Tuapeka HRC 25 October 2026 – R8 – Nathan Williamson

BACKGROUND

Mr Renault alleged that Open Driver Nathan Williamson (SECRET AGENT MAN) drove carelessly in Race 8 in the run home when shifting ground outwards and checking SEMBA (T Chmiel).

Rule 869(3)(b) provides:

No driver in any race shall drive carelessly.

Mr Williamson confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee his understanding of the Rule and the nature of this charge, along with his admission of the breach.

EVIDENCE

Mr Renault invited his colleague, Senior Stipendiary Steward Vinny Munro, to use the available race videos to demonstrate the alleged breach. The Respondent was 3 places back on the marker line with SECRET AGENT MAN entering the final straight. Mr Williamson had a strong grip on the horse and was in search of clear running, as the passing lane had been taken up by HALEY JACCKA.

Mr Williamson was shown shifting ground outwards approaching the 100 metre mark. To his outside was SEMBA (T Chmiel). Stewards submitted Mr Williamson’s sulky wheel contacted SEMBA’s near-hind leg, causing that horse to pace roughly for a stride and Mr Chmiel to briefly take hold.

Mr Williamson accepted he had caused “a slight bump” to SEMBA. His intention had been to safely move Mr Chmiel out when they met wheel to wheel.

“The problem was that he (Mr Chmiel) was stopping so quickly and I was going forward so quickly that by the time we came in contact, I’d already slid past his wheel. And that’s where the check has occurred,” Mr Williamson said.

DECISION

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

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS

Stewards produced the Respondent’s record. Mr Williamson had had 225 drives this season. His record under the Rule was clear and, for such a busy Driver, could be considered “excellent,” Mr Renault said.

Due to the minor degree of interference, Mr Renault submitted this was a low level example of careless driving. For a first such breach, the Racing Integrity Board’s Harness Racing Penalty Guide provided a starting point of a $300 fine or 2-day suspension.

Mr Williamson said he would prefer a fine over a suspension.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

The breach is found to be low level. The shift out from the marker line by the Respondent near the 100m mark causes SEMBA to pace roughly for a stride or two and his Driver, Mr Chmiel, to briefly take hold. SEMBA is battling fairly just prior to the check from Mr Williamson, and continues to battle fairly for 5th placing. Any loss of momentum from the contact is negligible.

The RIB Penalty Guide, in addressing these circumstances, provides a starting point of a $300 fine or 2-day suspension.

The Adjudicative Committee adopts a starting point of a $300 fine. There are no aggravating factors. However, a $50 deduction is applied to acknowledge two mitigating factors; Mr Williamson’s admission of the breach and his excellent record with respect to the Rule.

CONCLUSION

Driver Nathan Williamson is fined $250.