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24 Sep 2011
Auckland-Rc -
R 4
Auckland RC 24 September 2011 - R 4
Created on 26 September 2011
Committee:
RSeabrook (chair)ADooley
Name(s):
Mr M CameronInformant
Mr C GeorgeInformation Number
5642Plea:
AdmittedCharge:
Miscoduct Charge
Evidence:
Following race 4 an information was filed pursuant to rule number 340. The informant Mr C George alleged that Mr M Cameron misconducted himself by weighing out for his mount ITS A MESSAGE in an unapproved vest.
Submission For Decision:
Mr George told the committee that the stewards had been instructed to carry out random checks on approved vests. In doing this they discovered Mr Cameron had weighed out in what is known as a cheata vest. Mr George said these vests are a quarter of a kilo lighter than approved vests.
Mr Cameron submitted that he struggled to ride at 54 kgs and in answer to a question admitted he had worn this cheata vest to gain a weight advantage. He did say he would not have ridden in this lighter vest in the race itself.
Decision:
As the breach was admitted we find the charge proved.
Submission For Penalty:
Mr George submitted that this was a significant breach of the rules as Mr Cameron had deceived the stewards in trying to gain a weight advantage. He said this was clearly a case of cheating which differed greatly from body vest modifications. Mr George said riders had plenty of warning regarding the compliance of body vests. He submitted a fine of $1000 to $1500 would be appropriate.
Mr Cameron agreed with all Mr George had said and totally understood his reasoning.
Reasons For Penalty:
The committee took time in deliberating before imposing an appropriate penalty. Mitigating factors in this case are Mr Cameron's admission of the breach and this was his first misconduct charge. He was totally honest and co-operative with the the stewards at all times. However by Mr Cameron's own admission he changed the vest to gain a weight advantage. This was a blatant act of deceipt which is of most concern to the stewards and committee. As explained to Mr Cameron the rule regarding vests is there for a reason and that is one of safety in the interests of all riders. In this case although Mr Cameron said he would not have ridden in the cheata vest, if he had done so he may well have put his own safety at risk.
Penalty:
After taking all the above facts into account we impose a fine of $1000. This penalty serves as a warning to all riders that cheating will not be tolerated.
