Oamaru JC 25 July 2021 – R1 – Michael Pitman

ID: RIB3694

Respondent(s):
Michael Pitman - Other (Co-Trainer)

Applicant:
Mr Mark Davidson - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr P Knowles, Prof G Hall

Persons Present:
Mr Mark Davidson, Mr Michael Pitman

Information Number:
A15854

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Presenting two horses with incorrect saddle cloth numbers and saddles

Rule(s):
614(2) - Incorrect gear

Plea:
Admitted

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
25/07/2021

Race Club:
Oamaru Jockey Club

Race Location:
Oamaru Racecourse - Highway 1, Oamaru North, Oamaru, 9494

Race Number:
R1

Hearing Date:
25/07/2021

Hearing Location:
Oamaru

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: The training partnership of M & M Pitman is fined $250

EVIDENCE:

Stewards alleged that Mr Pitman had two runners CAPTAIN and LENNON entered for Race 1 the McKeown Group Ltd Maiden and both horses had been presented to race with incorrect saddle cloth numbers and saddles. Mr Pitman, on behalf of the training partnership, admitted the breach and appeared at the hearing.

SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Davidson stated the mix up was found in the plating and assembly area at the stables, prior to the horses being moved to the birdcage. The issue was rectified and both horses were presented into the birdcage with the correct saddle cloth numbers and saddles.

Mr Pitman stated he arrived on course as the horses were entering the plating-pre birdcage area. He said he was approached by an official concerned that the brands on one of the horses was not correct. However, he said LENNON had already been through pre-inspection and plating before the mix-up was found. He said he was not on course when the horses were saddled but admitted it was a mistake on their part.

REASON FOR DECISION:

Mr Pitman admitted the breach and it is found proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson stated that Mr Pitman had a good record in regards to this charge. In previous years when this had occurred the error had been found in the birdcage and the resulting fines were between $300 to $400. Given the circumstances he sought a fine in that range.

Mr Pitman stated he’d had over 15,000 runners in his career and this was the first time it had happened to his knowledge. He believed he deserved some credit for that.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

The Committee has taken into account the mitigating factors involved, Mr Pitman’s early guilty plea and his excellent record. A fine at the lower end of the scale is appropriate.

CONCLUSIONS:

The training partnership of M & M Pitman is fined $250.

Decision Date: 25/07/2021

Publish Date: 28/07/2021