NZ Metro TC 28 February 2025 – R10 – Ross Houghton

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 10, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Nigel McIntyre presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 868(3) by Driver Mr Ross Houghton.

Mr Houghton stated he understood the Rule, the Charge and confirmed he did not admit the breach.

Rule 868(3) states:

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

Mr McIntyre played the race video and had Stipendiary Steward Mr Shane Renault, identify Mr Houghton (DON’T TELL JENNY) leading the race as the field entered the home straight. Mr McIntyre said Mr Houghton was headed and running 3rd at the 200m, but was being challenged and passed at the 100m by MELTON MAGNATE (J Morrison). Mr McIntyre paused the video at the 50m, to show Mr Houghton use his whip and reins but thereafter, sit motionless until the winning post, where SWEET RAINE (L O’Reilly) got up on the line to beat him by a half head for fourth place.

Mr Houghton used the video to demonstrate that at the 100m, he tried his whip and his horse has “shot out and ducked her tail down”. He said his horse in the past, has not reacted well when pressured and “can put the boot in”. Mr Houghton said he believed SWEET RAINE was finishing fast and was always going to beat him for fourth.

Mr McIntyre summed up the Stewards’ case by replaying the video and demonstrating Mr Houghton striking his horse 16 times from the 400m and the horse showing no adverse reaction. He then pointed to Mr Houghton at approximately 30m from the finish, tuck his whip away, which he said showed Mr Houghton had misjudged the situation, as at this juncture, he had a reasonable chance of running in fourth place.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

A breach of this Rule is determined by establishing if a horse has any reasonable chance of running in a placing. DON’T TELL JENNY clearly did. The video evidence was compelling for the Adjudicative Committee and no doubt for the backers of the horse, who was the favourite for the race. Mr Houghton’s action of retiring his whip and sitting completely still for the last 30m of the race, to be collared on the post for fourth place, is a clear breach of the Rule.

DECISION:

The Charge was found to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr McIntyre stated Mr Houghton had a clear record under the Rule and 43 drives last season, 9 in the current one. He said the Guidelines are determined according to the placing lost and the Stewards deemed them appropriate.

Mr Houghton wished to start any suspension immediately.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide for a 4th placing lost, a 3-day suspension, and the Adjudicative Committee sees no aggravating or mitigating factors to depart from the Guidelines on this occasion.

CONCLUSION:

Driver Mr Ross Houghton’s Licence to drive in races is suspended from the conclusion of racing tonight, up to and including racing on 14 March 2025.