Waikato BOP H 14 November 2025 – R6 – Matthew White

Background:

After the running of Race 6, the ‘Dunstan Horsefeeds Handicap Trot’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 869(4). Details are as follows:

‘In that he allowed his Mare to shift outwards early in the run home placing TRIFOLIUM (T Mitchell) in restricted room for some distance’.

Rule 869(4) provides –  ‘No driver during any race do anything which interferes or is likely to interfere with his own horse and/or any other horse or it’s progress.

Mr White confirmed he understood the Rule and admitted the breach.

Evidence:

Stewards identified the incident by way of film. Upon entering the home straight, BRIENNE was positioned in the marker line position with TRIFOLIUM and ITMUSCLEBELOVE to it’s outside. The horse then looks to shift up the track, with this movement causing TRIFOLIUM to race in restricted room. The outside wheel of BRIENNE gets inside the sulky wheel of TRIFOLIUM. BRIENNE won the race. Stewards contended that the Respondent did not take the necessary action to correct the horse. They would have expected a Driver of his experience to do so. They considered the interference represented a low level breach of the Rule.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

As stated, it was Steward contention, that the degree of interference represented a low level breach. They produced Mr White’s record, which is clear in respect of any breach of this Rule, within the 6 month reference period. In noting this, he had received a warning on 19 September 2025. He has had 165 race day drives over the last 12 months. The Adjudicative Committee was referred to the current Harness Racing Penalty Guide. Mr White advised that he would prefer a fine over imposition of a suspension.

Reasons for Penalty:

The incident is satisfactorily identified by film. The movement of BRIENNE did force TRIFOLIUM to race in restricted room with the Respondent, in the view of the Adjudicative Committee, not taking the necessary action to correct. The Penalty Guide provides for a starting point of a 2 day suspension or a $300 fine – 1st breach. Upon viewing film and considering submissions, the Adjudicative Committee adopted a fine of $300 as the appropriate penalty.

Conclusion:

Mr White is fined a sum of $300.