NZ Metro TC 11 February 2022 – R4 – ROYAL PRIDE

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 4, Livamol Handicap Trot, the Applicant, Manager of Stewards, Mr Nigel McIntyre, filed an Information pursuant to Rule 870(3) and the Breaking Horses Regulation instigating a protest alleging that ROYAL PRIDE (Sam Thornley), placed 1st by the Judge, broke and galloped in excess of 150 metres passing the 2200 metres mark.

The Respondent, Sam Thornley, had endorsed and signed the Information form indicating that he did not contest the protest. Mr McIntyre informed the Adjudicative Committee that the Respondent had waived assistance from a Senior Driver. Mr Thornley was not present at the hearing.

The Judge’s provisional placings were:

1st    4  Royal Pride

2nd   2  The Bloss

3rd    8  Time Up The Hill

4th     7  Baxter

5th     5  Bright Glow

Rule 870(3)provides that  “Any horse which breaks from its gait shall promptly regain its proper gait”

The Breaking Horses Regulation provides that:

“(a)  Any horse which breaks from its gait at the start or during the running of any race and continues on in the break for a distance of 150 metres or greater,  shall be deemed to be in breach of  Rule 870(3) in that it has failed to promptly regain its proper gait”.

SUBMISSIONS FOR DECISION;

Using a video replay Manager of Stewards, Nigel McIntyre, identified ROYAL PRIDE, racing in the trail behind the leader, as the field approached the 2200 metres. He said that, at that point, ROYAL PRIDE went off stride, free of interference, and galloped for approximately 170 metres before regaining its gait. ROYAL PRIDE went on to win the race.

Mr McIntyre submitted that ROYAL PRIDE was therefore in breach of Rule 870(3) and the Breaking Horses Regulation and should be disqualified from the race.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

After hearing submissions and reviewing the video replay, it was clearly evident to the Adjudicative Committee that ROYAL PRIDE broke free of interference, after approximately 400 metres, and galloped for more than 150 metres.

DECISION:

ROYAL PRIDE is disqualified.

The amended final placings are:

1st     2  The Bloss

2nd   8  Time Up The Hill

3rd    7  Baxter

4th    5  Bright Glow

5th    3  Clyde

Authority was given for dividends and stake money to be paid in accordance with the amended placings.