Waikato BOP H 31 July 2025 – R1 – Kevin Hall
ID: RIB57400
Animal Name:
SAYS WHO
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
31/07/2025
Race Club:
Waikato BOP Harness Racing Inc
Race Location:
Cambridge Raceway - 1 Taylor Street, Cambridge, 3434
Race Number:
R1
Hearing Date:
31/07/2025
Hearing Location:
Cambridge Raceway
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Kevin Hall is fined $200
Summary of Facts:
Following the running of Race 1, an Information was filed by Senior Stipendiary Steward Steve Mulcay alleging the Respondent Kevin Hall breached Rule 869(4)(6)(b)(c) in that he shifted his gelding out at the 1200m, forcing LUKAKU to race wider.
The ‘Pushout Rule’ (r869) provides that:
(6) Subject to sub-rule (4) hereof:
(a) Drivers are permitted to move ground inwards or outwards at any stage of the race to improve their racing position; (b) a horse making a forward movement during any race shall not be forced to race wider on the track; (c) a horse during a race shall not move ground outwards once the nose of the wider runner coming forward is in line with or past its sulky wheel and until the wider runner going forward is fully past.
(7) Sub-rule (6)(b) and (c) of this Rule shall apply until 1000 metres from the finish of the race. From this point all Drivers shall be expected to make moves, with safety, to ensure the horse obtains the best possible place in the field.
Mr Hall admitted the breach and endorsed the Information accordingly.
Senior Stipendiary Steward S Mulcay used the available race films to demonstrate the breach. He said near the 1300m, SAYS WHO (K Hall) was in 2nd to last position, with LUKAKU (J Darby) on his back. Mr Mulcay showed that LUKAKU improved to the outside of SAYS WHO, covering its sulky wheel, at which point SAYS WHO’s head was turned outwards and it shifted out, forcing LUKAKU to race wider on the track. This outward movement occurred prior to the 1000m.
Mr Hall had no comment in regard to the incident.
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 was clear.
He said that the starting point for a breach of this nature was $200 and the Stewards believed that this was an appropriate penalty.
Mr Hall had nothing to add in terms of submission on penalty, other than to reference the cost of living crisis.
Reasons for Penalty:
The starting point for a breach of this Rule is $200. While Mr Hall admitted the breach, the evidence was clear and could not be disputed. The Adjudicative Committee sees no reason to deviate from the starting point.
Conclusion:
Mr Hall is fined $200.
Decision Date: 31/07/2025
Publish Date: 01/08/2025