Invercargill HRC - 1 August 2010 - R 5 (instigating a protest)

RACEDAY JUDICIAL COMMITTEE DECISION

Informant:  Mr C. J. Allison (Stipendiary Steward)

Defendant:  Mr A. F. H. Hunter (Licensed Trainer/Horseman Demon Darb)

Information No:  13720 (Instigating a protest)

Meeting:  Invercargill Harness Racing Club

Date:  1 August 2010

Venue:  Invercargill

Race:  5. - Level one restaurant and bar discretionary trot.

Rule No:  870(3) 870(4)(A) Breaking Horse regulation.

Judicial Committee:  N. D Skelt Chairman, - A.G. Dennis, Committee Member

Plea:  Admitted

CHARGES:

This was a protest by Mr C.J. Allison (Stipendiary Steward) against horse number 10 Demon Darb placed 5^th by the judge on the grounds that with approximately 175 meters to run , Demon Darb (A.F.H. Hunter) broke and failed to regain its gait.

FACTS:

The Judges placings were as follows:

1^st Sun Crusher  - (12) B. McLellan

2^nd Mexican Invasion - (7) B. Norman

3^rd Jaccka Hello - (11) J. Cox

4^th Avalon Sunset - (9) N. Williamson

5^th Demon Darb - (10) A. F. H. Hunter

Mr Allison showed a video clip of the alleged incident, highlighting Demon Darb breaking in the run home to the winning post from the 175 meter mark.

Mr Hunter the trainer/driver of Demon Darb agreed with Mr Allison’s comments and did not contest the protest.

SUBMISSION(s):

There were no submissions.

REASON(s):

The committee was satisfied that Demon Darb had broke free of interference from the 175 meter mark to the winning post, contravening the breaking horse regulations , and rules 870 (3) and 870 (4)

DECISION:

The protest is upheld. Demon Darb is disqualified from fifth placing . The Judges placings now read:

1^st Sun Crusher - (12) B. McLellan

2^nd Mexican Invasion - (7) B. Norman

3^rd Jaccka Hello - (11) J. Cox

4^th Avalon Sunset - (9) N. Williamson

5^th Somerton Beau - (14) A. Beck