NZ Metro TC 16 April 2022 – R2 – Trevor Grant

EVIDENCE:

Using the available video replays, Chief Stipendiary Steward, Nigel McIntyre, had Stipendiary Steward, Shane Renault, point out the runners involved in the incident. He pointed out RACHMANINOV, driven by Mr Grant, racing 4-wide passing the winning post after approximately 200 metres of the 2600 metres standing start race, having begun well from the unruly barrier position.

On Mr Grant’s inside, holding his line and established in the 3-wide line was HEAVENLY STRINGS (Gerard O’Reilly) and established in the 2-wide line to his inside was NORDIC PRINCE (Gemma Thornley).

Mr McIntyre pointed out Mr Grant then shift down the track, restricting Mr O’Reilly’s racing room and, as a result, Mr O’Reilly was forced inwards resulting in Ms Thornley’s runner running out of room and breaking. In effect, Mr McIntyre said, there were four horses where there was room for only three. Mr O’Reilly was unable to relieve the pressure and Ms Thornley’s runner had nowhere to go as a result of the pressure from Mr Grant shifting in.

Mr Grant said he accepted Mr McIntyre’s explanation of the incident and had nothing further to add.

DECISION:

The charge is admitted by the Respondent and is therefore deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr McIntyre said that Mr Grant was not often seen by Stewards relating to careless driving and his record was clear. He has had 15 drives to date in the current season (from 1 January 2022) and, in the 2020/2021 season, had 54 drives.

The Penalty Guide starting point is a 10-drives suspension or a $500 fine, Mr McIntyre said. This case, involving interference, calls for a suspension, he said, and he submitted an appropriate term of suspension was 5 days.

Mr Grant said that he had two notified drives at the meeting of Banks Peninsula TC meeting on 18 April and sought a deferment accordingly. Upcoming meetings in the Canterbury region were then looked at.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guide suggests a starting point of a 10-drives suspension for a medium-level offence of careless driving. That would be a harsh penalty for Mr Grant and Mr McIntyre has submitted that a 5-drives suspension is appropriate. The Adjudicative Committee is prepared to accept that submission. Mr Grant has admitted the breach and his record is a good one. He is a hobby Trainer who drives his own horses. He has two runners trained by him accepted for the Banks Peninsula meeting on 18 April. The five meetings for which Mr Grant is to be suspended are meetings at which, realistically, Mr Grant would have at least one drive, so the suspension will be a meaningful one.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Grant is suspended from after the close of racing on 18 April 2022 up to and including 1 May 2020 – 5 days. The meetings intended to be encompassed by the term of suspension are NZ Metropolitan TC on 21 April, Geraldine TC on 24 April, Ashburton TC on 25 April, NZ Metropolitan TC on 29 April and Rangiora HRC on 1 May 2022.