Marlborough HRC 16 January 2022 – R10 – Scott Iremonger

FACTS

Mr Iremonger was charged that, as the Driver of HILARIOUS PRINCE in Race 10, the Blenheim Sun Newspaper Marlborough Cup, he shifted inwards passing the 2600m when insufficiently clear of GOT YOU COVERED which was checked and lost its rightful racing position. Mr Iremonger had Open Driver, Mr K Cameron assist him at the initial Steward’s investigation but stated that he was comfortable without assistance at the hearing.

SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Dooley showed video replays of the early stages of the race. He pointed out HILARIOUS PRINCE, driven by Mr Iremonger, racing in a two wide position just off the lead with GOT YOU COVERED, driven by Mr K Newman, racing on the pylons and inside Mr Iremonger. Mr Dooley showed Mr Iremonger shift inwards to take up a position in the trail and in front of  Mr Newman when not clear, causing GOT YOU COVERED to check and lose its rightful racing position behind the lead horse. Mr Dooley added that GOT YOU COVERED thereafter trailed HILARIOUS PRINCE until near the home turn on the final occasion, when HILARIOUS PRINCE began to give ground forcing GOT YOU COVERED back through the field. This effect on GOT YOU COVERED was an aggravating factor.

Mr Iremonger stated that it was clear on the films that he was not clear of GOT YOU COVERED when attempting to shift down. He added that he initially thought he had room to move into the gap but had misjudged his movement in.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

Mr Iremonger has admitted the charge which is found proved accordingly.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Dooley said that Mr Iremonger had a good overall penalty record.  He stated that mitigating factors were Mr Iremonger’s frank admission of the breach and his good record.  Mr Dooley stated that Mr Iremonger drove on 73 occasions last season and calculated that he drove on average twice per meeting. The Penalty Guidelines provide for a 10 drive suspension for a mid range breach and he submitted that this breach was mid range. After taking consideration of the mitigating factors, being Mr Iremonger’s good record and admission of the breach, aggravating factors, being the effect on GOT YOU COVERED, Mr Dooley submitted that a 5 day suspension be considered as penalty in this case.

Mr Iremonger requested that a fine be considered on this occasion as penalty. He also stated that if a suspension was to be imposed he would not be seeking a deferment.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee noted the starting point under the Penalty Guidelines was a 10 drive or 5 day suspension in Mr Iremonger’s case, for a mid range breach. The Adjudicative Committee also determined that the breach was mid range with the aggravating factor being the effect on GOT YOU COVERED, who despite the interference received, ran on to finish in a credible 5th place. This warranted an uplift in penalty which was set at 1 day. Mitigating factors were Mr Iremonger’s good record and frank admission of the breach which warranted a combined discount which the Adjudicative Committee set at 1 day. The Adjudicative Committee therefore determined that an appropriate penalty in this case is a 5 day suspension.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Iremonger is suspended from the conclusion of racing today 16 January 2022 up to and including 4 February 2022. Meetings encompassed in this period are Addington – 21 January, Banks Peninsula – 23 January, Addington – 28 January, Methven – 30 January and Addington – 4 February 2022.