Thames HRC - 2 July 2010 - R 3
869(3)(b)
RACEDAY JUDICIAL COMMITTEE DECISION
Informant: Mr T Taumanu Stipendiary Steward
Defendant: Mr P Hilliard
Information: 68640
Meeting: Thames Harness Racing Club
Date: 2nd July 2010
Venue: Alexandra Park Raceway
Race: 3
Rule No: 869(3)(b)
Judicial Committee: B Rowe, Chairman – G Jones, Committee Member
Plea: Admitted
Also Present: Mr D Butcher Senior Horseman
CHARGE(S):
Drove MIGHTY CREATION carelessly striking the sulky wheel of HELLUVA TIME causing MIGHTY CREATION to break with resultant checks to FAST E NUFF, MAGNUM OPUS and ROMAN CENTURION with about 550m to run.
FACTS:
Mr Taumanu showed and interpreted the video film of the incident. MIGHTY CREATION was following HELLUVA TIME which was hanging and ran outwards. Mr Taumanu said Mr Hilliard should have kept his horse a little bit further behind HELLUVA TIME. MIGHTY CREATION struck the sulky wheel of HELLUVA TIME and broke and caused interference to the other horses.
Mr Hilliard said his horse was racing a bit keenly.
Mr Butcher said MIGHTY CREATION was over racing and it was an error of judgement by Mr Hilliard.
SUBMISSION(S) ON PENALTY:
Mr Taumanu said Mr Hilliard had no breaches of the rules against him in the last 12 months and that the offending was at the lower end of the scale. He submitted that a fine of $200.00 - $250.00 or a suspension of two days was appropriate.
Mr Hilliard said he would prefer a suspension.
REASON(S):
In fixing penalty the committee takes into account the admission of the breach, the submissions of Mr Taumanu and Mr Hilliard, the recommended starting point for penalty which is a fine of $400.00 and or two weeks suspension, the clear driving record of Mr Hilliard and agrees the offending is at the lower end of the scale.
PENALTY:
Balancing the above matters, but with emphasis on the driving record and the offending being at the lower end of the scale Mr Hilliard’s horseman’s licence is suspended for two days commencing at the end of racing today and concluding at the end of racing on the 15th July 2010.
B. Rowe G. Jones
Chairman Committee Member
68640
