Winton HRC 30 May 2010 - R 3 (instigating a protest)

RACEDAY JUDICIAL COMMITTEE DECISION

Informant:  Mr C J Allison - Stipendiary Steward

Defendant:  Mr D Dunn – Driver of Aleana

Information No:  14136 (instigating a protest)

Meeting:  Winton Harness Racing Club

Date:  30 May 2010

Venue:  Winton

Race:  3 Harry Cox Memorial Junior Drivers Trot

Rule No:  870 (3) 4A also breaking horse regulations)

Judicial Committee:  N D Skelt, Chairman – A G Dennis, Committee Member 

Plea:  Admitted

Also Present:  Mr H Crackett - Trainer of Aleana

CHARGES:

This was a protest lodged by Stipendiary Steward (Mr C J Allison) alleging that the 3^rd placed horse by the judge (Aleana) broke from its gate in excess of 150m in the home straight.

The judge’s placings were…

1^st Jacca Jack - (5) - (N Williamson)

2^nd Castleton’s Boy - (6) - (M Williamson)

3^rd Aleana -  (3) - (D Dunn)

4^th Somerton Beau - (8) - (R Butt)

5^th Earls Son - (2) - (A Sanderson)

FACTS:

Mr Allison showed the committee several video clips of the alleged incident, highlighting the horse Aleana breaking in excess of 150m in the home straight.

Mr Dunn, the driver of Aleana, and Mr Crackett, the trainer of Aleana, both agreed with Mr Allison’s view and did not dispute the protest.

SUBMISSION(s):

Mr Allison commented to the committee that Aleana in this instance could either be disqualified or relegated with the committee having the ability to use its discretion under the rule.

REASON(s):

We find that Aleana broke free of interference in the home straight in excess of 150m.

DECISION:

The protest was upheld and the 3^rd placed horse Aleana was relegated to 5^th placing.

The judge’s placings now read…

1^st Jacca Jack - (5) - (N Williamson)

2^nd Castleton’s Boy - (6) - (M Williamson)

3^rd Somerton Beau - (8) - (R Butt)

4^th Earls Son - (2) - (A Sanderson)

5^th Aleana - (3) - (D Dunn)

N Skelt                        A Dennis

CHAIR                         Committee Member

14136