Timaru HRC 4 April 2023 – R1 (heard 12 May 2023 at Addington) – Alan Edge

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 1, an Information was presented by Stipendiary Steward Mr Matt Sole alleging a breach of Rule 869(3)(f) by Amateur Driver Mr Alan Edge.

The hearing of the Information was adjourned sine die and heard at Addington Raceway on 12 May 2023.

The detail of the Information was “A Edge (BOLZANO) drove improperly leaving the final bend when shifting wider on the track which enabled ROCKIN VA VA (C Wigg) to improve to his inside after being held up for clear racing room”.

Mr Edge confirmed he was conversant with the Rule, he understood the charge and he denied the breach.

Chief RIB Steward Mr Nigel McIntyre had Mr Renault identify Mr Edge racing 3 back in the running line passing the 500m. On Mr Edge’s inside was ROCKIN VA VA (C Wigg), the favourite for the race, who was travelling strongly. Mr Renault pointed to ROCKIN VA VA shift off the pylons and force Mr Edge 3 wide. He said Mr Edge has driven forward to have a neck advantage over ROCKIN VA VA and then passing the 400m GOSAKHI (N Munro), has forced Mr Edge 4 wide, with Ms Wigg angling out on to Mr Munro’s back.

Mr McIntyre said at this juncture, Mr Edge still had an advantage over ROCKIN VA VA of about a neck, as the field entered the straight. He then had Mr Renault point to Mr Edge, who has, on two occasions, pulled on the outside rein, creating racing room for ROCKIN VA VA, who took the gap and went on to win the race.

Mr Barron asked the Adjudicative Committee to consider the wide span the field was configured in prior to, and as they entered the straight. He pointed to the 1 ½ widths between the leader and the parked horse and even more space between the other runners. He said this obviously encouraged Ms Wigg to put her horse in a half gap which she was not entitled to be in. He identified on the video, the moment Ms Wigg realised she shouldn’t be there and shift back to follow Mr Munro.

Mr Barron said the question is, has Mr Edge driven to help Miss Wigg find racing room, or has he driven to avoid interference and knocking a horse down?

Mr Edge produced a photo on his phone of ROCKIN VA VA’S offside hind hoof showing green paint covering a large portion, which Mr Edge said was collected as ROCKIN VA VA struck his sulky rounding the final bend. The point of contact was when Ms Wigg had placed her horse in a half gap, which was confirmed by the video replay.

Mr McIntyre in summing up, clarified that Mr Edge fully owns BOLSANO and part owns ROCKIN VA VA, with his partner Ms Wigg. He said it is up to the Adjudicative Committee to decide if Mr Edge has driven as he has for safety reasons, or to allow a run for Ms Wigg.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The video evidence was compelling in showing, on entering the home straight, Mr Edge has on two occasions, pulled his offside rein, shifting his horse up the track.

The essence of the charge is whether Mr Edge has shifted his horse wider on the track for safety reasons, or to allow ROCKIN VA VA clear racing room.

The Adjudicative Committee, in applying an objective test, considered the scenario had Mr Edge not part owned ROCKIN VA VA, driven by his partner, would he have steered his horse outwards as they turned into the straight for the drive to the finish.

The Adjudicative Committee concluded that any knowledgeable Harness Racing spectator would expect a competitive Driver to have done his or her best to keep ROCKIN VA VA pocketed, therefore enhancing his or her chance of finishing in the best position possible.

Mr Edge has not done this, in fact has done the opposite, and accordingly we find the charge proved.

DECISION:

The charge was found to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr McIntyre stated Mr Edge had 15 drives last season, 7 in the current season and has a clear record. He said considering Mr Edge being an Amateur Driver and the Penalty Guide starting point of an 8-day suspension, the Stewards would find a 6 day suspension as appropriate.

Mr Edge said he was listening carefully, but made no submissions.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Harness Racing Penalty Guide provides a starting point of an 8-day suspension for a first breach of the Rule.

There are normally only two opportunities for Mr Edge to drive every month, which on Stewards’ assessment of Penalty, would equate to a three-month suspension. In this case, the first two relevant days are 28 May and 11 June, after which the Amateur Driving Championship are scheduled for 22, 23 and 25 June.

Mr Edge would, in all possibility, be a competitor in the event and the Adjudicative Committee, in considering all factors in this case, find that suspending Mr Edge to the conclusion of the Championship would be a sufficient sanction.

CONCLUSION:

Accordingly, Mr Edge’s Licence to drive in races is suspended from today, 12 May 2023, up to and including racing on 25 June 2023.