Hawkes Bay RI 16 October 2021 – R8 – Craig Phelan and Shaun Phelan

ID: RIB5226

Respondent(s):
Craig Phelan - Trainer, Shaun Phelan - Trainer

Applicant:
Mr J Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
N Moffatt and T Castles

Information Number:
A15614

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Omitting a towel

Rule(s):
614(2) - Incorrect gear - Neglect in saddling

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
BIG MIKE

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
16/10/2021

Race Club:
Hawkes Bay Race Club

Race Location:
Hastings Racecourse - 200 Prospect Road, Hastings, 4122

Race Number:
R8

Hearing Date:
16/10/2021

Hearing Location:
Hastings Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Trainers Craig Phelan and Shaun Phelan were fined $300

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Mr Phelan admitted the breach but did not wish to attend a hearing.

EVIDENCE:

Mr Oatham told the Adjudicators that a towel was left off when BIG MIKE was being saddled. The Rider of the horse noticed it was  not there when she went to mount the horse in the parade ring. The towel was placed on the horse and the race was slightly delayed.

REASON FOR DECISION:

As the breach was admitted the charge was deemed proved.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of $150 for specific situations where the Trainer has omitted a towel during saddling. An aggravating factor was the breach occurred in a Group 1 Race. Had the Rider not noticed the towel was absent, and the Rider weighed in light, BIG MIKE would have been disqualified.

CONCLUSIONS:

An uplift was applied to take into account the Group 1 status of the race.

Mr Phelan was fined $300.00

Decision Date: 16/10/2021

Publish Date: 18/10/2021