Waikato TR 28 August 2024 – R1 – Peter Lock

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 1, the “GIVE A LITTLE RAHUL” SHINDE 1550, Mr Dooley presented two Information’s as a result of the Rider of JAZZ WITH DRAGON having weighed in 0.9kg under her weigh out, and horse’s handicapped, weight.

Later enquiries undertaken by a Stipendiary Steward, revealed that two items of lead were located on the ground near the saddling area, apparently having fallen from the lead bag.

JAZZ WITH DRAGON finished 8th, earning a stake of $370 and the Adjudicative Committee rules that it is disqualified.

Separately, under Information A18772, Mr Dooley charged Mr Lock with a breach of Rule 614(2) in that he “was neglectful when saddling “JAZZ WITH DRAGON” with two pieces of lead becoming displaced from the lead bag prior to saddling.”

Mr Lock admitted the breach.  He said he had left it to a staff member to saddle the horse, but he accepted full responsibility for the carelessness.

Decision:

As the charge relating to Information A18772 was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Dooley advised that past cases of breach of the Rule had led to fines of $300-$500, and this occurrence was at the low end of seriousness.

Mr Lock made no submissions as to penalty, apart from accepting responsibility and saying that he had been distracted by having to have been interviewed by an Investigator on an unrelated matter.

Reasons for Penalty:

Mitigating matters include Mr Lock’s good record; the fact that his liability was only vicarious, he admitted the charge when he possibly could have tested the evidence, his Owners lose the $370 stake despite paying nomination, acceptance and transport fees.

Conclusion:

In all the circumstances, a nominal fine of $100 is imposed.