NZ Metro TC 16 October 2024 – R1 – Shannon Manawatu

THE CHARGE:

Following the running of Race 1, Gold Band Taxis (Amateur Drivers) Mobile Pace, Advanced Amateur Driver, Shannon Manawatu, admitted a charge that, as the Driver of VRILO in the race, he “shifted inwards near the 1500 metres when not clear of THE HIGHLANDER (Jo-ann Buckland Stevens) which struck markers”.

Rule 869 provides as follows:

(7A)  Every driver who moves inwards shall ensure:

         (c)  that the movement does not cause any other driver, horse or sulky to contact any  track marker or protrude inside the marker line.

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward, Mr Sole, showed a video replay of the incident, as the field approached the home straight with approximately 1500 metres to race. He pointed out VRILO, driven by Mr Manawatu, having disputed the lead with ONELOVEONELIFE (Mike Maynard) and having failed in its attempt to take the lead, being eased by Mr Manawatu in an attempt to take a trail behind the leader, where a gap existed.

Mr Sole said that VRILO was slow to respond and, in the meantime, THE HIGHLANDER had improved into the gap and was forced to race over two track markers. He said that Mr Manawatu was, initially, entitled to shift into the gap but, with THE HIGHLANDER having improved into the gap, he ought to have ceased his attempt to shift in.

Mr Manawatu said that he accepted Mr Sole’s description of the incident.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Sole said that Mr Manawatu has had 37 lifetime drives – three this season and two in the 2023 season. His record under the Rule is clear.

Mr Sole referred to the Penalty Guide starting point for a first breach of the Rule of a $300 fine and submitted that would be an appropriate penalty for the breach.

Mr Manawatu was asked by the Adjudicative Committee if he would like the Committee to consider a suspension rather than a fine. He expressed preference for a fine.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Manawatu has admitted a breach in that, in shifting inwards, he forced another runner to strike and run inside a couple of track markers.

Mr Sole correctly referred to the starting point provided in the RIB Harness Racing Penalty Guide of a $300 fine. There are no aggravating factors. Mitigating factors are Mr Manawatu’s admission of the breach, although it could not be denied and his previous clear record, albeit from a small number of drives this season and last. In addition, the Adjudicative Committee had regard to Mr Manawatu’s status as an Amateur Driver. For those factors, the Adjudicative Committee gave a discount of $50 from the Penalty Guide starting point.

CONCLUSION:

Advanced Amateur Driver, Shannon Manawatu, is fined the sum of $250.