Invercargill HRC 16 October 2025 – R4 – Ricky Gutsell

BACKGROUND

Mr Munro alleged that Graduation Driver Ricky Gutsell (BALTIC STAR) drove carelessly in Race 4 when shifting ground inwards shortly after the start, placing an inside runner in restricted room (ALWAYS BE KIND), which broke in consequence.

Rule 869(3)(b) provides:

No driver in any race shall drive carelessly.

Mr Gutsell confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee his understanding of the Rule and the nature of this charge, along with his admission of the breach.

EVIDENCE

Mr Munro used the available race videos to identify Mr Gutsell (BALTIC STAR) striding through from a second row unruly draw to be positioned outside ALWAYS BE KIND (Ellie Barron) soon after the field was dispatched for the mobile 2200 metre event. Stewards submitted that Mr Gutsell moved down the track soon after the start and tightened Ms Barron, who was unable to relieve the pressure because of another runner’s sulky wheel to her inside.

ALWAYS BE KIND broke briefly and settled at the rear of the 9-horse field. Mr Munro said ALWAYS BE KIND did not lose her chances as a result of this incident, noting that the horse separately met interference at a later point in the race.

Mr Gutsell submitted that RAKAQUATTRO (Blair Orange), the horse drawn immediately inside ALWAYS BE KIND, had drifted out just after the start and this had added to the tightening.

Mr Munro said Mr Orange may have contributed to the tightening, but the pressure had come from the outside and Mr Gutsell should not have moved down the track onto Ms Barron’s horse.

Stewards spoke with Ms Barron, who reportedly said her intention had been to ease her horse at the start to take up a trail behind Mr Orange.

DECISION

As Mr Gutsell has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS

Mr Munro produced the Respondent’s record, which showed that Mr Gutsell was an owner-trainer also licensed as a Graduation Driver. He had had 29 drives this season and 24 last season. His lifetime drives stood at 68.

Mr Gutsell’s record under the Rule was clear.

Stewards submitted this was a low level first breach of the Rule. In such circumstances, the starting point in the Racing Integrity Board’s Harness Racing Penalty Guide was a $300 fine or 2-day suspension.

Mr Gutsell expressed his preference for a fine over a suspension.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

The Respondent allows BALTIC STAR to move down the track soon after the start, crowding ALWAYS BE KIND and causing that filly to break briefly.

A low level breach of the Careless Driving Rule is defined as having minimal consequential effects. The Adjudicative Committee grades this breach accordingly. The incident occurs just after the start of the race when Ms Barron is in the process of easing back. She receives separate interference at a later stage of the race that more materially affects her chances.

The RIB Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a $300 fine or 2-day suspension for a first Careless Driving breach that is found to be low level.

Taking into account the preference expressed by Mr Gutsell, the Adjudicative Committee adopts a starting point of a $300 fine. This amount is reduced by $50 to recognise his clear record and admission of the breach.

CONCLUSION

Graduation Driver Ricky Gutsell is fined $250.