NZ Metro TC 9 June 2024 – R2 – John Patrick Versteeg

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 2, Thank You Sam Taylor Vet Trot, Open Driver, John Patrick Versteeg, admitted a charge that, as the Driver of PENELOPE HALL in the race, he drove carelessly near the 300 metres by shifting ground outwards checking MODE (Matthew Williamson) which broke.

Rule 869 provides as follows:

(3)  No driver in any race shall drive:-

      (b)  carelessly

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward, Paul Williams, pointed out the two runners on video replays – PENELOPE HALL, driven by the Respondent, racing towards the rear of the field on the markers and MODE (Matthew Williamson), racing to its outside in the one-out line, as the field left the back straight.

Mr Williams then pointed out the Respondent commence to shift out from the markers, in a gradual and not abrupt manner, and continue to come out, when not clear of Mr Williamson.

Stewards believed that Mr Williamson’s runner was racing tractably at all times and had its rightful line of running taken.

The Respondent agreed that he had come out, “legally” he submitted. Mr Williamson’s runner was, in his view, under a drive and proving difficult to steer, which did not help Mr Williamson get out of the way. He submitted that this contributed to the incident.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Williams repeated that the Respondent’s movement was gradual and not abrupt. There were consequences to Mr Williamson, even though it was being driven out. The breach was in the range of low-to-mid. The starting point for both a low and mid-level breach is a 2-days suspension, if that is what the Respondent prefers. A fine should be between $300 and $500.

The Respondent has had 5 drives this season and had 33 last season, Mr Williams said.

The Respondent indicated that he would prefer to take a term of suspension, which could commence after 14 June 2024.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that the breach was low-to-mid level, and noted the starting point for penalty in the RIB Harness Racing Penalty Guide (February 2023) for either a low or mid-level, first breach of the Careless Driving Rule – a 2-days suspension. The Respondent prefers a term of suspension.

CONCLUSION:

The Respondent’s application for a deferment of suspension is granted.

Licensed Open Driver, John Versteeg, is suspended from after the close of racing on 14 June 2024, up to and including 21 June 2024 – 2 days.