NZ Metro TC 20 July 2025 – R3 – Hayden Douglas

Following the running of Race 3, Maxia Balance (Junior Drivers) Mobile Pace, the Stewards alleged that Junior Driver, Mr Hayden Douglas was in breach of Rule 868(3) in that he “failed to drive PLAYING WITH STARS out to the end of the race when having a reasonable chance of finishing in 4th place.”

The Respondent endorsed the Information ‘I do not admit the breach of the Rule’ and confirmed he understood the Rule and the nature of the charge.

Mr Douglas was assisted in the hearing by Mr Williamson.

Rule 868 provides as follows:

(3)     Every driver shall drive his or horse out to the end of the race if he or she has any reasonable chance of running first, second, third, fourth, or fifth.

The result of the race was as follows:

1st    4              Didjaseemiki

2nd   6               Sophia Bromac

3rd    1              Major Happy

4th    3             Gem N Em

5th    2              Playing With Stars

The margin between 4th and 5th was a nose.

Evidence:

Stipendiary Steward, Shane Renault, showed video replays of the final run home. He pointed out Mr Douglas over the concluding stages and stated that it was clear that inside the last 50 metres, Mr Douglas stopped driving and became motionless. He showed the lead up to this, where Mr Douglas had been encouraging his horse with the whip, but then had turned the whip around and remained still for the last 30 metres.

Mr Renault submitted that Mr Douglas had a reasonable chance of running 4th, given the margin was a nose. Mr Renault produced the photo finish to show the margin. Mr Renault said that you could see his horse was still making ground compared to the other inside runners.

Mr Douglas said that he had pulled his whip at the 450-metre mark and began driving his horse from there. He said he had been parked and that his horse was tiring in the run home. He said he saw the two on the inside and did not think he was making ground. He used the video relays to show that he had tried going from a left hand strike to a backhand, but the horse did not respond. In respect of the Stewards stating he sat motionless, he said that he had moved his left hand to encourage the horse.

Reasons for Decision:

There are two matters which must be satisfied to the requisite standard for a charge under this Rule to be proved. In this instance they are:

1. Did Mr Douglas drive the horse out to the end of the race; and
2. Was there a reasonable chance of the horse running 4th.

The Adjudicative Committee finds that Mr Douglas did sit motionless for the last 30 metres of the race. The Adjudicative Committee is satisfied that the video replays are conclusive in respect of this. In relation to the second element, the margin was close and it appeared like Mr Douglas’ horse was still making ground. Therefore, the charge is found proved.

Decision:

The charge is found proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Renault produced the Respondent’s record, which showed a clear record. Mr Renault stated that Mr Douglas had 128 prior drives.

Mr Renault referred to the Penalty Guide, which states that for failing to drive out when there is a reasonable chance of finishing 4th, the starting point is a 3-day suspension. He submitted this was the appropriate outcome.

The Respondent said that he wished any term of suspension to commence immediately.

Reasons for Penalty:

This is a clear case of failing to drive out to the finish, when having a reasonable chance of finishing, in this case, 4th.

The RIB Harness Racing Penalty Guide is clear in respect of this Rule. In the case of a reasonable chance of running 4th, the Penalty Guide provides a penalty of a 3-day suspension.

Accordingly, the penalty is a 3-day suspension.

Conclusion:

Mr Douglas’ Junior Driver’s Licence is suspended from after the close of racing on 20 July 2025, up to and including 1 August 2025 – 3 days.