NZ Metro TC 2 March 2023 – R1 – Bob Butt
ID: RIB16431
Animal Name:
Happy Place
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
02/03/2023
Race Club:
NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club Inc
Race Location:
Addington Raceway - 75 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch, 8024
Race Number:
R1
Hearing Date:
02/03/2023
Hearing Location:
Addington Raceway, Christchurch
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Trainer, Bob Butt, fined $200
BACKGROUND:
Following the running of Race 1, IRT. Your Horse. Our Passion. Mobile Pace, Trainer Bob Butt, admitted a breach of Rule 865(2) in that, as the Trainer of HAPPY PLACE in the race, he presented the horse with sliding blinds which were not notified.
(2) Every horse entered in a totalisator race shall be presented in the assembly area prior to the race in the same notifiable gear as that notified under sub-rule (1).
EVIDENCE:
Chief Stipendiary Steward, Nigel McIntyre, said this breach was the Respondent’s third within the 120 days period and hence an Information has been filed.
He said that the Respondent presented HAPPY PLACE, trained by him, for the race with sliding blinds which were not notified. On 13 January 2023, at Nelson, he presented BRANDO and on 27 January 2023, at Addington, he presented COME TOGETHER, both with incorrect gear, and was fined $100 on each occasion.
The Respondent explained that the horse always raced in sliding blinds, but he had taken the bridle with the sliding blinds off for its last start, the standing start Westport Cup (on 26 December 2022). It was just a mistake on his part, he said.
DECISION:
The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Previous similar breaches have resulted in a $200 fine, Mr McIntyre said, and that was an appropriate penalty in this case.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
Third breaches within the 120 days period are required to be dealt with by way of an Information. Such breaches are relatively rare, but penalties invariably are greater than the $100 fine set by the MIN Schedule. Fines have been in the range of $150-$200. A fine of $200 is appropriate for this breach.
CONCLUSION:
Trainer, Bob Butt, is fined $200.
Decision Date: 02/03/2023
Publish Date: 06/03/2023