Invercargill HRC - 1 May 2010 - R 8

RACEDAY JUDICIAL COMMITTEE DECISION

Informant:  Mr C J Allison

Defendant:  Mr G J Thomas

Information No:  66895

Meeting:  Invercargill Harness Racing Club

Date:  1 May 2010

Venue:  Ascot Park

Race:  8

Rule No:  869 (2) (a)

Judicial Committee:  N Skelt, Chairman – A Dennis, Committee Member 

Plea:  Admitted

CHARGE:

At the conclusion of Race 8, The Henderson Construction Ltd Mobile Pace, an Information (66895) was lodged by Stipendiary Steward Mr C J Allison alleging under Rule 869(2)(A) that Horseman G J Thomas driving BEST KNIGHT EVA used his whip excessively.

FACTS:

Mr Thomas admitted the breach and did not wish to be present at the hearing.

SUBMISSION(s):

Mr Allison showed the Committee several video clips of the incident, highlighting the point that Mr Thomas struck BEST KNIGHT EVA twenty one times from the 500 metre point to the winning post.

REASON(s):

It was noted that the horse BEST KNIGHT EVA raced clear of the field throughout the race and only got run down into second place by a very narrow margin at the winning post.

SUBMISSION(s) ON PENALTY:

Mr Allison stated that Mr Thomas had no previous breaches under this Rule in the past twelve months of driving.

DECISION:

The Committee was satisfied that there had been a clear breach of the Rule, and the charge was upheld.

Mr Thomas was find the sum of $200.00

N Skelt                        A Dennis

CHAIR                         Committee Member

66895