Wairio TC 18 December 2021 – R5 – SHEZA GIFT

ID: RIB6560

Respondent(s):
Nathan Williamson - Driver

Applicant:
Mr Vinny Munro, Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall

Information Number:
A16011

Decision Type:
Protest

Rule(s):
870(5) - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Not Contested

Protest:
Protest

Animal Name:
SHEZA GIFT

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
18/12/2021

Race Club:
Wairio Trotting Club

Race Location:
Winton Racecourse - Racecourse Road, Winton, 9720

Race Number:
R5

Hearing Date:
18/12/2021

Hearing Location:
Winton

Outcome: Protest Upheld

Penalty: n/a

Mr Munro, Stipendiary Steward, alleged that horse 7 SHEZA GIFT in Race 5 galloped over the line and was lapped on by horses 5 EMMA LOUISE and 1 PYRAMID MYSTIC.

Judge’s placings were:

1st  7 SHEZA GIFT

2nd 5 EMMA LOUISE

3rd  1 PYRAMID MYSTIC

4th  4 FAST WHISPERING

The official margin between 1st and 2nd was 1/2 a length and a long neck to 3rd.

Mr Munro demonstrated on the videos that in his view, within some 40 metres from the winning post SHEZA GIFT broke and continued in a gallop past the finishing line. He explained that the protest was to determine whether SHEZA GIFT was lapped on by EMMA LOUISE and PYRAMID MYSTIC.

Mr Williamson, the Driver of SHEZA GIFT, represented the connections of that horse, and after viewing the photo finish did not contest the protest.

It was clear from the photo finish that SHEZA GIFT galloped across the line and was lapped on by EMMA LOUISE and PYRAMID MYSTIC. The Judge’s margin of 1/2 length and a long neck (0.5 L and 0.9 L) confirms this.

SHEZA GIFT has broken free of interference and in these circumstances SHEZA GIFT is relegated to behind EMMA LOUISE and PYRAMID MYSTIC.

The protest is upheld. Amended placings are:

1st  5 EMMA LOUISE

2nd 1 PYRAMID MYSTIC

3rd  7 SHEZA GIFT

4th  4 FAST WHISPERING

Stakes and dividends are to be paid accordingly.

Decision Date: 18/12/2021

Publish Date: 20/12/2021