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Non Raceday Inquiry – Written Penalty Decision dated 13 May 2025 – Brad Collins

ID: RIB55184

Respondent(s):
Brad Collins - Other (Starting Gate Attendant)

Applicant:
Ms G Murrow - RIB Investigator

Adjudicators:
Hon J W Gendall KC (Chair)

Persons Present:
Mr N Goodwin - Stipendiary Steward, Mr B Collins - Respondent (assisted by Mr G Phillips)

Information Number:
A16883

Decision Type:
Non-race Related Charge

Charge:
Misconduct

Rule(s):
800 - Misconduct

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
REGGAE MAN

Code:
Thoroughbred

Hearing Date:
10/05/2025

Hearing Location:
Trentham Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Starting Gate Attendant Brad Collins is fined $250

Introduction:

1.  The Racing Integrity Board presented an Information charging Mr B Collins with Misconduct, in breach of Rule 800 of the NZTR Rules of Racing, in that he kicked a 3 year old gelding in the stomach area when working as a Starting Gate Attendant at the Foxton Trials on 15 April 2025.  This occurred when the horse was reluctant to enter the starting stalls and was behaving fractiously.

2.  Mr Collins admitted the charge of Misconduct.

3.  The hearing proceeded on the basis of fixing an appropriate penalty.

4.  Rule 800 provides that:

“A Licensed Person … or other person bound by these Rules must not misconduct themselves in any manner relating to the conduct of races or racing”.

5.  The General Penalty Provisions of the Rules (Rule 803(1)) provides for possible penalties of disqualification, suspension of Licence or a fine not exceeding $20,000.  Naturally the circumstances of “Misconduct” will be infinitely variable and any penalty must reflect the facts of the offence, including where appropriate, the circumstances of a Respondent.

Essential Facts:

6.  On 15 April 2025, the Respondent was working at Foxton Trials as a Starting Gate Attendant.  He works regularly in this capacity at racecourses in the Lower North Island.

7.  As the horses were being loaded into the starting gates before one trial race, a 3 year old gelding “REGGAE MAN” was reluctant to enter the stalls, and was behaving fractiously.  The Respondent took over from a fellow Attendant to assist, and as he did, he kicked the horse in the stomach.  The horse continued to misbehave and was scratched from the trial.  Upon viewing the video of these events, the Owners of the horse, raised the matter with NZTR.

8.  When interviewed by the Investigator, Mr Collins said that he was attempting to control the horse’s poor behaviour, and accepted that what he did was unacceptable and inappropriate.  He expressed remorse and regret for his actions, which he said would not be repeated.

Submissions for Penalty:

9.  Mr Goodwin submitted that only a fine of modest proportions, was necessary.  Mr Collins has no previous breaches of the Rules of Racing and the level of misconduct, whilst totally unjustified, was not at the highest level of seriousness.

10.  Mr Collins advised the Adjudicative Committee that he was genuinely remorseful.  He is a solo parent caring for a child and his only source of income is as a Starting Gate Attendant on up to 3 days per week.

Outcome:

11.  It is necessary for a penalty to reflect the focus on animal welfare standards and must uphold the integrity of the Racing Industry.

12.  However, the Adjudicative Committee accepts that what occurred, arose out of a momentary reflex action and not as a consequence of anger.

13.  The Adjudicative Committee takes as a starting point, a fine of $400, but in view of the approach of the RIB and Mr Collins’ blemish free record and remorse, allows a discount of $150 (about 35 percent).  Accordingly, Mr Collins is fined $250.

Decision Date: 10/05/2025

Publish Date: 14/05/2025