Non Raceday Inquiry – Written Decision dated 15 November 2022 – Zev Meredith

ID: RIB12825

Respondent(s):
Zev Meredith - Junior Driver

Applicant:
Mr S Mulcay - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Hon J W Gendall KC

Persons Present:
Mr S Mulcay, Mr Z Meredith, Ms N Chilcott, Mr M Branch - assisting Mr Meredith

Information Number:
A11114

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Driving

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

Animal Name:
SUPER SALLY

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
13/10/2022

Race Club:
Waikato BOP Harness Racing Inc

Race Location:
Cambridge Raceway - 1 Taylor Street, Cambridge, 3434

Race Number:
R6

Hearing Date:
11/11/2022

Hearing Location:
Cambridge Raceway

Penalty: Hearing opened and adjourned until 1 December 2022

1.  Mr Mulcay presented an Information arising out of Race 6 at the Waikato Bay of Plenty Harness meeting at Cambridge Raceway on 13 October 2022, charging Mr Meredith with careless driving in breach of Rule 869(3)(b).

2.  Rule 869(3) is well known and provides:

“No Driver in any race shall drive:
(b) carelessly”

3.  Mr Meredith admitted the breach when presented with the Information on 4 November 2022.

4.  When the Adjudicative Committee convened to determine the matter of penalty, Mr Branch, on behalf of Mr Meredith, submitted that as Mr Meredith was interviewed without the assistance of a Senior Driver or employer he wished to withdraw his “admission” and proceed to a defended hearing.  He said he was not able to properly undertake as his advisors had not had the opportunity of seeing the raceday films.

5.  Accordingly leave is granted to Mr Meredith to withdraw his admission and a “Denial” to the charge is now recorded.  The matter will be dealt with on a defended basis before racing on 1 December 2022 at Cambridge Raceway.  It is adjourned until that date.

Decision Date: 11/11/2022

Publish Date: 16/11/2022