Waikato BOP H 14 April 2022 – R2 – James Stormont
ID: RIB8612
Animal Name:
KELVINZ LUCK
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
14/04/2022
Race Club:
Waikato BOP Harness Racing Inc
Race Location:
Cambridge Raceway - 1 Taylor Street, Cambridge, 3434
Race Number:
R2
Hearing Date:
14/04/2022
Hearing Location:
Cambridge Raceway
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver James Stormont is fined $400
Following the running of the SENZ HANDICAP TROT, an Information was lodged by Chairman of Stewards Mr N McIntyre, against Driver Mr J Stormont, the Driver of KELVINZ LUCK, alleging that Mr Stormont was in breach of Rule 859(2) in that he permitted his horse to start from an incorrect Barrier position.
Rule 859(2) provides: No Driver shall permit a horse to start and no horse shall start other than from its correct barrier position or in advance of its correct barrier position (either at a standing , mobile or moving start) unless directed by the Starter.
Mr Stormont was present at the hearing and he acknowledged that he understood the Rule and that he admitted the breach.
Mr McIntyre demonstrated the incident by use of the race films and showed where KELVINZ LUCK was on the 20 metres mark and it started from the Unruly 1 position when it should have started from Unruly 2.
Mr Stormont for his part, said he had had a poor trip down to Cambridge and as a result, his mind was not properly on the job. He said that this was the first time ever that he started out of position.
PENALTY SUBMISSIONS:
Mr McIntyre said that this was unlike Mr Stormont and he has a clear record under this Rule. He said that the starting point penalty was either a $400 fine or a suspension for 8 drives. He also said that the Stewards did not believe that Mr Stormont gained an advantage by starting from the wrong barrier even though KELVINZ LUCK went on to win the race.
Mr Stormont said he preferred a fine and he pointed to two other Drivers who received similar fines for the same offence.
DECISION:
The breach is admitted and accordingly the charge is upheld.
PENALTY REASONS:
Mr Stormont has won the race but the Stewards have said that he did not gain an advantage by starting from the incorrect barrier. He has won the race and that is an aggravating factor but this is cancelled out by his excellent record under this Rule.
The Adjudicative Committee sees no reason to deviate from the Starting Point Penalties advised by Mr McIntyre and is going to deal with this matter by way of a fine.
CONCLUSION:
This Adjudicative Committee imposes a fine of $400 on Mr Stormont.
Decision Date: 14/04/2022
Publish Date: 19/04/2022