Invercargill HRC 3 April 2025 – R6 – Kirk Larsen

Mr Munro alleged that in Race 6, Mr Larsen (WARD LAMON) drove carelessly near the 1200 metres when shifting ground inwards and contacting the near side sulky wheel of TROJAN PRINCESS (Mr McLellan), which deflated and came off the rim.

Mr Sole demonstrated the incident on the videos. The Respondent was racing at the rear of the field with just over a lap to race. He first went to take a run to the outside of TROJAN PRINCESS and as that horse also shifted wider on the track, Mr Larsen then attempted to shift from 3 wide to the inside of the track. He was not clear of TROJAN PRINCESS and a front leg of WARD LAMON contacted the near-side wheel of Mr McLellan’s cart, resulting in the tyre puncturing and coming off the rim.

Mr Larsen accepted the Stewards’ analysis of the video, but said he believed some of the runners immediately ahead of him were half-carting. Before the turn, he had looked to go out. As he got up to the outside of TROJAN PRINCESS, that horse had gone out and he was out 3-wide. He had then gone back in, and TROJAN PRINCESS had gone back in too.  He had been 3-wide, and he was going back to the fence.

Decision

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

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Munro produced the Respondent’s record, which showed that Mr Larsen has had 41 drives this season and 113 the last. He has had 5830 lifetime drives. His record was clear under this Rule in the past 12 months. Mr Munro submitted the breach was mid-range.

Mr Larsen said he had admitted the breach and pointed to his very good record. He submitted it was a mitigating factor that TROJAN PRINCESS and the other horses in front of that runner, had run in and out.

Reasons for Penalty

The breach is mid-range. The tyre on TROJAN PRINCESS has punctured and come off the rim. The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a fine of $300 for a first such breach. Mr Larsen is a busy Otago/Southland Driver who has a clear record under this Rule in the past 12 months. Taking into account the mitigating circumstances of the breach itself and Mr Larsen’s ready admission of the breach, a penalty just below the starting point is appropriate.

Conclusion

Mr Larsen is fined the sum of $250.