Invercargill HRC 23 April 2023 – R3 – Brad Williamson
ID: RIB18995
Animal Name:
Rightazz
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
23/04/2023
Race Club:
Invercargill Harness Racing Club
Race Location:
Ascot Park Raceway - 29 Findlay Road, Ascot, Invercargill, 9810
Race Number:
R3
Hearing Date:
23/04/2023
Hearing Location:
Ascot Park Racecourse, Invercargill
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver, Brad Williamson fined $250
BACKGROUND:
Following the running of Race 3, Foveaux Communications Ltd Mobile Pace, Driver, Brad Williamson admitted a charge that, as the Driver of RIGHTAZZ in the race, he drove carelessly near the 1600 metres when allowing his runner to contact the sulky wheel of SAGWITCH (Mark Hurrell).
Rule 869 provides that:
(3) No driver shall in any race shall drive:
(d) carelessly.
EVIDENCE:
Stipendiary Steward, Rebecca Haley, had Steward, Vinny Munro, point out the runners. He pointed out RIGHTAZZ, driven by the Respondent, racing four places back on the markers, ease out to get onto the back of SAGWITCH (Mark Hurrell), which was improving to the parked position approaching the 1600 metres.
He pointed out the Respondent activate gear and, shortly thereafter, Mr Hurrell could be seen to look down as Mr Williamson’s runner’s off-side leg had struck the outside sulky wheel of SAGWITCH, resulting in the tyre puncturing and coming off the wheel rim.
Mr Williamson said that he had activated gear just prior to the contact and had not “run up the back” of SAGWITCH. His horse, being a big horse with a long stride, had slightly brushed the tyre.
DECISION:
The charge is admitted and is therefore deemed proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Ms Haley said that the Respondent is a very busy Driver (this season 43 drives and last season 301). She referred to the Penalty Guide starting point of a $300 fine. The Respondent has a clear record and has admitted the breach. An aggravating factor is that he has put another runner out of the race, she said.
The Respondent made no submission as to penalty.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The breach was clear from the video evidence, and the Respondent has, quite properly, admitted it. The starting point for the breach under the RIB Harness Racing Penalty Guide (February 2023) is a fine of $300.
The Respondent has a very good record, in addition to admitting the breach, and is entitled to credit for those matters. The Adjudicative Committee is satisfied that the Respondent has exercised due care, but his runner has put in “a long one” when he has briefly activated gear. The consequences to SAGWITCH were unfortunate.
CONCLUSION:
Driver, Brad Williamson, is fined the sum of $250.
Decision Date: 23/04/2023
Publish Date: 26/04/2023