NZ Metro TC 13 April 2023 – R2 – CONFESSIONAL

ID: RIB18571

Respondent(s):
Paul Nairn - Driver

Applicant:
Stipendiary Steward - Mr Shane Renault

Adjudicators:
Dave Anderson

Persons Present:
Stipendiary Steward - Mr Shane Renault, Chief Steward - Mr McIntyre and Mr Nairn

Information Number:
A21414

Decision Type:
Protest

Rule(s):
859(3) - Other - Start Regulations

Plea:
Not Contested

Protest:
CONFESSIONAL started in advance of its correct barrier position

Animal Name:
CONFESSIONAL

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
13/04/2023

Race Club:
NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club Inc

Race Location:
Addington Raceway - 75 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch, 8024

Race Number:
R2

Hearing Date:
13/04/2023

Hearing Location:
Addington Raceway, Christchurch.

Outcome: Protest Upheld

Penalty: CONFESSIONAL (No. 8) is disqualified from the race and is declared a late scratching.

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 2, an Information by way of a Protest was presented by Stipendiary Steward Mr Shane Renault alleging a breach of Rule 859(3).

The detail of the Information was “CONFESSIONAL started in advance of its correct barrier position”.

The Judges’ placings were:

6 – 4 – 7- 8 – 2 – 1.

Mr Nairn did not contest the protest.

Rule 859(3) provides:

(3) When a horse starts in advance of its mark or correct barrier position, in addition to any other penalty that may be imposed, the horse shall be disqualified and deemed to be scratched from the race.

Mr Renault played the video of the start and identified CONFESSIONAL who was drawn 2 on the unruly from the mobile barrier. Mr Renault pointed to CONFESSIONAL approaching the dispatch point and as the horses were released, said the horse was ½ a length in advance of its correct position. He said the unruly horses must start to the outside and behind the front row horses.

Mr Nairn said his horse became too keen in the score up.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The Adjudicative Committee, after viewing the video, were convinced CONFESSIONAL was ½ length in advance of its correct starting position and satisfied the Rule was breached.

DECISION:

Accordingly, CONFESSIONAL is disqualified from Race 2 and declared a late scratching.

The amended result of Race 2 is:  6 -4 – 7 – 2 – 1.

Stakes and dividends were ordered to be paid in accordance with the amended result.

Decision Date: 13/04/2023

Publish Date: 17/04/2023