Winton HRC 26 October 2023 – R10 – MAMMA MIA
ID: RIB28935
Animal Name:
MAMMA MIA
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
26/10/2023
Race Club:
Winton Harness Racing Club
Race Location:
Winton Racecourse - Racecourse Road, Winton, 9720
Race Number:
R10
Hearing Date:
26/10/2023
Hearing Location:
Winton Racecourse
Outcome: Protest Dismissed
Penalty: N/A
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of Race 10, an Information by way of a protest was instigated by Open Driver, Mr Nathan Williamson alleging interference at the 300m where he sustained a flat tyre.
The Judges placings were.
1st- – 2 MAMMA MIA
2nd – 6 JENNY GUMP
The Official margin is ½ length.
All parties confirmed they understood the Protest Rule.
Mr Munro played all available videos to show at approximately 300m JENNY GUMP’s (N Williamson) wheel being hit by MAMMA MIA (S O’Reilly) which immediately deflated JENNY GUMP’s tyre. Mr Munro then showed at approximately 200m the tyre roll off the rim.
Mr Williamson said its obvious what has happened, and said it was difficult and maybe impossible to assess if it has made a difference. He said he would leave it to the Adjudicative Committee to determine if it had cost him the race.
Ms O’Reilly said Mr Williamson has at no stage stopped driving his horse and that her horse won easily.
Mr Bond said Ms O’Reilly has hardly had to drive MAMMA MIA out to take the win and said JENNY GUMP was never going to get past her.
REASONS FOR DECISION:
The video evidence is clear. The tyre has deflated immediately and then departed from the rim which confirms the alleged interference.
It is not an exact science to determine the effect on a horse dragging a flat tyre up the Winton straight. The Adjudicative Committee considered the margin at the post, the distance JENNY GUMP had to endure its flat tyre and the ease of the win by MAMMA MIA. There is no doubt a flat tyre is a disadvantage, but the Adjudicative Committee cannot be sure, given the balance of probabilities, JENNY GUMP would have beaten MAMMA MIA.
CONCLUSION:
The Protest was dismissed, and stakes and dividends were ordered to be paid in accordance with the Judge’s placings.
Decision Date: 26/10/2023
Publish Date: 30/10/2023