Waikato BOP H 18 September 2025 – R3 – Scott Dickson

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 3, Open Driver, Mr S Dickson, Driver of ALL MUSCLED UP, defended a charge that he drove carelessly entering the first bend when shifting inwards, when insufficiently clear of the inside runners, resulting in PRESIDENT FLYNNTIN breaking and losing considerable ground.

Rule 869 provides:

(3)  No driver in any race shall drive:-  

    (b) carelessly

EVIDENCE:

Mr Sole used the race replays (head and side on) to show the run into the first bend. He pointed out Mr Dickson, who was on the outside, coming across the horses on his inside as they entered the first bend. While there was no contact, Mr Sole noted that Mr Dickson’s movement forward and across, put pressure on the inside runners when not sufficiently clear. Mr Sole advised that Ms Coppins (Driver of PRESIDENT FLYNNTIN), when interviewed by the Stewards, said that she had to ease her horse PRESIDENT FLYNNTIN back due to the pressure. The horse then broke and lost ground. Mr Dickson did not dispute Ms Coppins’ evidence.

Mr Dickson, in his evidence, argued that there was always sufficient room inside for two horses and noted that there had been no contact with Ms Coppins’ horse. He considered that the film looked worse coming into the bend and there was always enough room.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The Adjudicative Committee, after considering the submissions from both parties and having viewed the films themselves, considered the charge to be proven.

As the horses entered the first bend, Mr Dickson’s horse could clearly be seen to move down and across, when insufficiently clear of those inside. The result was that PRESIDENT FLYNNTIN had to be eased and broke.

DECISION:

The charge is found proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Sole said that the Stewards considered the breach to be mid-range. The interference on Ms Coppins’ horse made that horse break and it subsequently lost considerable ground.

Mr Sole outlined that Mr Dickson has had 31 drives this season and has a clear record under this Rule. Mr Sole referred to the Penalty Guide starting point for a first mid-level breach – a $500 fine or a 2 day suspension.

Mr Dickson submitted that he would prefer a suspension to a fine. He did not seek a deferment.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

After considering all the circumstances, the Adjudicative Committee determined that this was a mid- range breach. Mr Dickson’s careless driving caused Ms Coppins to ease her horse, which broke and lost considerable ground. The RIB Harness Racing Penalty Guide (October 2024) suggests a starting point penalty for such a breach, mid-level, of a 2-days suspension. The Adjudicative Committee found that a 2-day suspension would be appropriate in the circumstances.

It was identified that Mr Dickson had driven in Auckland, but had no drives on Friday 19 September. Therefore, the penalty would commence from the completion of racing on Thursday 18 September and conclude after racing on Friday 26 September 2025 (2 days).

CONCLUSION:

Mr Dickson’s Driving Licence is suspended from after the close of racing on 18 September, up to and including, 26 September 2025 – 2 days.