NZ Metro TC 6 December 2024 – R2 – Tim Williams

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of the Race 2, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Nigel McIntyre presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(3)(b) by Open Driver Mr Tim Williams.

Mr Williams stated he was conversant with the Rule, the Charge and confirmed he admitted the breach.

Mr McIntyre played the video of the last 300m of the race and identified Mr Williams (EDICT) racing in the 1×1 position, following REVOLUTION (C DeFilippi). He pointed to Mr Williams shift his horse inwards from his position and strike REVOLUTION’S nearside wheel, which deflated. Mr McIntrye let the video play on to show at approximately 150m, the tyre rolling off the rim.

Mr Williams said he didn’t know he had contacted the wheel, until he was shown the video replay.

DECISION:

The Respondent having admitted the breach, the charge was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr McIntyre said Mr Williams has had 649 drives this season and has one other charge of the Careless Driving Rule on the 3rd of October 2024. He said the starting point for a second breach, is a 3-day suspension.

Mr McIntyre said the Stewards’ view is this breach is low level, and a 2-day suspension would suffice.

Mr Williams said he thought it was too harsh a penalty for touching a wheel, after 650 drives. He said he wished to start any suspension immediately.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guide provides a 3-day suspension starting point for a second breach of the Rule.

The Adjudicative Committee considers the consequences on Mr DeFillippi’s horse to be minimal, as it appeared to have run its race when the wheel was contacted.

Mr Williams has admitted the breach as soon as he has seen the video replay, and the Adjudicative Committee affords him a discount of a day and accordingly, he is suspended for 2 days.

CONCLUSION:

Driver Mr Tim Williams is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 7 December 2024, up to and including racing on 12 December 2024.