Hawera HRC 23 February 2022 – R6 – Sean McCaffrey

SUMMARY OF FACTS

Mr McCaffrey the Driver of RANDOM JUDE admitted a breach of Rule 869(4) in that he eased his drive abruptly after reaching the lead near the 1000m.  This resulted in interference to a number of horses trailing who broke losing ground.

Mr McCaffrey confirmed that he admitted the breach and said he understood the Rule and charge.

Mr Dooley showed film replays and identified Mr McCaffrey racing around to the front then eased the pace abruptly, with the following horses being interfered with:

“YEA YOU”, “MACKAL”, “OUR GRACIE” and “THANK YOU”.

Mr Dooley added that some horses lost all chance.

In response Mr McCaffrey said that he started to improve three-wide and that the horse on his inside kept going and that he had to race hard to gain the lead.  He said that he did not ease that hard and it looked worse than it was.

DECISION

As the charge was admitted it was found proved.

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS

Mr Dooley said that Mr McCaffrey had a clear record.  He then referred to the Penalty Guide and suggested a suspension would be in order as three horses lost all chance.

Mr McCaffrey confirmed that he had a clear record and advised of his driving commitments.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

As a number of runners suffered interference a term of suspension was appropriate.

Taking into account the record, admittance of the breach and the Penalty Guide starting point, a two-day suspension was deemed a condign penalty.

PENALTY

The Driver’s Licence of Mr McCaffrey was suspended from close of racing on 25 February through to 4 March 2022 inclusive.  The days being 3 March (Waikato) and 4 March (Auckland).