Waikato BOP H 24 August 2023 – R7- Alicia Harrison

ID: RIB26651

Respondent(s):
Alicia Harrison - Junior Driver

Applicant:
Mr S Mulcay - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Adam Smith

Information Number:
A19405

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Driving - Striking a wheel

Rule(s):
869(3)(b) - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
CYREN SHARD

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
24/08/2023

Race Club:
Waikato BOP Harness Racing Inc

Race Location:
Cambridge Raceway - 1 Taylor Street, Cambridge, 3434

Race Number:
R7

Hearing Date:
24/08/2023

Hearing Location:
Cambridge Raceway

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Junior Driver Alicia Harrison is fined $250

Summary of Facts:

Following the running of Race 7, the Respondent Alicia Harrison (Junior Driver) admitted a breach of Rule 869(3)(b); namely that she drove carelessly near the 650m by allowing her filly to contact and puncture the sulky tyre of  PROVISEUR.

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.

As the charge was heard after the last race, there was no support person available for Ms Harrison. Mr Mulcay advised that Ms Harrison had advised that she did not require a support person and was happy to proceed with the hearing. The Adjudicative Committee queried Ms Harrison on this point and she confirmed that she was happy to proceed.

Rule 869(3)(b) provides:

No Driver in any race shall drive carelessly.

Using available video footage, Stipendiary Steward S Mulcay identified the horses involved in the incident namely, PROVISEUR driven by N Delany and CYREN SHARD driven by Alicia Harrison.   He said that down the back straight, CYREN SHARD was in the 1 x 1 and trailing PROVISEUR, who was sitting parked. He said that CYREN SHARD eased out of this position and during this manoeuvre, the near fore of CYREN SHARD contacted the sulky wheel of PROVISEUR, which punctured.

In explanation, Ms Harrison said that at the time, she wasn’t aware that she had made contact, as her drive came out of that position easily and she thought she was unlucky to have contacted the wheel.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward S Mulcay produced the Respondent’s record, which indicated no previous breach of the Rule. Mr Mulcay said the starting point for the breach of this nature was $300 and generally for a first offence, Drivers had attracted penalties of $250.

Ms Harrison had no submission on penalty.

Reasons for Penalty:

After taking into account the submissions of both the Applicant and Respondent, the Adjudicative Committee determined that $250 was an appropriate fine.

Conclusion:

The Respondent was fined the sum of $250.

Decision Date: 24/08/2023

Publish Date: 28/08/2023