Reefton TC 12 March 2023 – R5 – Olivia Thornley
ID: RIB16984
Animal Name:
ANNA'S BOY
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
12/03/2023
Race Club:
Reefton Trotting Club
Race Location:
Reefton Racecourse - Lower Broadway,, Reefton,
Race Number:
R5
Hearing Date:
12/03/2023
Hearing Location:
Reefton Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Junior Driver Olivia Thornley is fined $200
BACKGROUND:
Following the running of Race 5, RIB Steward Mr Matt Sole presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(4)(6)(b)(c) by Junior Driver Olivia Thornley. The detail of the Information was that Ms Thornley shifted outwards near the 1200m forcing KOHLI TROUBLE wider on the track.
Ms Thornley stated she was conversant with the Rule, she understood the charge and that she admitted the breach. Ms Thornley declined the assistance of a Senior Driver at the hearing.
Rule 869(4)(6)(b)(c) provides:
(4) No driver shall during any race do anything which interferes or is likely to interfere with her own horse and/or any other horse or its progress.
(6) Subject to sub-rule (4) hereof: –
(b) a horse during any race shall not be forced to race wider on the track.
(c) a horse during a race shall not move ground outwards once the nose of the wider runner coming forward is in line or past its sulky wheel and until the wider runner going forward is fully past.
EVIDENCE:
Mr Sole had RIB Steward Mr Shane Renault show the replays of the incident approaching the 1200m. He identified Ms Thornley in mid-field easing out 3 wide and force KOHLI TROUBLE, who had progressed to be outside the wheel of Ms Thornley’s drive ANNA’S BOY, 4 wide.
Mr Sole stated it was a clear breach of the Push Out Rule.
Ms Thornley said she made a split second decision to move out as the horse she was trailing was easing appreciably and didn’t realize KOHLI TROUBLE had moved to her wheel.
DECISION:
The charge is admitted by the Respondent and is therefore deemed to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Sole said Ms Thornley had a clear record under the Rule. He said she had 95 drives last season and had had 30 drives this season. He said the Penalty Guide starting point is the appropriate penalty in this case.
Ms Thornley made no submissions on penalty.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The RIB Harness Racing Guidelines (effective 1 February 2023) suggests a starting point for penalty of a $200 fine. That is the appropriate penalty, notwithstanding the Respondent’s clear record and admission of the breach.
CONCLUSION:
The Respondent is fined $200.
Decision Date: 12/03/2023
Publish Date: 13/03/2023