NZ Metro TC 4 August 2023 – R8 – John Hay
ID: RIB25864
Animal Name:
ROCKENROLL GRADUATE.
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
04/08/2023
Race Club:
NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club Inc
Race Location:
Addington Raceway - 75 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch, 8024
Race Number:
R8
Hearing Date:
04/08/2023
Hearing Location:
Addington Raceway, Christchurch
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver John Hay is fined $250
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of Race 8, Stipendiary Steward Mr Shane Renault presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 858(1)(a) by Open Driver Mr John Hay.
The detail of the Information was “Mr Hay anticipated the start and charged through the barrier strand causing a delay”.
Mr Hay stated he understood the Rule, the Charge and confirmed he did not admit the breach.
Mr Renault played the video of the start to identify Mr Hay (ROCKENROLL GRADUATE) drawn one at the 2000m start. He pointed to Mr Hay moving his horse towards the barrier under a hold and then momentarily release his horse, which accelerated to and through the barrier strand. Mr Renault said Mr Hay has taken a hold of his horse short of the barrier as he realised the Starter hasn’t released the field, but his horse has burst through the barrier.
Mr Hay said he looked across the field and he could see the outside horses moving forward at pace and he said, “I gave my horse a bit more leather, and he shot forward, I grabbed hold of him but it was too late”.
Mr Renault, in summing up, said the Stewards contend Mr Hay anticipated the start, burst through the barrier, and caused a delay.
REASONS FOR DECISION:
The video evidence mirrors exactly Mr Renault’s description of the incident, and the Charge was upheld.
DECISION:
The Charge was found proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Renault said Mr Hay has a clear record under the Rule and the starting point is a $200 fine, but said the normal Penalty for a Driver who doesn’t admit the breach, is a $300 fine.
Mr Hay made no submissions on Penalty.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The Penalty Guidelines provide a $200 fine starting point for a breach of this Rule.
The Adjudicative Committee considers most Drivers anticipate the Starter, who has an impossible task to affect a fair start under these “runup or non-standing starts”, releasing the barrier. Mr Hay’s horse has jumped forward instantaneously when given an inch of rein, and the damage was done.
Given Mr Hay’s good record and his obvious attempt to stop his horse, the Adjudicative Committee find a $250 fine an appropriate Penalty in the circumstances of this case.
CONCLUSION:
Driver Mr John Hay is fined $250.
Decision Date: 04/08/2023
Publish Date: 07/08/2023