Wyndham HRC 8 September 2022 – R1 – JOHNNY WALKER

Summary of Facts:

Following the running of Race 1, Stipendiary Steward Shane Renault instigated a protest into the 4th placed runner JOHNNY WALKER alleging a breach of Rule 870(3) namely that JOHNNY WALKER broke in excess of 50 metres in the final 200 metres of the race.

Rule 870(3) provides: any horse which breaks from its gait shall promptly regain its proper gait. The breaking horse regulation provides any horse which breaks from its gait within the final 200 metres of any race and continues on in the break for a distance of 50 metres or greater shall be deemed to be in breach of rule 870(3) in that it has failed to promptly regain its proper gait.

The Respondent Mr Simpson (the Trainer of JOHNNY WALKER, was present at the hearing and indicated that he did not contest the protest.

The provisional placings are:

1st – Streaming Live (5) B. Williamson

2nd – Groovy L’Amour (1) B. Orange

3rd – Andover The Keys (8) N. Williamson

4th – Johnny Walker (9) M. Williamson

Submissions for Decision:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Renault asked Stipendiary Steward Miss Haley to highlight the incident using the video clips. Mr Renault stated that JOHNNY WALKER had broken from approximately the top of the straight for about 90 metres and was in breach of the Rule.

Reason for Decision:

On reviewing the race films, it is very apparent that JOHNNY WALKER has broken for at least 90 metres over the concluding stages of the race.

Decision:

The protest is upheld and JOHNNY WALKER is disqualified from the race.

The amended placings are:

1st – Streaming Live

2nd – Groovy L’Amour

3rd – Andover The Keys

4th – George The First (7) T. Larsen

In accordance with this decision, the payment of dividends is authorised.