Forbury Park TC - 24 June 2010 - R 8
869(3)(b)
RACEDAY JUDICIAL COMMITTEE DECISION
Informant: Mrs K R Williams Stipendiary Steward
Defendant: S P Walkinshaw
Information No: 68808
Meeting: Forbury Park Trotting Club
Date: 24 June 2010
Venue: Forbury Park
Race: 8
Rule No: 869 (3) (b)
Judicial Committee: N D Skelt, Chairman - J L Eagles Committee Member
Plea: Not Admitted
CHARGES:
Mr S P Walkinshaw the driver of Fiery Rascal was charged under rule 896 (3) (b) alleging that he drove carelessly striking the legs of Bramley Town (Driver T Williamson) in the run home. Mr Walkinshaw did not admit the breach and was present at the hearing.
FACTS:
Mrs Williams showed the committee several video clips of the alleged incident highlighting Fiery Rascal driven by Mr Walkinshaw weaving his way through several horses eventually moving inwards onto Bramley Town (T Williamson) in the home straight causing this horse to break and lose its chance. Mrs Williams said that Mr Williamson had stated that it did not affect his horses chances, however, Mrs Williams also said each horse also had the right to stand up in a race and not be knocked over.
Mr Walkinshaw stated if he hadn’t gone down and moved inward onto Bramley Town then he would have hit the wheel of the horse in front of him so in his opinion he had no option. On viewing the video clip Mr Walkinshaw agreed that interference had taken place.
DECISION:
The committee was satisfied that a breach of the rule had occurred and the charge was upheld. Clearly the video evidence was extremely compelling highlighting Fiery Rascal moving inwards and knocking Bramley Town down and out of contention.
SUBMISSION(s) ON PENALTY:
Mrs Williams stated that Mr Walkinshaw had no previous breaches of this rule in the past twelve months. Mrs Williams also stated that the incident could have been far more serious if the horse Bramley Town had fallen. Mrs Williams recommended to the committee a fine of the sum of $250 be imposed.
PENALTY:
The committee fined Mr Walkinshaw the sum of $250 and reminded him of his professional obligations under this rule.
N D Skelt J L Eagles
Chairman Committee Member
68808
