Winton HRC 26 October 2023 – R8 – Sarah O’Reilly
ID: RIB28934
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: Proved
Penalty: Junior Driver, Sarah O'Reilly fined $300
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of the Race 10, Stipendiary Steward, Mr V Munro presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(3)(b) by Junior Driver, Ms Sarah O’Reilly.
Ms O’Reilly stated she was conversant with the Rule, the Charge and confirmed she admitted the breach. Ms O’Reilly was supported by Open Horseman Mr Lyndon Bond.
Mr Munro played the video of the last 300m of the Race and identified Ms O’Reilly (MAMMA MIA) racing in the 1×1 position following JENNY GUMP (N Williamson). He pointed to Ms O’Reilly shift her horse out from her trail and strike JENNY GUMP’S offside wheel which deflated. Mr Munro let the video play on to show at approximately 200m where the tyre rolled off the rim.
Ms O’Reilly said her horse was hard on the bit and it was a difficult manoeuvre to extract her horse from behind JENNY GUMP.
DECISION:
The Respondent having admitted the breach the charge was deemed to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Munro said Ms O’Reilly was spoken to in relation to the Rule on 15 September 2023. He said the starting point for a first breach is a $300 fine which the Stewards were seeking.
Ms O’Reilly said she thought she was entitled to a $50 reduction of the fine because of her Junior Driver status.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The Penalty Guide provides a $300 fine starting point for a first breach of the Rule.
This breach instigated a protest being lodged and any discount which may be given under normal conditions don’t apply here. The Adjudicative Committee considers $300 is appropriate.
CONCLUSION:
Junior Driver, Ms Sarah O’Reilly is fined $300.
Decision Date: 26/10/2023
Publish Date: 30/10/2023