Northern Southland TC - 1 October 2010 - R 5
869(4)
RACEDAY JUDICIAL COMMITTEE DECISION
Informant: Mr P T Knowles
Defendant: Mr A Armour
Information No: 67446
Meeting: Northern Southland Trotting Club
Date: 1 October 2010
Venue: Ascot Park
Race: 5 - Advance Agriculture
Rule No: 869 (4)
Judicial Committee: N.D Skelt Chairman - A G Dennis Committee Member
Plea: Admitted
Also Present: Mr C J Allison (Stipendiary Steward)
CHARGES:
An information (67446) was lodged by stipendiary steward Mr P T Knowles, under rule 869 (4) alleging that horseman A. Armour (Pele) allowed his horse to drift outwards causing interference to Von Regal (J Cox) with approximately 20 meters to run.
The rule reads: “no horseman shall during any race do anything which interferes or is likely to interfere with his own horse or any other or its progress”.
FACTS:
Stipendiary Steward Mr Allison showed the committee several video clips of the alleged incident highlighting the outwards movement of Pele. Mr Allison alleged that Mr Armour did not take any corrective action.
Mr Armour admitted the breach stating that his horse has always been difficult to drive and had several gear changes.
SUBMISSION(s) ON PENALTY:
Mr Knowles stated that in his opinion the breach was at the lower end of the scale. Mr Knowles also stated that Mr Armour had no previous breaches under this rule in the past twelve months Mr Knowles believed a fine would be an appropriate penalty.
Mr Armour asked the committee to take into account his early admittance of the breach and the horse’s wayward racing manners.
DECISION:
The committee was satisfied a breach of the rule had occurred. Clearly Mr Armour had moved his horse Pele outwards when not sufficiently clear.
In assessing penalty consideration was given to Mr Armour’s early admittance of the breach and that he has no previous breaches under this rule in the past twelve months.
The committee in fixing penalty also deemed the breach to be at the lower end of the scale.
Mr Armour was fined the sum of $250.00
