Waikato BOP H 15 May 2025 – R3 – Leah Hibell
ID: RIB55258
Animal Name:
MOENUI MISS
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
15/05/2025
Race Club:
Waikato BOP Harness Racing Inc
Race Location:
Cambridge Raceway - 1 Taylor Street, Cambridge, 3434
Race Number:
R3
Hearing Date:
15/05/2025
Hearing Location:
Cambridge Raceway
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Junior Driver Leah Hibell is fined $200
Background
The charge arises from Race 3 of the Waikato Bay of Plenty Harness Meeting on Thursday 15 May 2025. Mr Mulcay brought an Information alleging that Ms L Hibell (MOENUI MISS) drove carelessly when shifting ground entering the first turn, striking the sulky wheel of RHINESTONE (Mr A Poutama), puncturing the tyre.
Rule 869(3)(b) provides:
No Driver in any race shall drive carelessly.
Evidence
Mr Mulcay demonstrated the incident on the videos. The Respondent started from the number 7 position behind the mobile. Ms Hibell pulled back after the start and came across entering the first bend. In so doing, she hit the wheel of the RHINESTONE (Mr Poutama), who was on her inside.
Mr Poutama could be seen to look down and then back, after his wheel was hit.
Ms Hibell and Mr Dickson accepted the Stewards’ analysis of the video. Mr Dickson stated that it was a fine margin and was a misjudgment on Ms Hibell’s part. Ms Hibell had touched the wheel of Mr Poutama very slightly.
Decision
As Ms Hibell has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submissions as to Penalty
Mr Mulcay produced the Respondent’s record, which showed that Ms Hibell has had 59 drives this season and a clear record under this Rule.
He noted the Penalty Guide provided for a starting point of a fine of $300 for a first offence. To Ms Hibell’s credit, she had a clear record under the Rule and had admitted the breach.
Mr Dickson stated that Ms Hibell was a Junior Driver and there is a very fine line involved in this type of situation. He asked that to be taken into account.
Reasons for Penalty
The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a fine of $300 for a first careless driving breach hitting a wheel. This is considered to be a low-end breach. Ms Hibell was easing back and shifting, as the field entered the first bend.
Mitigating factors are Ms Hibell’s clear record, her status as a Junior Driver, and her admission of the breach. A reduction from the starting point is appropriate for these factors. The Adjudicative Committee considered that a reduction in the starting point by $100 was appropriate.
Conclusion
Ms Hibell is therefore fined the sum of $200.
Decision Date: 15/05/2025
Publish Date: 19/05/2025