Waikato BOP H 29 May 2025 – R1 – Geoff Martin

Summary of Facts:

Following the running of Race 1, the Respondent G Martin admitted a breach of Rule 858(1)(f).  The particulars of the charge are that Mr Martin failed to come up into position prior to the start, which resulted in ALL MUSCLED UP being unable to take up its position.

Rule 858(1)(f)  provides that:

858(1) A Driver must not

(f) interfere with another horse

Stipendiary Steward P Williams used available video footage to demonstrate the breach.  He said that Mr Martin’s horse was drawn into position 9, he said that as the horses entered the pre start circle, Mr Martin should have been to the inside of BARSUKOV, but was back and to his outer and as a result, out of position. Stewards said that due to the position of Mr Martin’s horse, it denied Mr Butcher (ALL MUSCLED UP) a fair start. The raceday Starter radioed Stipendiary Stewards to advise them that he thought Mr Martin had started out of position and Mr Butcher confirmed after the race to Stipendiary Stewards, that his chances of getting a good start were impeded by Mr Martin.

In response, Mr Martin said that there wasn’t a lot of room at the start and he thought that Mr Chin was out of position, which caused his drive to also be out of position.

Decision:

The charge is admitted and therefore proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Mulcay present Mr Martin’s record, which was clear. He said that a breach of this Rule had a starting point of a 3 day suspension.

Mr Martin had nothing further to add, only to say that he would take any suspension immediately.

Reasons for Penalty:

After consideration of the evidence from all parties concerned and viewing the race films of the start of the race, the Adjudicative Committee assessed the breach as low range. While Mr Martin was out of position at the start and Mr Butcher was impeded, the Adjudicative Committee was of the opinion that this did not have a bearing on the overall race complexion, or the finishing position of Mr Butcher.

The Adjudicative Committee did also note that 9 runners all started off the 30m and there was some pre start congestion.

Having considered all factors, the Adjudicative Committee deemed a 2 days suspension be an appropriate penalty.

From a penalty starting point of 3 days, a 1 day discount was applied due to Mr Martin’s admission, good record and the fact it was a low level breach.

Conclusion:

Mr Martin is suspended for 2 Northern Driving Days.

The two days of suspension are:

5th June – Cambridge

6th June – Alexandra Park