NZ Metro TC 19 September 2025 – R7 – Robbie Close

Summary of Facts:

Following the running of Race 7, the Respondent Open Driver Robbie Close admitted a breach of Rule 869(3)(b); namely “that when driving LIGHT ME UP he drove carelessly when shifting ground inwards, checking KISS THE GIRLS near the 150m.”

The Respondent Mr Close, endorsed the Information ‘I do admit the breach of the Rule’ and confirmed he understood the Rule, his admission of the breach and the nature of the charge.

Rule 869(3)(b) provides:

No driver in any race shall drive carelessly.

Using available video footage, Stipendiary Steward Paul Williams, identified the horses involved in the incident namely, LIGHT ME UP, driven by Mr Close and racing 3 wide, with KISS THE GIRLS, driven by Kimberly Butt, 2 wide, with BETTOR BE SHARP, driven by Gerard O’Reilly, on the pylons and in the passing lane. Mr Williams pointed out Mr Close attempting to take a gap to the outside of Ms Butt and when doing so, put her in restricted room on the outside of Mr O’Reilly and as a result, Ms Butt had to check and went rough for a stride.

Mr Close stated that there was no effect to Ms Butt’s drive, as it was tiring at the time. He added that he held the advantage over Ms Butt and was attempting to shift her down in order for him to improve past, but conceded that the situation was already tight and that his small movement in, had caused the incident.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Williams produced the Respondent’s record which indicated 3 previous breaches being, 13 April 2025 – Methven (3 days), 25 July 2025 – Addington and 29 August 2025 – Addington (4 day suspension).

He added that the Stewards deemed the carelessness to be in the low range, with the consequences higher.

Mr Williams submitted that a 4 day suspension be considered as penalty in this case.

Mr Williams stated that Mr Close was at his 200th drive, the reset period for the penalty imposed at Methven on 13 April 2025, with this particular drive.

The Respondent made no submissions on penalty, apart from requesting a deferment of penalty until after racing at Timaru on 28 September 2025.

 Reasons for Penalty:

The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a 3-day suspension for a low range, 2nd or subsequent breach of this Rule, within a 6-month period.

The Adjudicative Committee determined that the penalty imposed at Methven on 13 April 2025, would not be considered in penalty deliberations, as it was Mr Close’s 200th drive since that particular breach.

This Adjudicative Committee determined that the breach was low-range carelessness, with the consequences low to mid-range.

After evaluating all of the factors, both mitigating and aggravating, the Adjudicative Committee determined a 4 day suspension to be an appropriate penalty in the circumstances of this case.

Conclusion:

Mr Close’s application for a deferment until after racing at Timaru on 28 September 2025 is granted.

The Respondent, Mr Close was suspended from the conclusion of racing on 28 September 2025, up to and including 5 October 2025. Relevant meetings encompassed in this period of suspension were 1 October 2025 – Addington, 2 October 2025 – Wyndham, 3 October 2025 – Addington and 5 October 2025 at Methven.