Nelson HRC 15 January 2023 – R6 – Zachary Butcher

ID: RIB14176

Respondent(s):
Zachary Butcher - Driver

Applicant:
Mr S Renault - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Dave Anderson

Persons Present:
RIB Stewards Mr Renault, Mr Williams, Mr Sole, and Mr Butcher.

Information Number:
A21113

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Striking a wheel

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
TOMMYSONAROLL

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
15/01/2023

Race Club:
Nelson Harness Racing Club

Race Location:
Nelson Racecourse - 358 Lower Queen Street, Nelson, 7020

Race Number:
R6

Hearing Date:
15/01/2023

Hearing Location:
Richmond Park Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver Zachary Butcher is fined $250.

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 6, an Information was presented by RIB Steward Mr Shane Renault alleging a breach of Rule 869(3) (b) by driver Mr Zachary Butcher.

Mr Butcher confirmed he was conversant with the Rule and the Charge and that he admitted the breach.

Mr Renault played the replay of the final bend to identify Mr Butcher 3-wide 1 back and pointed to him shift out to follow BUDDY REIGN ( K Cameron). He slowed the video to pinpoint Mr Butcher’s horse TOMMYSONAROLL, striking the near side tyre of Mr Cameron’s sulky which deflated.

Mr Butcher said it was a true reflection of what happened.

Decision:

The Respondent has admitted the breach and the charge was deemed to be proved.

Submissions on Penalty:

Mr Renault said Mr Butcher had a previous breach of the Rule on 1 September 2022 where he was fined $200 for striking a wheel. However, that was 224 drives ago which allows a clear record for Mr Butcher.

Mr Renault said the Guidelines provide a $300 starting point.

Reasons for Penalty:

Mr Butcher was very frank and forthright and considering his admission and good record, a fine of $250 was considered an appropriate penalty in this case.

Conclusion:

Driver Zachary Butcher is fined $250.

Decision Date: 15/01/2023

Publish Date: 16/01/2023