Invercargill HRC 21 May 2022 – R3 – WATTLEBANK ARNIE

Summary of Facts:

Following the running of Race 3, Southland Express Mobile Pace, Stipendiary Steward, Miss R Haley filed Information A16531 pursuant to Rule 870(3) instigating a protest into second placed WATTLEBANK ARNIE (Mrs K Barclay). She alleged that WATTLEBANK ARNIE Arnie broke an excess of 50m in the last 200m of the race.

The Judge’s provisional placings were:

1st – No 2 – MacAndrew Navigator (J Douglas)

2nd – No 8 – Wattlebank Arnie (K Barclay)

3rd – No 9 – Bobby Waterhouse (K Butt)

4th – No – 6 McLean (B Orange)

Rule 870(3) provides that:  any horse which breaks from its gate shall promptly regain its proper gate.

The breaking horse regulations provide that: (b) any horse that breaks from its gate within the final 200m of its race in any race and continues on the break for a distance of 50m or greater shall be deemed to be in breach of rule 870(3) and has failed to regain its proper gate.

Submissions for Decision:

Miss Haley stated that Mrs Barclay, the Driver of WATTLEBANK ARNIE did not wish to contest the protest or attend the hearing. Miss Haley requested Mr Renault highlight the incident which clearly showed WATTLEBANK ARNIE breaking in excess of 50m within the final 200m.

Decision:

WATTLEBANK ARNIE was disqualified from second placing, the amended placings are;

1st – No 2 – MacAndrew Navigator

2nd – No 9 – Bobby Waterhouse

3rd – No 6 – McLean

4th – No 4 – My Pleasure

Authority was given for stake money and dividends to be paid in accordance with the amended placings.