 1100 metre point, the Respondent is seen to push his drive out from near the fence. HIGH ENERGY (Ms Crystal Hackett) is situated directly to his outside and as a result of the move, is forced out wider on the track. Mr Meredith agreed with Steward interpretation, although interestingly, did add that the move may have helped Ms Hackett, as it got her drive out and moving. This is a moot point.

Decision:

The charge is admitted, therefore proved.

Submissions for Penalty.

Stewards outlined the Respondent’s record, as it relates to a breach of these particular Rules. It remains clear. The Adjudicative Committee was referred to the current Harness Racing Penalty Guide.

Reasons for Penalty:

The incident is satisfactorily identified by film. The Penalty Guide provides for a fine of $200 as a starting point for a 1st breach of this type. This is deemed an appropriate penalty.

Conclusion:

Mr Meredith is fined a sum of $200.

Decision Date: 02/02/2025

Publish Date: 03/02/2025