Kaikoura TC 1 November 2021 – R14 – Gavin Smith

ID: RIB5528

Respondent(s):
Gavin Smith - Driver

Applicant:
Mr Nick Ydgren - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Dave Anderson

Persons Present:
Mr R Quirk - Stipendiary Steward and Mr Smith

Information Number:
A16711

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
G Smith allowed his horse to make contact with the barrier strand causing a delay.

Rule(s):
857(7)(a) - Riding/driving infringement - delay the start

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
KIWI X FACTOR

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
01/11/2021

Race Club:
Kaikoura Trotting Club

Race Location:
Addington Raceway - 75 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch, 8024

Race Number:
R14

Hearing Date:
01/11/2021

Hearing Location:
Addington Raceway - 75 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch, 8024

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver Gavin Smith is fined $200

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 14 Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr N Ydgren presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 857(7)(a) by Driver Mr Gavin Smith which was admitted.

Mr Smith confirmed to the Committee that he was conversant with the Rule and he understood the charge.

Mr Ydgren played the replay of the pre-start of the race and identified Mr Smith driving KIWI X FACTOR drawn 6 of 7 on the front line. He pointed to Mr Smith turn his horse into line and move closer to the barrier strand eventually making contact with it, being restrained and turned out of line. This Mr Ydgren said delayed the start.

Mr Smith said simply I got it wrong. He added although it was very windy and noisy pre-start, making it difficult to hear the Starter, it was entirely his mistake.

REASON FOR DECISION:

As Mr Smith admitted the breach it was deemed proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Ydgren said all Licence Holders received notification on the 10th August 2021 that the delaying of starts would be strictly monitored. He said since then there had been only one charge filed and stated this case was very similar. He said the Stewards are seeking a fine of $200 which would be consistent with that previous charge.

Mr Smith made no submissions on Penalty.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

The Committee in considering the quantum of Penalty agrees an appropriate and consistent sanction is a fine of $200.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mr Smith is fined $200.

Decision Date: 01/11/2021

Publish Date: 02/11/2021