Wellington RC 11 January 2025 – R5 – Pam Gerard

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Prior to Race 5, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr J Oatham lodged an Information alleging a breach of Rule 534(1) in that Trainer Pam Gerard, failed to scratch SKAW VALLEY by the required time.

Rule 534(1) reads as follows;

534(1) At any time from the Withdrawal Deadline to the scratching deadline (as specified for the relevant Race Meeting in accordance with Rule 510(d)(v) or as amended by NZTR from time to time) on the relevant Race day, a person intending to scratch a horse from a Race (after it has been accepted or is deemed to have been accepted) shall give notice to that effect to NZTR and where such notice for scratching a horse refers to a Race Meeting but does not specify a particular Race at that Race Meeting, such notice shall be deemed to apply to all Races for which the horse has been accepted or deemed to have been accepted at that Race Meeting.

The Respondent did not wish to be present at the hearing, but signed the form admitting the breach.

EVIDENCE:

Mr Oatham reported that Stable Representative, Mr Michael Thompson, failed to notify the Racing Bureau of the horse’s withdrawal within the required timeframe, submitting the notification approximately 15 minutes late. Ms Gerard observed at 7:45am, that the horse had not been officially scratched from the race. This oversight apparently resulted from a miscommunication within the stable.

DECISION:

Ms Gerard admitted the breach, therefore the charge was deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham stated that the Penalty Guide provided a $200 fine starting point for a breach of this Rule, where no other horse is denied a start.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guide stipulates a $200 fine for a breach of this Rule. After careful consideration, the Adjudicative Committee determined that there were no aggravating factors present that would warrant an increase in the penalty.

CONCLUSION:

Trainer Pam Gerard is fined $200.