NZ Metro TC 15 November 2024 – R10 – Cameron Hart
ID: RIB48451
Animal Name:
Harrison John
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
15/11/2024
Race Club:
NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club Inc
Race Location:
Addington Raceway - 75 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch, 8024
Race Number:
R10
Hearing Date:
15/11/2024
Hearing Location:
Addington Raceway, Christchurch
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Cameron Hart is suspended for 7 days and fined $600
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of Race 10, the Hill Lee & Scott ‘The Velocity’, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Nigel McIntyre presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) by Driver Mr Cameron Hart.
Mr Hart stated he understood the Rule and the Charge and confirmed he admitted the breach of the Rule.
Rule 869(2) provides:
3.4 For the purposes clause 3.3 a driver shall be deemed to have used the whip in an unapproved manner in the following circumstances which are not exclusive: 3.4.1 If the whip is applied other than as permitted in clause 3.1. 3.4.2 If the whip is applied more than a wrist flicking motion or free of the rein or continuous.
Mr McIntyre played the final straight video to show Mr Hart (HARRISON JOHN) finishing strongly on the inside of the track, where he used his whip several times, which were well outside of an acceptable standard. Mr McIntyre said Mr Hart’s use became compliant in the last 100m, but he has been continuous from the 200m.
Mr Hart agreed he was in breach of the Rule and made no submissions.
DECISION:
The Respondent having admitted the breach, the charge was deemed to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr McIntyre said Mr Hart has a clear record under the Rule here and in Australia. He said the Stewards view this breach at mid-range and would be seeking a 7-day suspension and the associated fine for a five hundred-thousand-dollar race.
Mr Hart made no submissions on Penalty, but asked to start any suspension after tomorrow’s racing at Menangle.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The Penalty Guidelines provide a 7-day suspension for a mid-range breach in a Group One race and any race with a stake of $100,000 or more.
In addition, a fine equal to 25% of the Driver’s stake is to be imposed if the breach is at mid-range.
The Adjudicative Committee finds this breach to be at mid-range and endorse the Stewards’ submissions. Mr Hart will be suspended for 7 days, which the NSW Racing Calendar shows will encompass the following meetings.
20 November – Bathhurst
21 November – Penrith
22 November – Newcastle
23 November – Menangle
25 November – Goulburn
26 November – Menangle
27 November – Bathhurst
CONCLUSION:
Driver Cameron Hart is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 19 November 2024, up to and including racing on 27 November 2024 at Bathhurst.
In addition to this suspension, a fine of $600 is imposed.
Decision Date: 15/11/2024
Publish Date: 19/11/2024