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Invercargill HRC 21 April 2024 – R4 – Tim Williams

ID: RIB41307

Respondent(s):
Timothy Matthew Williams - Driver

Applicant:
Miss Rebecca Haley - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall, Matt Conway

Persons Present:
Mr Shane Renault - Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A20879

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Driving

Rule(s):
869(3)(b) - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Stewards Report

Results

Animal Name:
MIKI BENNETT

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
21/04/2024

Race Club:
Invercargill Harness Racing Club

Race Location:
Ascot Park Raceway - 29 Findlay Road, Ascot, Invercargill, 9810

Race Number:
R4

Hearing Date:
21/04/2024

Hearing Location:
Invercargill

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver Tim Williams is fined $250

Miss Haley alleged that Mr Williams (MIKI BENNETT) drove carelessly in Race 4 in that near the 1000 metres, he shifted ground inwards when insufficiently clear of BETTER BE WATCHING, which was hampered.

Mr Renault identified the relevant horses on the videos. MIKI BENNETT had been racing for a distance 3-wide without cover, before Mr Williams eased the horse into a gap that had formed between the one out horse TABASCO and the one out one back horse, BETTER BE WATCHING. The gap was not fully there and as a consequence, Mr Cox had to take hold of BETTER BE WATCHING and lost his position to Mr Williams.

Mr Williams said he did not disagree with anything Mr Renault had said. He emphasised, however, that BETTER BE WATCHING had tired and Mr Cox had not run in the money. The horse had finished last, whereas he had won the race.

Decision

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

Submissions as to Penalty

Miss Haley produced the Respondent’s record which shows that Mr Williams has had 268 drives this season and 526 the last. He has had 6456 lifetime drives. He is a very busy Driver, and his record is clear under this Rule. Miss Haley described the breach as low end.

Mr Williams reiterated that while Mr Cox had to restrain his horse, it had no consequence on the finishing position of the horse. He believed he would have got the one out position eventually, as BETTER BE WATCHING had weakened. He said the Adjudicative Committee should have regard to his outstanding record.

Reasons for Penalty

The breach is low-range. Mr Cox has had to restrain his horse, but BETTER BE WATCHING eventually weakened out of the finish of the race. The obvious aggravating factor is that Mr Williams got a favoured position in the race as a result of the breach.

The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a fine of $300 for a first such breach. There is a $50 uplift for this aggravating factor and a $100 discount for Mr Williams’ record under this Rule, which is very good having regard to the fact he is a busy Driver, and his admission of the breach.

Conclusion

Mr Williams is fined the sum of $250.

Decision Date: 21/04/2024

Publish Date: 24/04/2024