Wanganui JC 23 February 2023 (heard 10 March 2023 at Otaki) – Tennielle Bishop

FACTS

Ms Bishop was charged with failing to perform an act ordered by an Investigator.

At 1.15pm Ms Bishop was asked to attend the Steward’s Room, she failed to do so.

Ms Bishop was not in attendance at the hearing but had advised Mr Murrow that she admitted the breach and did not want to be in attendance at the hearing.

This charge was opened and adjourned at Wanganui on 23 February 2023.

Mr Murrow said that at 2.40pm she telephoned and texted Ms Bishop as to her whereabouts as she had not appeared at the Stewards Room as requested.

At 5.17pm Ms Bishop text Ms Murrow and said that her mum had turned up at the meeting (Wanganui) and said that the school wanted her to pick up her son Jaxon from school in Levin urgently.  It was Jaxon’s first day at school and he was very upset.

DECISION

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS

Ms Murrow said that Ms Bishop could have explained her situation but failed to do so.

Ms Murrow suggested that a fine in the vicinity of $500 be considered.

A penalty in that range would deter others and send a clear message that Licence Holders need to follow Directives.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

If Ms Bishop had to return to Levin to attend to her son, she should have notified Officials in person, telephone or text of her situation but failed to contact an RIB Official until 5.17pm.  This was some 2 hours 37 minutes following her whereabouts at 2.40pm from RIB.

Licence Holders must follow Directives of RIB Officials to enable them to carry out their many and varied duties on a given raceday.

Given that contact can be made in several ways, it is not acceptable to say that they had to leave the course immediately, without making contact.  This is a very rare charge (Rule 801(1)(k) ) but is relatively serious.

CONCLUSION

Ms Tennielle Bishop was fined $500.