Kurow HRC 8 August 2010 - R5

RACEDAY JUDICIAL COMMITTEE DECISION

Informant:  Mr N Escott, stipendiary steward

Defendant:  Mr R Todd, junior driver

Information No: 69280

Meeting:  Kurow Harness Racing Club

Date:  08 August 2010

Venue:  Oamaru Raceway

Race:  5

Rule No: 869(4)

Judicial Committee:  Geoff Hall, Chairman – J Eagles, Committee Member 

Plea:  Admitted

CHARGES: Mr Escott alleged that Mr Todd (SUPER SASSY) drove in a manner which interfered with REACHER (G Shand) with 900 m to run when attempting to shift REACHER down on the track.

Mr Todd indicated that he admitted the breach and did not wish to attend the hearing or to be represented. Mr Escott confirmed these matters orally. We thus find the charge proved.

FACTS: Mr Escott had Mr Renault demonstrate on the videos that when racing towards the rear of the field Mr Todd moved from 4 wide to 3 wide and in so doing squeezed REACHER for room. The consequence was that that horse broke and lost all chance.

SUBMISSIONS AS TO PENALTY: Mr Escott produced Mr Todd’s record, which was clear. He informed the Committee that Mr Todd had had some 175 drives in this time. He submitted a fine of $200 was appropriate.

DECISION: We view the breach as being mid range. Mr Todd’s actions have cost REACHER any chance it had of filling a dividend bearing position. Mr Todd has an excellent record and has admitted the breach at the first opportunity. We believe the matter can be dealt with by way of a fine rather than a suspension and fine Mr Todd the sum of $200.