Invercargill HRC 23 April 2023 – R6 – Craig Ferguson

ID: RIB19005

Respondent(s):
Craig Ferguson - Driver

Applicant:
Rebecca Haley, Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Russell McKenzie (Chair) and Prof Geoff Hall

Information Number:
A19520

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Out of position at start

Rule(s):
858(1)(i) - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Treacherous Gall

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:
R6

Hearing Date:
23/04/2023

Hearing Location:
Ascot Park Racecourse, Invercargill

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver, Craig Ferguson, fined $200

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 6, Macca Lodge/Nevele R Stud Southern Oaks Final (Group 2), Driver, Craig Ferguson, admitted a charge that, as the Driver of TREACHEROUS GALL in the race, he was out of position at the start.

Rule 858 (relating to “Starting”) provides:

(1)  A driver must not:-

(i) Fail to maintain his or her position.

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward, Rebecca Haley, showed a video replay of the start of the 2700 metres mobile start race. TREACHEROUS GALL, driven by the Respondent, had drawn barrier position 8, the outside of the eight runners starting from the front row. The horse was more than a length behind the mobile arm when the start was declared.

DECISION:

The charge was admitted and is therefore deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Stipendiary Steward, Rebecca Haley, submitted that the appropriate penalty for the breach, being a Group 2 Race, is a fine of $200. She referred to the fines of that amount recently imposed for breaches of the Rule in Group Races.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

For consistency, the Adjudicative Committee decided on a fine of $200.

CONCLUSION:

Driver, Craig Ferguson, is fined $200.

Decision Date: 23/04/2023

Publish Date: 26/04/2023