NZ Metro TC - 3 April 2010 - R 11
869(4)
RACEDAY JUDICIAL COMMITTEE DECISION
Information No: 68065
Meeting: New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club
Date: 3 April 2010
Venue: Addington Raceway
Race No. 11: “Art Official” At Stallion Station Mobile Pace
Rule: 869(4)
Judicial Committee: Chairman, J. M. Phelan – Committee, P J Rosanowski
Plea: Admitted
Appearing: Informant: Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr N. R. Escott
Defendant: Mr D. J. Dunn – Junior Horseman
(assisted by Mr B. N. Orange)
DECISION AND REASONS:
Following the running of Race 11, the “Art Official” At Stallion Station Mobile Pace, an information was filed by Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr N. R. Escott, against Mr D. J. Dunn the driver of “Rebel Skipper” (12) alleging that Mr Dunn had committed a breach of Rule 869(4) in that with approximately 550 metres to run he had shifted outwards onto “Me’s Cullen” causing significant interference.
Mr Dunn was assisted at this hearing by Open Horseman Mr B. N. Orange. Mr Orange had driven “Three Sugars” (3) in this race, but it was established that he had not seen what had happened during this incident.
Mr Dunn had indicated on the information that he admitted this breach of
the Rules and he confirmed this at the hearing. Mr Dunn also agreed that he understood the charge and the Rule it was brought under.
Mr J. F. Curtin gave evidence that he drove “Me’s Cullen” (14) in this race. At about the 550 metre mark he had moved his horse outwards and at the same time Mr Dunn had moved outwards underneath him taking his horse’s legs.
Mr Escott used video coverage to illustrate this incident.
In explanation Mr Dunn said that when he was moving out his horse over-reacted and moved out sharply. He also said that his horse had its tongue over the bit at the time, and that it was hard to control.
Penalty:
In relation to penalty Mr Escott advised that Mr Dunn had no previous relevant convictions and was a very busy driver. He recommended a fine of $200-00.
Mr Dunn said that he thought the fine recommended was fair.
We were satisfied that the recommended fine was appropriate and accordingly Mr Dunn was fined the sum of $200-00.
J. M. Phelan P. J. Rosanowski
CHAIR Committee Member
68065
