Invercargill HRC 21 September 2010 - R 6 (heard at Ascot Park 1 October 2010)
869(2)(a)
RACEDAY JUDICIAL COMMITTEE DECISION
Informant: Mr C J Allison
Defendant: Mr A L Stratford
Information No: 66899
Meeting: Invercargill Harness
Date: 21 September 2010
Venue: Ascot Park
Race: 6 The Crazed@Woodlands Stud Mobile pace
Rule No: 869 (2)(a)
Judicial Committee: N D Skelt, Chairman – A.G Dennis, Committee Member
Plea: Admitted
Also Present: Mr P T Knowles (Stipendiary Steward)
CHARGES:
This information was adjourned to the Northern Southland Trotting Club Meeting held at Ascot Park Raceway on 1st October 2010. Information 66899 was lodged by Stipendiary Steward Mr C J Allison alleging that horseman A.L Stratford (Second Cut) used his whip excessively over the final stages.
The rule 869 (2) (a) states “that no horseman in any race uses his whip in an unnecessary, excessive or improper manner”.
FACTS:
Stipendiary Steward Mr Allison showed the committee several clips of the alleged incident, highlighting Mr Stratford using his whip twenty two times from the home bend to the winning post.
Mr Stratford admitted the breach.
SUBMISSION(s) ON PENALTY:
Mr Allison stated that in his opinion the breach was at the lower end of the scale. Mr Allison also stated that Mr Stratford has no previous breaches under this rule in the past twelve months.
Mr Stratford said he had driven the horse Second Cut out. “He is a very lazy horse and you have to get him up to keep him going, if he did not the owners would not have got any stake money.”
DECISION:
The committee was satisfied a breach of the rule had occurred. Clearly Mr Stratford had struck his horse more than the accepted guidelines.
The committee in fixing penalty took into account that the breach was at the lower end of the scale and also took into account Mr Stratford’s excellent driving record.
Mr Stratford was fined the sum of $200.00
