Waikato BOP H 2 October 2025 – R1 – Andrew Sharpe
ID: RIB59281
Animal Name:
Conrad H
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
02/10/2025
Race Club:
Waikato BOP Harness Racing Inc
Race Location:
Cambridge Raceway - 1 Taylor Street, Cambridge, 3434
Race Number:
R1
Hearing Date:
02/10/2025
Hearing Location:
Cambridge Raceway 1 Taylor Street Cambridge 3434
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Advanced Amateur Driver Andrew Sharpe is fined $400
BACKGROUND:
Following the running of Race 1, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 869(3)(b). Details are as follows:
‘In that he drove carelessly near the 400m when shifting inwards causing his own horse to break‘
Rule 869(3)(b) provides:
No driver in any race shall drive carelessly
Mr Sharpe confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that he understood the Rule and admitted the breach.
EVIDENCE:
Using available video film, Stewards identified the incident. Nearing the 400m mark, CONRAD H was one out, one back behind MARIA KIRILENKO (Ms Northcott). The Respondent is then seen to move down the track, when not sufficiently clear. In doing so, his drive is seen to strike the stay of the cart in front. CONRAD H as a result, goes into a break, losing significant ground. The horse does, in turn, recover to finish 3rd.
Mr Sharpe confirmed that he agreed with Steward interpretation.
DECISION:
The charge is admitted by the Respondent and is therefore deemed proved.
SUBMISSIONS TO PENALTY:
Stipendiary Stewards referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current Penalty Guide. It was contended that the breach represented a mid level careless drive, with the Guide providing in this circumstance, a $500 fine or 2 day suspension. Stewards outlined that the Respondent holds a clear record under this Rule and has had 13 drives over the last season.
Mr Sharpe advised that he preferred a fine to a suspension.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
Films identified the incident to the satisfaction of the Adjudicative Committee. The Respondent looked to move down the track to improve his position, in circumstance where he was unable to do so. His horse was travelling well at the time. The break is highly likely to have impacted the ability to finish in a higher placing. On this basis, the breach is deemed to represent a mid level careless drive. Acknowledging the Respondent’s preference for a fine, a starting point of $500 was adopted. A reduction of $100 was applied to reflect record and Driver status. A fine of $400 is deemed appropriate.
CONCLUSION:
Mr Sharpe is fined $400.
Decision Date: 02/10/2025
Publish Date: 03/10/2025