NZ Metro TC 18 March 2022 (heard 23 March 2022 at Addington) – R7 – Samantha Ottley

ID: RIB8200

Respondent(s):
Samantha Ottley - Driver

Applicant:
Mr Nigel McIntyre - Chairman of Stewards.

Adjudicators:
Dave Anderson

Persons Present:
Mr McIntyre and Stipendiary Steward Mr Matt Sole

Information Number:
A16627

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Driving shifting inwards shortly after the start.

Rule(s):
869(3)(b) - Riding/driving infringement - Careless Driving

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
QUIK SHOT

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
18/03/2022

Race Club:
NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club Inc

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

Race Number:
R7

Hearing Date:
23/03/2022

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

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver Samantha Ottley is suspended for 2 days.

Summary of Facts:

This Information was filed and adjourned sine die on 18th March 2022 and heard this day 23rd March 2022 at Addington Raceway.

Following the running of Race 7, Respondent Samantha Ottley, admitted a breach of Rule 869(3)(b); namely that “you drove carelessly when shifting inwards forcing SODS LAW inwards onto REPEAT PAT which broke and checked I DREAM OF JEANNIE which also broke shortly after the start.”

The Respondent endorsed the Information ‘I do admit the breach of the Rule’ and confirmed she understood the Rule and the nature of the charge.

Rule 869 (3)(b) provides:

No driver in any race shall drive carelessly.

Using available video footage Chairman of Stewards Mr Nigel McIntyre, with the assistance of Stipendiary Steward Mr Matt Sole, identified the horses involved in the incident namely, QUIK SHOT driven by Samantha Ottley and SODS LAW driven by Mr James Geddes. He pointed to the horses in question approximately 100 metres after the start to showed Ms Ottley angle inwards dictating Mr Geddes down onto REPEAT PAT which broke. As REPEAT PAT was being restrained I DREAM OF JEANNIE was hampered for room and also broke.

The Respondent Ms Ottley was not present at the hearing to lessen Covid risk and through Mr McIntyre conveyed to the Adjudicative Committee she agreed with Mr McIntyre’s assessment of the incident.

Decision:

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

Submission for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr McIntyre produced the Respondent’s record which indicated a clear record.  The Respondent has had 205 drives this season.

Mr McIntyre added that Stewards assessed the breach as mid-range and therefore a suspension of 2 days would be an appropriate penalty. He said the Stewards based this submission on Ms Ottley driving 5 times a meeting in the last 40 meetings.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Penalty Guide provides a penalty starting point:

  • 10 drive suspension or $500 fine.

After taking into account the submissions of both the Applicant and Respondent; noting the race film and the resultant impact on the affected runner(s), the Adjudicative Committee assessed the breach as medium and adopted a 10 drive suspension as the starting point.

The Respondent was given credit for her good record and admission of the breach resulting in a 2 drive reduction from the starting point. This reduction was nullified by the consequences of Ms Ottley shifting ground, resulting in 2 horses breaking and losing ground.

Ms Ottley notified the Adjudicative Committee that deferment was not required.

After evaluating all of the factors, including Drivers having been declared for the 25th March, the Adjudicative Committee determined a 10 drive / 2-day suspension to be an appropriate penalty in the circumstances of this case.

Penalty:

The Respondent was suspended from the close of racing on 25th March 2022 up to and including racing on the 31st March 2022.

Decision Date: 23/03/2022

Publish Date: 25/03/2022