Winton HRC 17 July 2025 – R5 – Max Hill

Mr Munro alleged that in Race 5, Mr Hill when driving ROBYNS HUSTLER, forced another runner (TASHS BAD GIRL) wider on the track near the 1050 metres.

Rule 869(4) provides:

(4) No driver shall during any race do anything which interferes or is likely to interfere with his own horse and/or any other horse or its progress.

(6) Subject to sub-rule (4) hereof:-

((b) a horse during any race shall not be forced to race wider on the track;

(c) a horse during a race shall not move ground outwards once the nose of the wider runner coming forward is in line with or past its sulky wheel and until the wider runner going forward is fully past.

Mr Munro demonstrated the incident on the videos. Mr N Williamson was in the 1 out 1 back position. At about the 1100 metres, he commenced a run 3 wide. Mr Hill come out from a 2-wide position to follow Mr Williamson. In so doing, he forced TASHS BAD GIRL (Ms Kyle), who had shifted 3-wide, to race wider on the track in breach of the Pushout Rule. Ms Kyle was 4 wide, before eventually dropping out the back with a punctured tyre. Mr Hill won the race.

Mr Hill said he agreed with Mr Munro’s analysis of the films.

Decision

As Mr Hill has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Munro produced the Respondent’s record, which was clear under this Rule. Mr Hill has had 609 lifetime drives, 112 this season and 146 the last. Mr Munro described him as a busy South Island Junior Driver.

Mr Munro submitted a penalty in accordance with the Penalty Guide was appropriate. Mr Hill did not disagree with this.

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a $200 fine for a first breach. Mr Hill has admitted the breach and is a Junior Driver with a very good record. While he went on to win the race, Ms Kyle ended up 4-wide, before shifting wider on the track with a punctured tyre. Balancing these factors, a penalty at the starting point is appropriate.

Conclusion

Mr Hill is fined the sum of $200.