Waikato BOP H 18 December 2025 – R4 – Kate Coppins

Summary of Facts:

Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent Kate Coppins, admitted a breach of Rule 869(3)(b); namely that she drove carelessly near the 400m when contacting and puncturing the sulky tyre of “TINKERBELLE”.

The Respondent endorsed the Information ‘I do admit the breach of the rule’ and confirmed she understood the Rule and the nature of the charge. The Respondent was supported at the hearing by Peter Ferguson.

Rule 869(3)(b) provides:

No driver in any race shall drive carelessly.

Stewards Evidence

Using available video footage, Stipendiary Steward Craig Lomey identified the horses involved in the incident namely, KOKO KABOOM, driven by Kate Coppins and TINKERBELLE, driven by Todd Mitchell.   He said that on approaching the 400m mark, Todd Mitchell on TINKERBELLE was three back on the outside and Kate Coppins was four back on the outside.  Ms Coppins comes up and crossed the wheel of TINKERBELLE and in doing so, contacting the right wheel of Todd Mitchell, at which time Mr Mitchell turns his head to look.

Respondent

Peter Ferguson, (support person for Ms Coppins) asked to speak on her behalf .  He stated that when coming into the corner, you can see they are all hitting the bend; the horse sitting on the 1:1 is coming out, the next horse is coming out and Ms Coppins’ horse is coming out.  Her horse is probably the furthest out, so it is gaining momentum into the bend and the other horses are coming out in front of her.  If Ms Coppins had been on the outside of the horse, there would not have been a problem, but because they are all coming out in front of her, they are all staggered and Ms Coppins has been unfortunate to be in that position and it was a matter of a stride one way, or a stride the other way.  He stated he was not saying Ms Coppins did not hit the wheel, but personally think careless is a very strong word in this circumstance because for a Junior Driver in her limited experience, the situation was dictated by the other two horses in front of her.  He did note this is a learning for her.  Mr Ferguson asked for this to be taken into consideration.

Decision:

As the charge is admitted by the Respondent, it is therefore deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Craig Lomey produced the Respondent’s record, which indicated this is a second breach of this Rule.  Ms Coppins had a breach of careless driving – striking a wheel on the 28th of August 2025.

Mr Lomey added that Stewards assessed the breach as low-level range and therefore a suspension of three days would be an appropriate penalty.

Mr Ferguson on behalf of Ms Coppins, responded that to include the breach four months ago, is a stretch for a Junior Driver and does not indicate she is a repeat offender.  He then asked that consideration is given for the circumstances around how it happened, that she admitted the breach, is a Junior Driver and that a higher fine rather than a three-day suspension, would be more suitable.

It was clarified to Mr Ferguson by the Adjudicative Committee, that the Penalty Guide is clear that a breach within 6 months is considered a second breach.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Penalty Guide provides a penalty starting point of:

2nd breach within 6 months – 3-day suspension

After considering the submissions of both the Applicant and Respondent; noting the race film and the resultant impact on the affected runner(s), the Adjudicative Committee assessed the breach as low and adopted a three-day suspension as the starting point.

After evaluating all the factors and taking into consideration that Ms Coppins admitted the breach, is a Junior Driver and the circumstances surrounding the breach, the Adjudicative Committee determined a two-day suspension to be an appropriate penalty in the circumstances of this case.

Conclusion:

The Respondent, Driver Kate Coppins is suspended for two days, commencing after racing on 18th December 2025, up to and including 31st December 2025.