Waikato BOP H 24 December 2024 – R10 (heard 3 January 2025 at Cambridge) – Geoffrey Martin

ID: RIB50279

Respondent(s):
Geoffrey Allan Martin - Driver

Applicant:
Mr S Mulcay (Senior Stipendiary Steward)

Adjudicators:
Mr M Godber and Ms H Gray

Persons Present:
Mr S Mulcay, Mr S Renault, and Mr G Martin

Information Number:
A11135

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Driving

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
KISS MY PIXEL

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
24/12/2024

Race Club:
Waikato BOP Harness Racing Inc

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

Race Number:
R10

Hearing Date:
03/01/2025

Hearing Location:
Cambridge Raceway

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver Geoffrey Martin is suspended for 2 days

BACKGROUND:

This hearing relates to the running of Race 10 at the Waikato BOP Harness Inc Race meeting on 24 December 2024. The hearing on that date was adjourned and heard prior to the Waikato BOP Harness Inc meeting held on Friday 3 January 2025.

Mr Martin, the Respondent, admitted a breach of Rule 869(3)(b) – careless driving. The particulars of the charge are that, as the Driver of KISS MY PIXEL, he shifted inwards shortly after the start of the race when not sufficiently clear, causing interference to HELSINGOR, driven by F Schumacher.

The Respondent endorsed the Information “I do admit a breach of the rule” and confirmed he understood the Rule and the nature of the charge.

Rule 869(3) provides:

(b)  No driver in any race shall drive carelessly.

EVIDENCE:

Senior Stipendiary Steward,  Mr Shane Renault, showed a video replay of the incident using side on, front on and back on vision. He illustrated that the incident occurred immediately after the start of the race. KISS MY PIXEL, driven by Mr Martin, shifted inwards, his wheel making contact with the front leg of HELSINGOR, which broke.

Mr Martin accepted Mr Renault’s description of the incident.

DECISION:

The charge was found proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Mulcay said Mr Martin had a clear record for careless driving. He had had 41 drives in 2024.

The Stewards viewed the carelessness to be in the low range and the Penalty Guide provided for a $300 fine or a 2 day suspension. Mr Martin indicated that he wished to serve a suspension and Mr Mulcay recommended a 2 day suspension.

Mr Martin did not seek a deferment.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guide sets a starting point for careless driving of either a $300 fine or 2 day suspension. The Adjudicative Committee viewed the carelessness as low range, so there is no need for an adjustment to that starting point, either up or down.

The Adjudicative Committee notes that Mr Martin has a clear record and determined that a suspension, rather than a fine, was an appropriate penalty.

CONCLUSION:

The Respondent, Driver Mr Geoff Martin, is suspended for 2 days, commencing from the completion of racing on Friday 3 January and concluding after the conclusion of racing on Friday 17 January 2025. The meetings encompassed by the period of suspension are the two race days of the Waikato BOP Harness Racing Club.

Decision Date: 03/01/2025

Publish Date: 06/01/2025