Roxburgh TC – 4 January 26 – R6 – G McLay

ID: RIB62540

Respondent(s):
Graeme Leslie Mclay - Driver

Applicant:
Mr N McIntyre, Chief Steward (Chair)

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall

Persons Present:
Mr N McIntyre, Ms R Haley (Stipendiary Steward), Mr G McLay

Information Number:
A19921

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless driving

Rule(s):
869(3)(b) - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Stewards Report

Results

Animal Name:
ERAGON

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
04/01/2026

Race Club:
Roxborough Trotting Club

Race Location:
Roxburgh Raceway - , ,

Race Number:
R6

Hearing Date:
04/01/2026

Hearing Location:
Roxburgh

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver McLay suspended for 3 racing days, from conclusion of racing on 6 January 2026 up to and including 25 January 2026.

Background

Mr McIntyre alleged that Mr McLay (ERAGON) drove carelessly in race 6 when improving into a run that was not fully established resulting in his being placed in an awkward position next to SHARMA TROUBLE (Mr M Williamson).

Mr McIntyre demonstrated on the videos that Mr McLay was racing towards the rear of the field near the 1000 metres. Mr M Williamson who was racing one out and in front of Mr Dalgety shifted a little wider. Mr Dalgety was still one out following Mr Williamson. Mr McLay then shifted into a position to the inside of these 2 runners that he was not entitled to. The gap was not fully there for Mr McLay when the field was coming into a bend. Mr McIntyre said Mr McLay was travelling well and was one and a half out and the field would naturally roll in on the bend. Mr McLay’s actions had pushed SHARMA TROUBLE wider on the track and this was compounded by Mr Dalgety also having to shift out to give Mr McLay room.

Mr McLay said he accepted Mr McIntyre’s description of the incident. He had thought the other drivers had gone out 3 wide and that he was 2 wide but could see now that he was not. There had been yelling to him from Mr Dalgety.

Decision

As Mr McLay has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions as to penalty

Mr McIntyre produced the Respondent’s record which showed that Mr McLay had 9 drives last season and this was his second drive this year. He had no previous breaches of this Rule. Mr McIntyre described the breach as mid to high level. Other drivers had had to drive defensively to make room for Mr McLay.

Mr McLay agreed with Mr McIntyre’s submissions.

Reasons for penalty

Mr McLay has ended up in no man’s land, one and half wide, when coming up to a bend. Other drivers had fortuitously made room for him. The Penalty Guide provides a 3-day starting point for a first breach of this Rule which the Committee assesses as being high level.

Mr McLay sought a deferment of any suspension until after the meeting at Cromwell on 6 January.

Decision as to penalty

Mr McLay is suspended from the end of racing on 6 January up to and including 25 January 2026. This is 3 days.

Decision Date: 04/01/2026

Publish Date: 09/01/2026