Manawatu HRC 8 December 2022 – R6 – Alicia Harrison

FACTS:

Ms Harrison denied a charge of Careless Driving (Information No. A17265), in that near the 250m, she allowed her drive to shift in when activating gear, which resulted in her drive (MITCH) racing over track markers causing it to break losing its chance.

EVIDENCE:

Mr Mulcay with the aid of film replays, said that “MITCH” led and over-raced.  He said at the 300m Ms Harrison turned her whip, crossed the reins and then activated the gear (blinds).  He said at that point Ms Harrison did not have sufficient control, went in over track markers, broke and lost all chance.

Ms Harrison said her horse was a difficult drive, was hard to hold and that she had her hands up high.  She said that he (MITCH) is a colt and over-raced.

Ms Harrison said that when she pulled the blinds, he ducked in.  She said that he reacted badly to the blinds and will recommend that they be removed next start.  She said that she tried to straighten straight away and could not do anymore.

Mr Abernethy said that due to the track camber, the horse drifted in more.

REASON FOR DECISION:

The Adjudicative Committee found that passing the 300m, Ms Harrison had both reins in her left hand and activated the blinds with her right hand.  Her drive “MITCH” drifted to be inside the marker peg line.  The Applicant’s evidence was that Ms Harrison did not have sufficient control of her drive when it went in.  Ms Harrison said that her horse was a difficult drive and that after activating the blinds, it ducked in and that she reacted straight away and could not do any more.

The Adjudicative Committee, after considering all of the evidence which included all film replays, believed that Ms Harrison did react within a reasonable amount of time to straighten a difficult drive.

CONCLUSION:

The Adjudicative Committee was not satisfied that Ms A Harrison had driven carelessly.e charge preferred under Rule 869(3)(b) was dismissed.