Waimate TC 23 March 2025 – R1 (heard 26 March 2025 at Ashburton) – Lionel Dobbs
ID: RIB53044
Animal Name:
PHANTOM SPUR
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
23/03/2025
Race Club:
Waimate Trotting Club
Race Location:
Oamaru Racecourse - Highway 1, Oamaru North, Oamaru, 9494
Race Number:
R1
Hearing Date:
26/03/2025
Hearing Location:
Ashburton Raceway
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Lionel Dobbs is suspended for 2 days
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of Race 1, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Nigel McIntyre presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) by Driver Mr Lionel Dobbs.
The hearing of the Information was adjourned as Mr Dobbs had left the course and reconvened at Ashburton on March 26.
Mr Dobbs stated he understood the Rule and the Charge and confirmed he admitted the breach of the Rule.
Mr McIntyre played the last 300m of the race to show Mr Dobbs (PHANTOM SPUR) in the parked position, where he used his whip on 8 or 9 occasions, which were well outside of the acceptable Guidelines.
Mr Dobbs agreed he was in breach of the Rule and made no submissions.
DECISION:
The Respondent having admitted the breach, the charge was deemed to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr McIntyre said Mr Dobbs has a clear record under the Rule. He said the Stewards view this breach as mid-range and would be seeking a penalty as the Guidelines provide.
Mr Dobbs asked for a suspension rather than a fine and requested a deferment of any proposed suspension until after Wednesday 2 April.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The Penalty Guidelines provide a 2-day suspension or a $500 fine for a mid-range breach, which this is.
Mr Dobbs said he would prefer a suspension over a fine and the Adjudicative Committee has no objection to this and Mr Dobbs’ request for a deferment is granted.
CONCLUSION:
There are no other factors to consider here and accordingly, Mr Dobbs is suspended for 2 days, commencing at the conclusion of racing on 2 April 2025, up to and including racing on 6 April 2025.
The days of racing in this suspension are NZMTC on 4 April and Cheviot TC on 6 April 2025.
Decision Date: 26/03/2025
Publish Date: 27/03/2025