Waikato BOP H 7 May 2026 – R4 – James Stormont
ID: RIB66812
Animal Name:
AVENTADOR
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
07/05/2026
Race Club:
Waikato BOP Harness Racing Inc
Race Location:
Cambridge Raceway - 1 Taylor Street, Cambridge, 3434
Race Number:
R4
Hearing Date:
07/05/2026
Hearing Location:
Cambridge Raceway - 1 Taylor Street, Cambridge, 3434
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Open Driver James Stormont is fined $250
BACKGROUND
Following the running of Race 4, the Comag LTD Plumbing, Roofing & Drainage Mobile Pace, Open Driver James Stormont as Driver of AVENTADOR in the race, admitted a breach of Rule 869(7A)(c) in that his movement down the back nearing the 1800 metres, caused MARY MAGDALENE to contact and protrude inside the track markers.
Rule 869(7A) provides that:
Every driver who moves inwards shall ensure:
(c) that the movement does not cause any other driver, horse or sulky to contact any track marker or protrude inside the marker line.
At the start of the hearing, Mr Stormont confirmed his understanding of the Rule and the nature of this charge, along with his admission of the breach.
EVIDENCE
Mr Wallis used the available race videos to identify Mr Stormont, driving AVENTADOR, on the outside of MARY MAGDALENE (A Poutama), approaching the 1800 metre mark. Mr Stormont was driving aggressively to establish his position on the back of LINCOLN LINDA (P Ferguson) and has placed pressure on MARY MAGDALENE (A Poutama), who had nowhere to go, but to protrude inside the track markers. Four track markers were contacted or dislodged.
In response, Mr Stormont explained that his horse was hanging, which made it a difficult drive for him, but acknowledged that his actions caused MARY MAGDALENE to contact the markers.
DECISION
As Mr Stormont has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
PENALTY SUBMISSIONS
Mr Lomey produced the Respondent’s record, which showed that he had a clear record under this Rule, and confirmed that the Penalty Guide Starting Point was $300. Stewards would be seeking a penalty in line with the Penalty Guide.
Mr Stormont requested leniency, as he had a difficult drive.
REASONS FOR PENALTY
MARY MAGDALENE (A Poutama) had to protrude inside 4 markers because of Mr Stormont’s actions, as he had nowhere else to go. The Adjudicative Committee is satisfied that as this incident occurred early in the race, it seems unlikely to have diminished MARY MAGDALENE’s chances. In mitigation, Mr Stormont was experiencing some difficulty with his drive, has a clear record under this Rule and admitted the breach of the Rule. The Adjudicative Committee considered that a $50 reduction was appropriate in this instance.
CONCLUSION
Open Driver James Stormont is fined $250.
Decision Date: 07/05/2026
Publish Date: 09/05/2026