NZ Metro TC 25 July 2025 – R1 – Robbie Close

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 1, Open Driver, Robbie Close, as the Driver of MOONLITE BLOOD in the race, admitted a charge that he drove carelessly near the 150 metre mark by shifting ground outwards when insufficiently clear, causing interference to OUR SHANGRI LANA and MUSIC MISTRESS.

Rule 869 provides:

(3)  No driver in any race shall drive:-  

    (b) carelessly

EVIDENCE:

Mr McIntyre used the race replays to show the run home. He pointed out Mr Close who was held up; he then submitted that Mr Close moved outwards and caused interference to the two runners outside of him. As a result, Mr Williams had to take a hold of MUSIC MISTRESS.

Mr Close submitted that Mr Chmiel’s runner had moved inwards slightly, which made the interference look worse than it was. He said that Mr Chmiel’s runner moving inwards had contributed to the incident, however, he acknowledged that he was ultimately in the wrong.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it was found proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr McIntyre said that this breach was low end. He agreed that the outside runner had contributed to a degree.

Mr McIntyre outlined that Mr Close had two prior breaches of this Rule. The first was 166 drives ago on 30 March 2025, where a fine of $350 was imposed. The second was on 13 April 2025, where 3 days was imposed. Mr McIntyre said that the breach from March, was only 34 drives short of the reset period and acknowledged that could be considered. Mr McIntyre referred to the Penalty Guide starting point for penalty for a second, low-level breach – a 3-days suspension. He left it for the Adjudicative Committee to determine whether or not an uplift was required.

Mr Close submitted that 2 to 3 days would be significant for him. Further, he outlined that he wished to drive on 8 August 2025 in the National Handicap. He asked the Adjudicative Committee to consider a 2-day suspension.

Mr Close had notified drives at Addington on 27 July. Upcoming race dates were then looked at.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

It is agreed that this was a low-end breach. The RIB Harness Racing Penalty Guide (October 2024) suggests a starting point for penalty for a second breach, low-level, of a 3-days suspension. The Adjudicative Committee found that a 2-day suspension would not be appropriate in the circumstances. Mr Close has two prior breaches of this Rule. Given that his first breach was relatively close to the reset period and the fact that another runner had contributed to the incident, the Adjudicative Committee sees the appropriate penalty as a 3-day suspension. Because of these factors, no uplift is required in this case.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Close is suspended from after the close of racing on 27 July 2025 to and including, 8 August 2025 – 3 days.