Roxburgh TC – 4 January 26 – R10 – S O’Reilly (heard at Wyndham HRC 6 Jan 26)
ID: RIB62542
Animal Name:
AMERICAN ME
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
04/01/2026
Race Club:
Roxborough Trotting Club
Race Location:
Roxburgh Raceway - , ,
Race Number:
R10
Hearing Date:
06/01/2026
Hearing Location:
Cromwell
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver O'Reilly fined $275
Background
Mr McIntyre alleged that Ms O’Reilly (AMERICAN ME) drove carelessly in race 10 in that she struck the wheel of DECEPTIVE LEE (Ms Thornley) passing the 600 metres causing the tyre to deflate and the horse to be retired from the event.
Mr McIntyre demonstrated on the videos that Ms O’Reilly was racing one out behind Ms Thornley near the rear of the field. Some 600 metres from home Ms O’Reilly allowed AMERICAN ME to strike the wheel of DECEPTIVE LEE. Ms Thornley was aware that her tyre had been hit and that it was deflating and she had said to the Stewards that she had driven her horse home quietly.
Ms O’Reilly thought Ms Thornley was 3 wide and she was 4 wide and had come down on to Ms Thornley’s wheel. She had been trying to get off Ms Thornley’s back and was aware at the time that she had hit the wheel. Ms O’Reilly said Ms Thornley had been pushed out. She did not want to continue following Ms Thornley and had been attempting to shift back down the track when the wheel was struck. She did not believe the incident had affected the chances of either horse.
Decision
As Ms O’Reilly has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submissions as to penalty
Mr McIntyre produced the Respondent’s record which showed that Ms O’Reilly had 119 drives last season and this was her 8th drive this year. She had no previous breaches of this Rule. He believed the consequences of the breach were low to mid range.
Ms O’Reilly confirmed her record and requested that this and her admission of the breach be considered when we determined the amount of the fine.
Reasons for penalty
Ms O’Reilly has struck the wheel of Ms Thornley’s cart. The tyre has deflated. The Penalty Guide provides a $300 fine for a first breach of this Rule with the consequences of the action going to penalty. In the circumstances of this case, the consequences are not such that an increase in the starting point is necessary. Ms O’Reilly’s very good record and her admission of the breach results in a small reduction in the amount of the fine.
Decision as to penalty
Ms O’Reilly is fined the sum of $275.
Decision Date: 06/01/2026
Publish Date: 09/01/2026