NZ Metro TC 21 November 2025 – R10 – Hayden Cullen

Summary of Facts:

Following the running of Race 10, the Respondent Licensed Trainer Hayden Cullen admitted a breach of Rule 864(2)(d); namely “that as the trainer of HARRISON JOHN he failed to affix the offside rein so as not to come off.”

The Respondent, Mr Cullen, 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 864(2)(d) provides:

864(2) Every driver, owner, trainer and assistant thereof of a horse shall with regard to that horse ensure that:-
(d) all gear is correctly applied and/or affixed so as not to malfunction or come adrift;

Chief Stipendiary Steward Nigel McIntyre, explained that a breach of this Rule was normally dealt with by way of a Minor Infringement Notice. He said that as this involved a rein becoming unaffixed, creating a possible dangerous situation, combined with the effect on connections and punters, an Information was filed. Mr McIntyre stated that during the running of the race, the offside rein became unaffixed, with Driver Tony Herlihy having to steer the horse off the track and retire HARRISON JOHN from the race.

Mr Cullen stated that an employee had geared HARRISON JOHN up and had not properly affixed the offside rein, which led to the incident.

 Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr McIntyre produced the Respondent’s record, which indicated a clear record in relation to this Rule.

He said that under the MIN system, a breach of this Rule normally resulted in a fine of $100.

On this occasion, due to the facts and consequences of the incident, the Stewards sought a fine of $200.

The Respondent elected to make no submissions in regard to penalty. 

Reasons for Penalty:

The Penalty Guide under the MIN system provides a $100 fine for a breach of this Rule.

The circumstances and consequences of this incident, warrants an uplift on that level of fine.

This Adjudicative Committee determined that an uplift of $100 was warranted in this case and deemed a fine of $200 was appropriate.

Conclusion:

Mr Cullen is fined the sum of $200.