Waikato BOP H 26 January 2023 – R6 (heard 30 January 2023 at Cambridge) – Monika Ranger (Charge 1)

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 6, Dunstan Horsefeeds Mobile Pace, the Respondent Junior Driver, Monika Ranger, admitted a breach of Rule 869(3)(b) in that, as the Driver of FRANKIE MAJOR in the race, she drove carelessly in allowing her horse to contact and puncture the sulky tyre of AARDIE’S FLASH (James Stormont) near the 1400 metres.

The hearing of the Information was adjourned and was heard at the meeting of Waikato Bay of Plenty HRC meeting on 30 January 2022.

The Respondent was present at the hearing and indicated that she admitted the breach. She was supported at the hearing by Open Driver, Zachary Butcher.

EVIDENCE:

Using the available video replays, Mr Dooley pointed out FRANKIE MAJOR, driven by the Respondent, racing 4 places back on the markers, trailing AARDIE’S FLASH, driven by Mr Stormont, as the field raced past the 1400 metres. He then showed that the Respondent eased her runner away from the markers to improve to the outside of AARDIE’S FLASH and, as she did so, the near-front leg of her runner struck the inside sulky wheel of AARDIE’S FLASH. Mr Stormont could be seen to look down and to his inside as the tyre was struck and deflated.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Dooley told the Adjudicative Committee that the Respondent has been driving for 1 year. Last season, she had 65 drives and, in the current season to date, she has had 3 drives. She has a clear record. He referred to the Penalty Guide starting point of a $300 fine and submitted that a fine of $200 would be an appropriate penalty.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guide suggests a starting point of a $300 fine for the breach of the Rule. The Respondent has a clear record and has admitted the breach. In addition, she is a Junior Driver. She is entitled to a significant discount for those factors.

CONCLUSION:

The Respondent, Junior Driver Monika Ranger, is fined $200.