Wyndham HRC 12 November 2023 – R4 – Jeremy Douglas

Miss Haley alleged that Mr Douglas shifted ground abruptly nearing the 500 metres, checking an outside runner (CAPTAIN MEISTER), which broke as a consequence.

Miss Haley demonstrated on the videos that Mr Douglas who was racing 3 back on the pylons, shifted outwards checking CAPTAIN MEISTER (Ms Green), which then broke from its gait. She noted that while Ms Green was inconvenienced, she did not lose all chance.

Mr Douglas said while he admitted the breach, he believed Ms Green had had time to steer her horse outwards and it had not responded. However, he accepted he had shifted too quickly and there was contact with his sulky wheel to a leg of CAPTAIN MEISTER. He said Mr McIlwrick had gone under him and he could not shift back.

Decision

As Mr Douglas has admitted the breach, it is found proved.

Penalty Submissions

Miss Haley produced the Respondent’s record which showed no breaches of the Careless Driving Rule. He had 52 drives last season and has had 27 this. Miss Haley said there was contact and she submitted a penalty at the starting point of 2 days in the updated RIB Penalty Guide was appropriate .

Mr Douglas stated he believed the breach was low range and asked for any suspension to commence immediately.

Reasons for Penalty

The breach is at the lower end of mid-range. There has been contact with a leg of CAPTAIN MEISTER. That horse paced roughly and lost ground before settling again at the rear of the field. Ms Green eventually got to the outside of the track and the horse ran on quite well for 8th.

Mr Douglas has admitted the breach and has a very good record. The starting point for a low or mid-range careless driving breach is a 2-day suspension. This is the appropriate penalty in this instance.

Conclusion

Mr Douglas is suspended from the conclusion of racing today, 12 November, up to and including 19 November 2023 (2 days).