NZ Metro TC 9 November 2021 – R2 – Stephen Boyd
ID: RIB5705
Animal Name:
Nick of Time
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
09/11/2021
Race Club:
NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club Inc
Race Location:
Addington Raceway - 75 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch, 8024
Race Number:
R2
Hearing Date:
09/11/2021
Hearing Location:
Addington Raceway, Christchurch
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Stephen Boyd suspended for 3 days
SUMMARY OF FACTS:
Driver Mr Stephen Boyd was charged after Race 2, Hydroflow “Cup Day Maiden” Mobile Pace, that as the Driver of of NICK OF TIME in the race, he used his whip free of the rein in the early stages of the run home.
Mr Boyd had left the course but attended the hearing by telephone link. He confirmed that he understood the charge, which he admitted.
SUBMISSIONS:
Mr Ydgren pointed out on a video replay, NICK OF TIME, driven by Mr Boyd, improving wide as the field neared the home turn. Shortly after turning for home, Mr Boyd turned his whip and, as he turned it, he brought it back down in a strike, before regathering his rein. Mr Boyd returned to a compliant style after that.
The Committee noted that Mr Boyd’s forearm was raised beyond the forty-five degrees relative to the track.
REASON FOR DECISION:
Mr Boyd has admitted the charge which is found proved accordingly.
SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:
Mr Ydgren told the Committee that Mr Boyd has recently become an Open Driver. He had been fined $200 at Oamaru on 17 October last for using the whip free of the rein. That was 5 drives ago, Mr Ydgren said. He has had 15 drives this season. He said that Stewards were recommending a term of suspension of 3 days.
Mr Boyd was asked by the Committee if he would like it to consider a fine rather than a suspension. He said that he would prefer a suspension. He had a notified drive at the Ashburton TC meeting on 11 November but he did not seek a deferment beyond that date.
REASON FOR PENALTY:
This breach was low-level (Driver inadvertently reverts to the old style but promptly takes corrective action to return to a compliant style). However, this is Mr Boyd’s second breach for which a suspension is appropriate.
CONCLUSION:
Mr Boyd’s Open Driver’s Licence is suspended from after the close of racing on Thursday, 11 November, up to and including 21 November next – 3 days. The meetings intended to be encompassed by the period of suspension are NZ Metropolitan TC on 12 November, Rangiora HRC on 17 November and Timaru HRC on 20 November.
Decision Date: 09/11/2021
Publish Date: 11/11/2021