Wyndham HRC 8 September 2022 – R2 – Brad Williamson

ID: RIB10996

Respondent(s):
Brad Williamson - Driver

Applicant:
Mr Shane Renault - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr N Skelt

Persons Present:
Mr Renault - Stipendiary Steward, Miss R Haley - Stipendiary Steward, Mr N McIntyre - Stipendiary Steward, Mr B Williamson - Driver

Information Number:
A16537

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Driving

Rule(s):
869(3)(b) - Riding/driving infringement - Careless driving

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Sherwood Maggie

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
08/09/2022

Race Club:
Wyndham Harness Racing Club

Race Location:
Wyndham Racecourse - Alma St, Wyndham, 9892

Race Number:
R2

Hearing Date:
08/09/2022

Hearing Location:
Wyndham Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver Brad Williamson was fined the sum of $250

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 2, Stipendiary Steward, Mr Shane Renault filed Information A16537 alleging that the Respondent Mr Brad Williamson drove SHERWOOD MAGGIE carelessly.

The Respondent Mr Williamson admitted the breach and confirmed he understood the Rule and the nature of the charge.

Rule 869 provides:

(3)(b) No driver in any race shall drive carelessly.

EVIDENCE:

Mr Renault asked Stipendiary Steward Miss Haley to highlight the horses involved in the incident in the early stages of the run home.

Mr Renault stated that Mr Williamson has moved his horse SHERWOOD MAGGIE after leaving the final bend into a gap inside NORDY STAR (Miss Sarah O’Riley), who was leading. Mr Williamson, in his attempt of running inside NORDY STAR, has struck a wheel and momentarily lost its gait before settling and finishing second in the race.

Mr Williamson agreed with Mr Renault’s summation of the events although he did believe NORDY STAR was tiring badly at the time, and he had simply made an error of judgement.

DECISION:

The charge is admitted by the Respondent Mr Williamson and is therefore deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Renault said that Mr Williamson had a clear record under the Rule and has had 3961 life time drives, 380 last season and 195 this season. Mr Renault said he believed the breach was at the low level and that the Stewards were seeking a fine of $300 as prescribed by the Penalty Guide for a breach at this level. Mr Renault added that some recent penalties had been reduced to $250 with credit given for admitting the breach and the level of carelessness.

Mr Williamson repeated that he had simply made an error of judgement.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The Adjudicative Committee, after considering all of the evidence and viewing the video clips, assessed the breach as low level. Mr Williamson’s horse SHERWOOD MAGGIE was affected momentarily and NORDY STAR had run its race. There is no doubt that Mr Williamson has struck the wheel of NORDY STAR.

Mr Williamson’s early admittance of the breach and outstanding driving record, allowed the Respondent to receive some discount from the $300 starting point from the Penalty Guide where a $250 fine is now deemed appropriate.

CONCLUSION:

The Respondent Mr Williamson was fined the sum of $250.

Decision Date: 08/09/2022

Publish Date: 12/09/2022