Manawatu HRC 21 November 2023 – R6 (heard 23 November 2023 at Manawatu) – Bryan Taylor

Background:

Following the running of Race 6, the ‘Pete’s Joinery & Building Greytown Mobile Pace’, the aforementioned Information was lodged alleging a  breach of Rule 869(3)(b).

Detail in respect of the Information is as follows:

‘in that he drove carelessly approaching the 150m when shifting ground outwards which resulted in his gelding breaking and losing it’s chance’

Rule 869(3)(b) provides: No driver in any race shall drive (b) carelessly.

The hearing commenced after the last race on the first night of the meeting ie 21st November 2023. Upon agreement of all parties, the hearing was adjourned until 1 hour before the first race of the second night of the meeting ie: 23rd November 2023. Mr Taylor confirmed that he understood the Rule and was intending to defend the charge.

Evidence:

Stewards highlighted the incident through available film.  Stewards contended that upon straightening, BLAZE MAGUIRE has his head to the inside, with Mr Taylor having pressure to the inside rein to prevent the horse shifting out. The horse then turns its head to the right.  By allowing this movement, the horse has shifted out without being entitled to do so. This action affects the line of both TURNPIKE JOE (Mr D Butcher) and LOUIE V TONNE (Mr A Pyers).   In moving, BLAZE MAGUIRE has struck the wheel of TURNPIKE JOE, in turn breaking.

Mr Taylor was invited to provide his interpretation of the incident. He noted he was involved with the early education and training of the horse. The horse had been sent away from his Stable, but had returned for a period to be re educated. The horse is now trained by Mr T Briskie. The horse continues to be very difficult to drive.

When it came to driving the horse, Mr Taylor was concerned with it’s gear eg: its gaiting strap was on the wrong side. Mr Taylor was adamant, given the rogue nature of the horse along with it’s gear, he was doing the best he could and was not responsible for the incident ie: his actions were not careless. Mr Taylor asked that the race be shown in it’s entirety. Mr Taylor asked Mr Mulcay whether he would agree that the horse was geared as to cause the break etc. Mr Mulcay reiterated that in his view, Mr Taylor allowed his horse’s head to shift from inside to out, either by allowing it do so, or relieving pressure on the inside rein.

Decison:

The charge was deemed proved.

Reasons for Decision:

After consideration of submissions and viewing of film, the charge was deemed to be proved. There is sympathy for Mr Taylor given BLAZE MAGUIRE is a difficult horse to drive, however the Adjudicative Committee concurs with Stewards’ contention that his drive was careless to the extent that he allowed his drive to move when not entitled to do so.

Submissions for Penalty:

Stewards referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current Harness Racing Penalty Guide. Stewards were of the view that the careless drive sat mid to high range, where the Guide provides the following starting points:

Mid – $500 fine or 2 days suspension where the breach causes interference which impacts on own or another horse’s chances.

High – 3 days suspension where the breach causes interference which results in own or another horse losing all chance.

Mr Taylor’s record is clear, with his last careless driving offence being 20th February 2005. He has had 365 drives in the ensuing period.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee finds the drive to be careless high range, given that BLAZE MAGUIRE’S chances were effectively extinguished. A 3 day suspension is adopted as a starting point. A 1 day reduction is applied to reflect record.

Conclusion:

Mr Taylor’s Licence to drive in races is suspended, up to and including,14th December 2023. Such suspension incorporates Manawatu HRC meetings on 12th December 2023 and 14th December 2023.