Wyndham HRC 30 March 2025 – R2 – Robbie Close
ID: RIB53279
Animal Name:
Fernz Goldy
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
30/03/2025
Race Club:
Wyndham Harness Racing Club
Race Location:
Wyndham Racecourse - Alma St, Wyndham, 9892
Race Number:
R2
Hearing Date:
30/03/2025
Hearing Location:
Wyndham
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Robbie Close is fined $350
Mr McIntyre alleged that the Respondent, Mr Close, breached r 869(3)(b) in Race 2 in that when driving FERNZ GOLDY, he drove carelessly near the 100 metres when shifting out and not clear of an outside runner.
Mr Munro showed the video footage of the incident from just before the final 100 metres. There were a number of Drivers outside Mr Close, to his immediate outside was Mr Anderson driving SODOYAHAVTIME and outside of him was Mr Larsen driving WARD LAMON. As Mr Close moved outwards to improve his position, his sulky wheel contacted the front leg of SODOYAHAVTIME. This caused Mr Anderson to move out and his sulky wheel hit the front leg of WARD LAMON.
Mr McIntyre said it was a misjudgement by Mr Close. Mr Close shifted outwards and came into the face of Mr Anderson, who as a result, touched the leg of Mr Larsen.
FERNZ GOLDY was improving throughout and went on to finish 2nd. Both of the affected horses were towards the rear of the field and were running on only fairly at the time of the interference. They finished out of the placings.
Mr Close admitted the breach. He offered no excuse or minimisation, only to say that with the way his horse was improving, he found himself in a position where he was perhaps going to have an issue if he had gone inside Mr Barclay who was racing in front of him, rather than out. He accepted he was not clear at the time he moved out.
Decision
The charge is admitted by the Respondent and is found to be proved.
Submissions for Penalty
Mr McIntyre produced the Respondent’s record, which is clear with the reset after 200 drives. He has had 252 drives since his previous breach. Mr McIntyre submitted the breach was mid to low range and that a fine of $400 was appropriate. Mr Close submitted a fine of $300 was sufficient.
Reasons for Penalty
The Penalty Guide establishes a starting point of a $300 fine or 2-day suspension for a low-level breach of this Rule and a $500 fine or a 2 day suspension for a mid-level breach. The Adjudicative Committee agrees with the Stipendiary Stewards that the breach is a little above low range. The aggravating feature is that two horses were impacted by Mr Close’s carelessness. A mitigating factor is Mr Close’s ready admission of the breach.
Conclusion
Mr Close is fined the sum of $350.
Decision Date: 30/03/2025
Publish Date: 02/04/2025