Waikato BOP H 6 May 2025 – R2 – Luk Chin

Evidence:

This charge arises from the running of Race 2 at Cambridge Raceway on Tuesday 6 May 2025. An Information was filed by Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr S Mulcay alleging Licensed Open Driver Mr L Chin, breached Rule 869(4)(6)(b)(c) in that he shifted his runner (BARSUKOV) out near the 1150 metres, forcing PRESIDENT FLYNNTIN (Ms K Coppins) to race wider on the track.

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 Chin admitted the charge and was present at the hearing.

Stipendiary Steward Mr C Lomey, used available video footage to demonstrate the breach. He identified the horses and Drivers relevant to the breach, namely BARSUKOV (Mr Chin), PRESIDENT FLYNNTIN (Ms K Coppins) and PATRICK MAHOMES (H Orange). Mr Lomey said that passing the 1150 metre mark, BARSUKOV was following PATRICK MAHOMES (H Orange), who commenced moving out from the inside line, which he was able to do as he was clear to the outside. Mr Chin followed Mr Orange out, but in doing so, he was not clear Of PRESIDENT FLYNNTIN (Ms Coppins), who was covering his wheel. PRESIDENT FLYNNTIN was forced wider on the track.

Mr Lomey said that Mr Chin’s actions were in breach of the ‘Push-out’ Rule.

Mr Chin agreed with the Steward’s interpretation of the incident.

Decision:

The charge having been admitted, is deemed proven.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Mulcay advised that Mr Chin had a clear record with this Rule and the RIB Penalty Guide has a recommended starting point of a $200 fine for a first offence.  He said Stewards would not be seeking an uplift on the recommended starting point.

Mr Chin had nothing to add with regards to penalty.

Reasons for Penalty:

After evaluating the evidence and submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined the breach could appropriately be dealt with by way of a fine, accordingly, Mr Chin was fined $200.

Conclusion:

Mr Chin was fined $200.