Waikato BOP H 18 September 2025 – R1 – Bruce Hadley

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 1, the Respondent Amateur Driver Mr B Hadley, (JACCKA OPA), admitted a breach of Rule 869(3)(b); namely that he drove carelessly passing the 600 metres allowing JACCKA OPA to contact the sulky wheel of No. 3 BENSON DUDE, resulting in JACCKA OPA pacing roughly and losing ground.

Mr Hadley endorsed the Information, ‘I do admit the breach of the rule’ and confirmed that he understood the Rule.

Rule 869(3) provides:

No driver in any race shall drive carelessly.

EVIDENCE:

Using available video footage (side and head on), Stipendiary Steward Mr M Sole identified the horses involved in the incident namely JACCKA OPA, driven by Mr Hadley and BENSON DUDE, driven by Mr J Kriechbaumer.  Mr Sole showed the Adjudicative Committee that at the 600 metre point, JACCKA OPA was travelling inside of BENSON DUDE.  Mr Hadley then moved JACCKA OPA out when not clear of BENSON DUDE, with the result that JACCKA OPA struck BENSON DUDE’s wheel. This resulted in JACCKA OPA pacing roughly, losing ground. The horse then recovered and ran 4th.

In explanation, Mr Hadley acknowledged that he had come out too soon.

DECISION:

The charge is admitted by the Respondent and is therefore deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS TO PENALTY:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Sole said that the Guidelines prescribed a starting point of a $300 fine for a low level breach of this Rule and also allowed for a 2 day suspension as an alternative to a fine.

He noted that Mr Hadley has had 13 drives this season, has a clear record under this Rule and admitted the charge.

Mr Hadley advised that he preferred a fine to a suspension and felt his good record should be considered.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The video evidence (side and head on) clearly showed JACCKA OPA on the inside of BENSON DUDE at the 600 metre mark. Mr Hadley then directed JACCKA OPA across the back of BENSON DUDE when he was not clear. As a result, JACCKA OPA struck BENSON DUDE’S wheel and paced roughly, losing ground. While the horse ran 4th, the striking of the wheel and subsequent loss of ground, could have cost the horse third placing.

The Adjudicative Committee considered that it was a low-level breach.

After considering the submissions of the Stipendiary Stewards, and Mr Hadley and taking into account Mr Hadley had admitted the breach and it was his first offence, the Adjudicative Committee determined that a fine of $250 was the appropriate penalty in this case.

Mr Hadley was given credit for a clear record, and his admission of the breach.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Hadley is fined $250.