NZ Metro TC 25 November 2022 – R6 – Nathan Williamson

ID: RIB13519

Respondent(s):
Nathan Williamson - Driver

Applicant:
Nigel McIntyre - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Stewart Ching (Chair), Russell McKenzie

Information Number:
A21008

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Contacting track markers

Rule(s):
869(7A)(a) - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
GET UP AND DANCE

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
25/11/2022

Race Club:
NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club Inc

Race Location:
Addington Raceway - 75 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch, 8024

Race Number:
R6

Hearing Date:
25/11/2022

Hearing Location:
Addington

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver Nathan Williamson is fined $100

Summary of Facts:

Following the running of Race 6, the Respondent Nathan Williamson, admitted a breach of Rule 869(7A)(a); namely that when driving GET UP AND DANCE allowed his runner to contact track markers leaving the final bend which were dislodged.

The Respondent endorsed the Information ‘I do admit the breach of the Rule’ and confirmed he understood the Rule and the nature of the charge.

Rule 869(7A)(a) provides:

Every driver who moves inwards shall ensure:

(a) that contact is not made with any track marker

Using available video footage, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr McIntyre identified the horse involved in the incident namely, GET UP AND DANCE driven by Mr Williamson, and showed that the sulky wheel of GET UP AND DANCE struck two pylons on the final bend with both pylons being dislodged. Mr McIntyre stated that GET UP AND DANCE finished in 4th place but did not gain any advantage in this incident.

Decision:

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

Submission for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr McIntyre produced the Respondent’s record which indicated a clear record.  The Respondent has had 354 drives so far in this current season.

Mr McIntyre stated that the Penalty Guide provided a 2 day suspension or a $100 fine as the starting point for a breach of this Rule. He added that there were no aggravating factors to consider and submitted that in this case, a fine of $100 be considered as penalty.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Penalty Guide provides a penalty starting point of:

  • 2 drive suspension or $100 fine

After evaluating all of the factors, the Adjudicative Committee determined that there was no need to divert from the Penalty Guide starting point of $100 fine and determined that to be an appropriate penalty in the circumstances of this case.

Conclusion:

The Respondent was fined the sum of $100.

Decision Date: 25/11/2022

Publish Date: 13/01/2023