Waikouaiti TC 5 February 2023 – R1 – Jordan Simpson

Mr Munro alleged that in Race 1, Mr J Simpson (TOWER OF LOVE) failed to take his runner clear of the field when in a break racing into the first bend.

Mr Renault demonstrated the incident on the videos. Mr Simpson was racing two wide when his horse broke on entering the first bend. He shifted three and then two and a half wide, but did not shift out any further when the opportunity was there for him to so do. The result was that three horses racing further back in the field in the two-wide line were hampered and lost ground.

Mr Simpson said he was racing one-out and agreed that he had only initially shifted three wide. He said TOWER OF LOVE was galloping at the time and was a hard horse to steer. He said when the horse was warming up it was racing in and out. He acknowledged that he could have shifted wider on the track.

Decision

As Mr Simpson has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Munro produced the Respondent’s record which showed 6 amateur drives last season and 5 this. He described Mr Simpson’s record as excellent and said that he had readily admitted the breach when questioned by the Stewards.

Mr Munro submitted that a penalty of $300 was appropriate. Mr Simpson asked that the fine be as low as possible.

Reasons for Penalty

Mr Simpson has failed to take his horse clear of the field when in a gallop and in so doing, has inconvenienced three horses. The Penalty Guide provides for a starting point of an eight drive suspension (which in the Respondent’s case would be four months) or a $400 fine. Mr Simpson’s record is excellent. This is his first breach of any Rule, and he has readily admitted his mistake

Conclusion

Mr Simpson is fined the sum of $200.