Wairio TC 28 January 2023 – R10 (heard 12 February 2023 at Invercargill) – Nathan Williamson

Evidence

This Information is the result of a deferred hearing from the Wairio Trotting Club held at Winton on 28 January 2023.

Following the running of Race 10, the Respondent, Driver Nathan Williamson did not admit a breach of Rule 858(1)(a) in that he allowed his horse SAND WAVE to make contact with the barrier strand causing a delay.

The Respondent endorsed the Information “I do not admit the breach” of the Rule and he confirmed he understood the Rule and the nature of the charge.

Rule 858(1) provides, a driver must not

a) delay the start

At the outset of the hearing, Stipendiary Steward Mr Munro stated that in May 2021, there were email warnings to Drivers regarding the delaying of the start of races and in August 2021, a Policy/Rule was implemented that was supported by the Trainers and Drivers.

Stipendiary Steward Mr Munro used the available video clips to highlight the incident. He stated SAND WAVE started off the 35 metre mark, drawn 2. The barrier strand was hand held. Mr Munro said that Mr Williamson had anticipated the start, with the horse making contact with the barrier strand prior to its release. Mr Munro highlighted Mr M Williamson, who was driving MAGNETIC TERROR off the front line, was very slow to turn into line out 4 or 5 wide and Mr N Williamson has not anticipated this and has not taken any preventive action to stop his horse from moving into line.

Mr N Williamson stated that he had done all he could under the circumstances, highlighting MACANDREW AVIATOR (Craig Ferguson), who was also starting off 35 metre mark drawn 1 had breached the barrier strand prior to his horse doing so, and also highlighted Mr M Williamson’s horse MAGNETIC TERROR was very slow turning into line which in his opinion, did not help matters.

Mr Williamson also stated that the Starter’s Assistant Mr Bloxham, told the 35 metre mark horses not to turn far away from the barrier tape and make a short turn.  He also stated that the Starter Mr Ben Ward, called out “walk, walk, walk” which he followed the instructions.

Decision

After lengthy deliberation and viewing the various video clips on the alleged incident, the Adjudicative Committee found that the evidence was inconclusive and as a result, the charge was dismissed.

Mr M Williamson’s actions on the front line drawn horse, along with Mr Ferguson’s action on MACANDREW AVIATOR, all contributed to the incident and delayed the start of the race.