Rangiora HRC 28 August 2022 – R7 – Bob Butt

Background:

Following the running of Race 7 an Information was presented by Stipendiary Steward Mr Shane Renault alleging a breach of Rule 869(5) by Driver Mr Bob Butt. The detail of the information was “B Butt (Cometogether) failed to trail with his horse’s head behind the seat of the sulky being trailed“.

Mr Butt stated he was conversant with the Rule and he understood the charge. Mr Butt signed the Information “I do not admit the charge”.

Evidence:

Mr Renault showed the replay video from approximately the 1600m. He identified Mr Butt racing 4 back on the pylons following BETTORLINI (B Hope) with SIMPLY DELICIOUS (B Orange) on his back. Mr Renault pointed to Mr Orange shift out from behind Mr Butt to be in a 2 wide position to improve forward, and showed Mr Butt shift out half a cart resulting in Mr Orange steadying his horse to once again trail Mr Butt in a 1 1/2 wide position. He showed Mr Butt eventually shifting out into a 2 wide position when Mr Orange went to improve once more as the field had entered the home straight. Mr Renault said Mr Butt’s manouvre of half carting for 150m had every Driver in the 2 wide line waiting for him to make a decision.

Mr Butt said as Mr Orange shifted out he was going to pop out in front of him but as the field was bowling along a bit he decided to wait and conserve some energy. He said Mr Orange had slotted back in behind him and he had not impeded him at any stage.

In answer to Mr Renault’s question as to whether Mr Butt had gone back fully to the pylons, Mr Butt said his horse’s nose was pointed towards Mr Hope’s helmet as it tends to run away from its boring pole.

Reasons for Decision:

Situations such as this one are a common occurrence, “flushing”, and are often cat and mouse affairs which Stewards usually tolerate allowing a Driver half a dozen strides or so to make their mind up ~ should I stay or should I go! 

The video plainly shows Mr Butt half carting and delaying his decision to shift fully out into the parked position. This prolonged indecision by Mr Butt has clearly crossed the line of the Steward’s tolerance and as such is found guilty of half carting.

Decision:

The charge is found proved.

Submissions on Penalty:

Mr Renault submitted a fine of $200 would be a sufficient penalty in Mr Butt’s case.

Mr Butt made no submissions on penalty.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee has no factors to consider departing from the Penalty Guide starting point of a $200 fine.

Conclusion:

Driver Mr Bob Butt is fined $200.