Oamaru HRC 13 October 2024 – R8 – Seth Hill
ID: RIB47272
Animal Name:
IVONA DADIC
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
13/10/2024
Race Club:
Oamaru Harness Racing Club
Race Location:
Oamaru Racecourse - Highway 1, Oamaru North, Oamaru, 9494
Race Number:
R8
Hearing Date:
13/10/2024
Hearing Location:
Oamaru
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Junior Driver Seth Hill is suspended for 2 days
Mr McIntyre alleged that Mr Hill (IVONA DADIC) drove carelessly in Race 8, in that he struck the wheel of LILAC LUXURY (S Ottley) passing the 400 metres, causing the tyre to deflate.
Mr McIntyre identified on the videos, the 2 horses involved in the incident. They were wide on the track and towards the rear of the field, as they entered the home turn. Mr Hill was racing well, but he was not flush on the back of Ms Ottley. In so doing, the off-front leg of his horse came into contact with the inside wheel of Ms Ottley’s sulky. The tyre deflated.
Mr Orange said IVONA DADIC was hanging a little and agreed Mr Hill was not flush on Ms Ottley’s back.
Mr Hill explained he was in two minds as to what to do at the time. IVONA DADIC was going well and was keen. He was aware that he had hit Ms Ottley’s wheel
Decision
As Mr Hill has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Penalty submissions
Mr McIntyre produced the Respondent’s record. Mr Hill has had 103 drives this season and 114 lifetime drives. He had a breach of the Careless Driving Rule on 25 August last, when he was suspended for 2 days. Mr McIntyre identified the starting point in the Penalty Guide as a 3-day suspension. He sought a penalty of 2 days’ suspension.
Mr Orange emphasised that the Respondent was a Junior Driver and the suspension should be as short as possible, to permit him to continue to obtain experience by being out on the track.
Mr Hill said he accepted a 2-day suspension was appropriate. He sought a deferment until after racing at Invercargill on the 18th.
Reasons for Penalty
The breach is evident from the videos. Mr Hill’s horse was racing keenly and he has made a misjudgement. Ms Ottley has done well to finish on for 3rd.
Mr Hill has a previous breach of the Rule. The starting point is 3 days. After a discount for admission and status as a Junior Driver, the penalty is 2 days’ suspension.
Conclusion
Mr Hill is suspended from the end of racing on 18 October, up to and including 23 October 2024. This is 2 South Island Days.
Decision Date: 13/10/2024
Publish Date: 14/10/2024