NZ Metro TC 4 July 2021 – R1 – Jim Reardon

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 1, the IRT. Your Horse. Our Passion. Amateur Drivers Mobile Pace, an Information was filed by Stipendiary Steward Mr P Williams against Amateur Driver Mr Jim Reardon, alleging a breach of Rule 869(4), in that when driving DAGGY LAMB, he drove in a manner causing interference rounding the final bend when allowing his horse to shift outwards when activating his removable gear.

Rule 869(4)) reads as follows.

(4) No horseman shall during any race do anything which interferes or is likely to interfere with his own horse and/or any other horse or its progress.

Mr Reardon had indicated on the Information that this breach of the Rules was admitted which he confirmed at the hearing. He also acknowledged that he understood the Rule he was being charged with.

Mr Williams gave evidence and used video coverage, with the assistance of Stipendiary Steward, Mr S Renault, to show Mr Reardon, driving DAGGY LAMB, positioned in the parked position as the field rounded the final bend. Mr Renault showed Mr Reardon activate his removable gear and shift outwards as the horses entered the final bend. He pointed out the trailing horse, BOLZANO, driven by Mr Edge, attempt to improve on the outside of Mr Reardon and was forced to change ground to the inside to improve. He then showed 3 runners to the outside of Mr Reardon, being FRANCO HOFFMAN, JENABELLA and FOUR STARZZ SHIRAZ, forced wider on the track, when looking to improve.

Mr Reardon conceded that he should have waited until he was in the final straight to activate his gear.

Reason for Decision:

As Mr Reardon had admitted the breach, the charge was therefore found proved.

Submission for Penalty:

Mr Williams stated that Mr Reardon had a clear record in relation to this Rule and had admitted the breach.

Mr Williams stated that the Penalty Guide provided, for a breach of this Rule, a starting point of a 6-drive suspension or a $300 fine.  Mr Williams submitted that the breach was mid-range with aggravating factors to consider as well as mitigating. He submitted that a fine of $300 be considered as penalty in this case.

Mr Reardon submitted that a suspension be considered as penalty.

Reason for Penalty:

The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a $300 fine or 6 drive suspension for a mid-range breach of this Rule. I also assessed this breach as mid-range and after consideration of the penalty submissions by Mr Williams and Mr Reardon, determined that a fine was an appropriate penalty.

Aggravating Factors:

Aggravating factors to consider were the consequences of Mr Reardon’s actions, in that 3 runners were forced to race wider on the track at a crucial time of the race, warranting an uplift in penalty. This uplift the Committee sets at $50.

Mitigating Factors:

There were mitigating factors to consider being Mr Reardon’s clear record and his admission of the breach, which afforded him a combined discount. This discount the Committee sets at $50.

Conclusions:

Accordingly, Mr Reardon was fined the sum of $300.