Waikato TR 26 August 2023 – R7- Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Prior to Race 7, Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Jones lodged an Information alleging a breach of Rule 534(1) in that Trainers S Ritchie & C Murray failed to scratch GOLDBURG (Race 7) by the required time.

Connections were not present on course, and Mr Jones was asked by the connections to endorse the Information that they admitted the breach and did not wish to be present for the hearing.

EVIDENCE:

Mr Jones advised that Mr Ritchie had provided his submissions via phone. Mr Jones said that he was contacted by the NZTR Racing Bureau at 7.45 who advised him that GOLDBURG was to be late scratched from Race 7. In response, Mr B Jones spoke to Mr Ritchie, who advised he had always intended to scratch GOLDBURG by the 7.30 scratching time, but had got side-tracked and when he realised, the scratching time had passed. Mr Jones said Mr Ritchie was very apologetic for his oversight.

DECISION:

Mr Ritchie admitted the breach, therefore the charge was deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Jones submitted that no horses were denied a run or disadvantaged due to the oversight. When comparing this to other similar recent breaches, Mr Jones said it was at the very low end.

Mr Jones said that Mr Ritchie readily admitted the breach and he had a clear record.

Mr Jones suggested that a fine in the vicinity of $200 would be appropriate under the circumstances.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guide provides for a fine of $200 for a breach of this Rule in circumstances where no other runner(s) are affected.

In this instance, the Adjudicative Committee determined there are no compelling reasons to deviate from the Penalty Guide starting point and having considered the circumstances of the breach and Mr Ritchie’s record, determined a $150 fine was appropriate.

CONCLUSION:

Trainers S Ritchie and C Murray are fined $150.