Northern Southland TC 12 January 2022 – R9 – Mark Purdon
ID: RIB6992
Animal Name:
OSCAR BONAVENA
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
12/01/2022
Race Club:
Northern Southland Trotting Club
Race Location:
Ascot Park Raceway - 29 Findlay Road, Ascot, Invercargill, 9810
Race Number:
R9
Hearing Date:
12/01/2022
Hearing Location:
Ascot Park Invercargill
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Mark Purdon was fined the sum of $200
At the conclusion of Race 9 the Pryde’s Easifeed Southern Lights (Handicap Trot) (Gr3) an Information was lodged by Stipendiary Steward Miss R Haley alleging that Driver Mark Purdon delayed the start when driving OSCAR BONAVENA
Mr Purdon did not wish to be present at the hearing and admitted the breach.
The Rule reads 858:
Every driver and/or person in charge of a horse shall ensure that 1. The horse is, not later than the time fixed by the stewards (whether in the regulations for the race meeting, official racebook or otherwise) prior to any race paraded at the assembly area approved by the Stipendiary Steward.
Miss Haley used several of the video clips of the start of the race to highlight Mr Purdon taking an extra half lap with his horse OSCAR BONAVENA who was starting from the 30 metre mark when the front line horses had already assembled and were ready to commence the race.
Miss Haley said the race was starting late about 34 seconds, initially.
Miss Haley also stated that ANDY HALL (N Williamson) who was starting on the front line had become fractious and broke and lost all chance after the tapes were released.
Decision:
As the charge is admitted, it is therefore proved.
Submissions for Penalty:
Miss Haley stated that Drivers had been made aware nationally of the Rule by email recently, and that the standard fine for this offence would be $200 which has been the case with recent offences under this Rule.
The Penalty Guide allows for a $300 fine. Miss Haley believed Mr Purdon could be given credit for his admission of the breach. It was noted that Mr Purdon had no previous breaches under this Rule.
Reasons for Penalty:
The Penalty Guide provides a penalty starting point of $300. After taking into account the submissions from Miss Haley, the Adjudicative Committee gave Mr Purdon some concession for his guilty plea and reduced the fine to $200. Whilst Mr Purdon was not present, it is noted that the race was a Gr3 Race, and a horse did lose its chance at the start, which cannot be completely determined by Mr Purdon’s actions, however the expectation is that Mr Purdon should be far more professional in this situation.
Conclusion:
Mr Purdon is fined the sum of $200.
Decision Date: 12/01/2022
Publish Date: 14/01/2022