Rangiora HRC 21 May 2023 – R4 – Ian Cameron

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 4, Stipendiary Steward Mr Matt Sole presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) by Driver Mr Ian Cameron.

Mr Cameron stated he was conversant with the Rule, understood the Charge and confirmed he denied the breach.

Mr Sole identified Mr Cameron racing behind the leading bunch approaching the home straight. He pointed to Mr Cameron driving to the finish and striking his horse with more than a wrist flicking motion.

Mr Sole said the breach entails only four strikes but there was just too much action in his technique. He said Mr Cameron has returned to a compliant style relatively quickly.

Mr Cameron’s only defence of the charge was that he has watched the major races of late and he said, “they all get into it”.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The video evidence clearly showed Mr Cameron has struck his horse 4 times with his elbow bent more than 90 degrees, a significant increase over the allowable 45 degrees. Mr Cameron’s slightly flippant defence of the charge failed to sway the Adjudicative Committee’s interpretation of the incident and found the charge proved.

DECISION:

The charge was found to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Sole stated Mr Cameron has had 1 previous breach under the Rule within the last 6 months on the 24^{th of} March 2023 at Addington where he was suspended for 2 days.

Mr Sole said the Stewards see this breach at low level.

Mr Cameron made no submissions on Penalty but asked to have any suspension begin immediately.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a 3-day suspension for a second or subsequent breach of the Rule at low level, which this is.

The Adjudicative Committee finds a 3-day suspension under the circumstances of this case is considered a fair and reasonable sanction.

CONCLUSION:

Driver Mr Ian Cameron’s Licence to drive in races is suspended from the conclusion of racing today, up to and including racing on 1 June 2023.