Manawatu HRC 14 March 2023 – R6 – Stephen Doody

ID: RIB17337

Respondent(s):
Stephen Doody - Driver

Applicant:
Mr S Mulcay - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr N McCutcheon

Persons Present:
Mr Mulcay, Mr Doody

Information Number:
A17267

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Driving

Rule(s):
869(3)(b) - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
CHANGEAROUND

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
14/03/2023

Race Club:
Manawatu Harness Racing Club

Race Location:
Manawatu Raceway - Pioneer Highway, Palmerston North,

Race Number:
R6

Hearing Date:
14/03/2023

Hearing Location:
Manawatu Raceway

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver, Stephen Doody suspended for 3 days

FACTS

Mr Doody was charged with careless driving near the 500m.  It was alleged that he allowed his drive ‘CHANGEAROUND’ to shift inwards, checking ‘JULIETTE SHARD’ (Z Meredith), who paced roughly with resultant interference to ‘THE ELITE ATHLETE’ (B Butcher).

Mr Doody said that he understood the Rule, charge and confirmed that he admitted the breach.

Film replays were shown with Mr Mulcay identifying horses and the interference.  It was clear that Mr Doody’s drive shifted in when not clear and touched a leg of ‘JULIETTE SHARD’ causing that runner to pace roughly and drop back onto ‘THE ELITE ATHLETE’.

Mr Doody said that his horse did ‘duck in’ on that part of the bend.  He added that it had raced keenly early on in the Race.

DECISION

As the charge was admitted it was deemed proved.

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS

Mr Mulcay said that Mr Doody had a clear record.  The Penalty Guide was discussed.

Mr Doody did not comment.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

Taking into account the admission of the breach, the record and the degree of the interference, a 3-day suspension was considered to be a condign penalty.

CONCLUSION

Mr S Doody’s Open Driver’s Licence was suspended from close of racing on 16 March to 31 March 2023 inclusive.  The days being 23 March (Cambridge), 29 and 31 March (Manawatu).

Decision Date: 14/03/2023

Publish Date: 20/03/2023