Rangiora HRC 7 May 2023 – R8 – Scott Iremonger

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 8, Goodwin Contracting Mobile Pace, Junior Driver, Scott Iremonger, as the Driver of IT’S A SHAWTHING in the race, admitted a charge that he drove in a manner capable of diminishing his chances when failing to restrain his horse through the middle stages to allow it sufficient respite.

The Adjudicative Committee was told that, prior to pleading to the charge, the Respondent, a Junior Driver, had viewed the video replays and obtained the advice of Licensed Open Driver, Robbie Holmes. He elected not to have Mr Holmes present at the hearing.

Rule 869 provides:

(3) No driver in any race shall drive:-

     (g) in any manner capable of diminishing the chances of his horse winning.

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward, Paul Williams, showed a video replay of the relevant stages of the race. He pointed out IT’S A SHAWTHING, driven by the Respondent, drawn barrier position 8 at the 2000 metres mobile start. As instructed, he went to the lead after the start. Stipendiary Steward Shane Renault, showed the horse going forward under a strong hold and taking the lead. The Respondent, after taking the lead, maintained the pace and established a clear margin between himself and BETTERTHANDIVA (Gavin Smith), which had led early.

Through the front straight, Mr Renault alleged, the Respondent continued to drive his horse forward and urge it with the reins. It would have been expected of the Respondent, having gone so hard early, at this stage, to take hold and allow his runner some respite, Mr Renault said.

At the winning post a lap (1200 metres) out, Mr Smith moved alongside in an attempt to take the lead. The Respondent took hold but the horse overraced and Mr Smith backed off, Mr Renault said. The Respondent continued to allow the horse to run along and continued to urge it. The two runners had several lengths on the rest of the field. Leaving the back straight, Mr Smith pulled out from the trail and took the lead soon thereafter. From that point, IT’S A SHAWTHING stopped quickly and finished the last runner in the 13-horse field, 30.5 lengths behind the winner.

The Respondent said that, at the time, he did not realise the extent of his lead. He had chased the horse along as he did, because on previous occasions, out of the gate and during the race, the horse if it dropped the bit it would pace roughly. He had niggled at the horse to keep it on on the bit to hold its gait better. He could understand the charge being brought, he said.

DECISION:

The charge is admitted and is therefore deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Williams referred to the Penalty Guide starting point – an 8-days suspension. The Respondent has a clear record. He has had 6 months off as the result of an injury. In the 2022 season, he had 78 drives. This drive was only his 2nd in the current season. He has admitted the breach, cooperated with Stewards and taken on board the advice of Mr Holmes, Mr Williams said.

A suspension of 8 days would be an appropriate penalty, Mr Williams submitted.

The Respondent said that there was no excuse for his drive and he accepts a suspension, which can commence immediately.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The RIB Harness Racing Penalty Guide (February 2023) suggests a starting point for penalty of an 8-days suspension. Mitigating factors to be considered are the Respondent’s very frank admission of the breach, his good record and his Junior Driver status. The Adjudicative Committee decided that those factors merited a discount from the 8-days starting point. The discount is fixed at 2 days.

CONCLUSION:

The Respondent, Junior Driver, Scott Iremonger, is suspended from after the close of racing today, up to and including 1 June 2023 – 6 days.