Avondale JC - 11 June 2010 - R 7

RACEDAY JUDICIAL COMMITTEE DECISION

Informant:  Mr M Williamson Stipendiary Steward

Defendant:  L Winters

Information No:  7654

Meeting:  Avondale Jockey Club

Date:  11 June 2010

Venue:  Avondale

Race: 7

Rule No:  614 (2)

Judicial Committee:  Jeff Holloway, Chairman – Brian Tims, Committee Member 

Plea:  Admitted

CHARGES:

Trainer Mr LWinters was charged with a breach of rule 614(2) in that he omitted a lead bag when saddling the horse LAZZARONI prior to race 7.

Mr Winters admitted the breach and appeared for the hearing.

FACTS:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Williamson told the committee that prior to race 7 Mr Winters saddled Lazzaroni which was detected by Stipendiary Steward Mr Robinson during inspection to have the lead bag missing. Mr Robinson subsequently found the lead bag where Mr Winter had saddled the horse.  Prior to the race the lead bag was replaced and the horse raced at its correct weight starting as $4.40 favourite.

At a recent meeting when a horse weighed light at Paeroa the horse was disqualified and although this incident had been rectified by replacing the lead bag the potential ramifications were serious.

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY:

Mr Williamson said there had been several instances of similar breaches in recent times which had been all handled by way of fine - the standard fine being $500.  Mr Winters has no previous breaches of any nature.

Mr Winters considered the fine was appropriate in the circumstances.

REASONS:

In arriving at the penalty the committee took into account the circumstances of the breach including the potential for disqualification of Lazzaroni, JCA penalty guidelines and Mr Winter’s previous good record.

PENALTY:

Mr Winters is fined $500.

Jeff Holloway                         Brian Tims

Chairman                               Committee Member

7654