Rangiora HRC 28 August 2022 – R1 – Alan Edge

Background:

Following the running of Race 1 an Information was presented by Stipendiary Steward Mr Shane Renault alleging a breach of the Careless Driving Rule by Amateur Driver Mr Alan Edge.

The particulars of the Information stated, “A Edge (BOLZANO) drove carelessly near the 1700m when easing the pace in an abrupt manner checking trailing runners”.

Mr Edge confirmed he was conversant with the Rule and that he understood the charge. Mr Edge signed the Information “I do not admit the breach”.

Evidence:

Mr Renault played all available angles of the incident. He pointed to Mr Edge leading the field as it passed the 1800m and soon after easing his horse to take a trail. Mr Renault showed all four horses that were trailing Mr Edge checked in a concertina fashion, the last of which was WOLFENSTEIN who galloped losing all chance. Mr Renault said the video evidence leaves no doubt Mr Edge has taken hold of his horse too abruptly, giving the trailing runners no chance to avoid being checked.

Mr Edge admitted to the Adjudicative Committee he had eased his horse but he used the replay video to explain SONGBIRD (D Simpson) who was on Mr Edge’s back, was slow to react. He said Mr Simpson, on realising the pace was easing, had thrown his head back and made contact with the head of the horse on his back. He said this plus the slow reactions of the other Drivers behind had contributed to the incident.

Reasons for Decision:

The Adjudicative Committee played the replay of the incident many times and from 4 different camera angles, all of which clearly showed Mr Edge has eased his horse back to take a trail too quickly. The abruptness of the easing of pace would have caught the most experienced Drivers by surprise. Mr Edge’s assertion his fellow Drivers were to blame holds no weight with this Adjudicative Committee.

Decision:

The charge is found proved.

Submissions on Penalty:

Mr Renault stated Mr Edge was an experienced Amateur Driver who drives in most of the amateur races in the South Island. He said Mr Edge was charged on the 28 July 2022 under the Careless Driving Rule and fined $300 and as this is his second breach, an uplift in penalty is sought from the 3-day starting point to reflect the interference he had caused.

Mr Edge said this would cause him some distress as he trains all of his drives and he would have to consider his continuance in the sport.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a 3-day suspension starting point for a second breach of the Rule within a 6-month period.

Mr Edge’s actions have resulted in 3 horses being checked in the running and a 4th losing all chance in the race. This aggravating factor does indeed require an uplift in the penalty that the Adjudicative Committee set at one day.

Amateur Driver’s suspensions are calculated at two drives per month and the Adjudicative Committee has no reason to depart from this fair and consistent approach. Mr Edge is suspended for 4 driving days which equates to a 2-month suspension.

Conclusion:

Mr Edge’s licence to drive is suspended from 29 August 2022 until 28 October 2022 inclusive.