Oamaru JC 15 August 2025 – R5 – Lyn Prendergast

Mr Davidson alleged a breach of r 404(2) in that Mrs Prendergast presented the wrong horse to race in Race 5.

Rule 404(2) states: “A person shall not enter, accept, start or intend to start a horse in a Race … under a name other than its registered name.”

Mr Davidson explained that Mrs Prendergast had horses in consecutive races: COSMETIC VIRTUE in Race 5; and ENTERPRISE in Race 6. The brands were inspected at plating, and it was discovered the horse was ENTERPRISE and not COSMETIC VIRTUE. Mr Davidson stated the correct horse was then presented and there was no delay to the start of the race due to the breach.

Mrs Prendergast said she had been assisted in the saddling by a new Stablehand. He had simply mixed up the two horses. She realised this and had chased after him, but she was too slow. He was very keen and had been too quick.

Decision

As Mrs Prendergast has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Davidson produced the Respondent’s record. There were no previous breaches of this Rule.

Mrs Prendergast said she had been training for many years without incident.

Reasons for Penalty

The starting point in the Penalty Guide is a fine of $800. Previous breaches in the South Island have resulted in fines ranging from $500 to $600.

From the $800 starting point, there is a $300 reduction for this being Mrs Prendergast’s first such breach, although this is to be expected considering the nature of the charge, her frank admission, her realisation there had been an error and her attempt to remedy it before plating, and the fact the error was detected early and there was no delay to the start of the race.

Conclusion

Mrs Prendergast is fined the sum of $500.