Waikato RC 26 November 2022 – R2 – Ingrid Dornan

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Prior to Race 1, Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Jones lodged an Information alleging a breach of Rule 534(1) in that Trainer Miss Ingrid Dornan failed to scratch MAHOMES (Race 2) by the required time.

Miss Dornan was not present on course, and she joined the hearing via phone. At the commencement of the hearing, she confirmed that she admitted the breach.

EVIDENCE:

Mr Jones said that MAHOMES was accepted to race in Race 2. He said that at 8.18 am on race day he was contacted by the NZTR Racing Bureau who advised him that MAHOMES was to be late scratched from Race 2. In response Mr B Jones spoke to Miss Dornan who told him that she discovered that MAHOMES was lame the previous evening and because he was balloted out, she assumed it would be a non-starter. She forgot to formally advise the Bureau of the scratching, as required by the 7.30 am deadline.

Miss Dornan advised the Adjudicative Committee that she agreed with the Steward’s summary of the breach and that she was extremely sorry for not scratching MAHOMES by 7.30 am. She also said that she has been in touch with, and apologised to the Trainer of the balloted-out horse who was denied a start because of her oversight.

REASON FOR DECISION:

Miss Dornan admitted the breach, therefore the charge was deemed proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Jones submitted that there were four runners balloted-out, and at least one of those horses was, or could have been, denied a start in the race had MAHOMES been scratched by the 7.30 am deadline.

Mr Jones said that Miss Dornan readily admitted the breach and she has a clear record.

Mr Jones suggested that a fine in the vicinity of $350 would be appropriate under the circumstances.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guide provides for a fine of $350 for a breach of this Rule in circumstances where other runner(s) are denied a start in the race. Previous breaches under this Rule have been dealt with on a fact-dependent basis and fines have ranged from $250 to $650.

In this instance, the Adjudicative Committee determined there are no compelling reasons to deviate from the Penalty Guide and a fine of $350 is imposed.

CONCLUSION:

Trainer Miss Dornan is fined $350.