Waikato BOP H 29 May 2025 – R4 – Crystal Hackett

Summary of Facts:

Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent C Hackett admitted a breach of Rule 869(3)(b); namely that she drove carelessly when contacting and puncturing the sulky tyre of RUBY RIDGE near the 500m.

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.

Rule 869(3)(b) provides:

No Driver in any race shall drive carelessly.

Using available video footage, Stipendiary Steward P Williams identified the horses involved in the incident, namely, MAZEPPA, driven by C Hackett and RUBY RIDGE, driven by P Ferguson.   He said that Ms Hackett was trailing Mr Ferguson down the back straight and in attempting to come off his back, her drive contacted the wheel of RUBY RIDGE.  At the time of the contact, Mr Ferguson looked down at his sulky wheel.

In explanation, Ms Hackett said her horse was very keen in behind Mr Ferguson and was over racing; she indicated that the horse had contributed to the incident, due to its racing manners.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward P Williams produced the Respondent’s record, which was clear.  He said Ms Hackett was a very busy Driver.

Mr Williams said that the starting point for a breach of this Rule was a $300 fine and that he would leave it to the Adjudicative Committee to consider any other mitigating factors.

The Respondent submitted that she had admitted the breach and that her horse had contributed to the incident, due to over racing.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Penalty Guide provides a penalty starting point of a $300 fine.

After taking into account the submissions of both the Applicant and Respondent; noting the race film and the resultant impact on the affected runner(s), the Adjudicative Committee assessed the breach as low range.

Ms Hackett was given credit for her admission of the breach and the Adjudicative Committee considered there was some mitigation, in that MAZEPPA was over racing at the time of the incident.

Having considered these factors, the Adjudicative Committee determined an appropriate penalty be $250.

Conclusion:

Ms Hackett is fined $250.