NZ Metro TC 25 April 2025 – R7 – Olivia Thornley
ID: RIB54303
Animal Name:
TRUMP CARD
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
25/04/2025
Race Club:
NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club Inc
Race Location:
Addington Raceway - 75 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch, 8024
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
25/04/2025
Hearing Location:
Addington Raceway, Christchurch
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Junior Driver Olivia Thornley is fined $400
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of Race 7, Stipendiary Steward Mr Shane Renault presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) by Junior Driver Miss Olivia Thornley.
Miss Thornley stated she understood the Rule and the Charge and confirmed she admitted the breach. Miss Thornley was assisted at the hearing by Open Driver Miss Kimberley Butt.
Mr Renault played the last 300m of the race to show Miss Thornley (TRUMP CARD) racing 4 back on the markers, angle her horse to the passing lane and use her whip approximately 30 times without any pauses for the length of the straight, clearly in breach of the Rule.
Miss Thornley and Miss Butt agreed the Rule was breached and made no submissions.
DECISION:
The Respondent having admitted the breach, the charge was deemed to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Renault said Miss Thornley has a clear record under the Rule and has driven 62 times this season and 156 the previous. He said the Stewards view this breach at mid-range, because of the number of strikes involved.
Miss Thornley indicated she would prefer a fine rather than a suspension.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The Penalty Guidelines provide a 2-day suspension or a $500 fine for a mid-range breach, which this is.
The Adjudicative Committee, although cognisant of the number of strikes, observed the whip use was with little force. Miss Thornley has an admirable record under the Rule and in considering her status as a Junior Driver, finds a discount from the starting point of $100 was in order.
CONCLUSION:
Junior Driver Miss Olivia Thornley is fined $400.
Decision Date: 25/04/2025
Publish Date: 28/04/2025