Timaru HRC – 26 November 2006 – Race 10

hearingid: 452f5cb5692448a6bb675666ac1df720

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hearing_racingtype: harness-racing

startdate: 26/11/2006

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hearing_title: Timaru HRC - 26 November 2006 - Race 10

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Following the running of race 10 at the Timaru Harness Racing Club meeting on 26^th November 2006 the Stipendiary Stewards lodged an information instigating a charge under Rule 869 (3) (b) against Mr Beecroft alleging that he drove his horse Jilsander carelessly

Following the running of race 10 at the Timaru Harness Racing Club meeting on 26^th November 2006 the Stipendiary Stewards lodged an information instigating a charge under Rule 869 (3) (b) against Mr Beecroft alleging that he drove his horse Jilsander carelessly when allowing it to run into the sulky of the horse in front of him causing his horse to fall.

At the outset of the hearing Mr Beecroft confirmed that he did not admit the breach. In addition to the Stipendiary Stewards and Mr Beecroft, present at the hearing were T Chmiel (Little More Action) and J Gray (Home Call). At the outset of the hearing Mr McIntyre outlined the charge and indicated that he would be calling both Mr Chmiel and Mr Gray to give evidence in relation to the incident in addition to the Stipendiary Stewards.

Mr Chmiel was asked by Mr McIntyre to describe what happened with approximately 100 metres to run in the race. Mr Chmiel said his horse, Little More Action, had come to the end of its run and was struck from behind by one of the horses in the race which he was able to identify from the video evidence as Jilsander. When questioned by Mr McIntyre he said that his horse was not stopping sharply but was racing in tight quarters. Mr Gray, Home Call, said that he was trailing Little More Action on the inside and as a result of the incident his horse lost its chance in the race.

Mr Ydren, Stipendiary Steward, with the assistance of the video evidence demonstrated the incident to the Committee. He asked the Committee to particularly note that Jilsander was finishing on, struck the wheel of Little More Action and went straight down. He also asked the Committee to note that Mr Beecroft was at the time driving his horse out. With the assistance of the side video he again demonstrated the incident which clearly showed the cart of Little More Action being hit by the legs of Jilsander.

Mr Beecroft in his evidence said that the field was racing quite tight at the time and he noted that there was a gap on the outside of Mr Chmiel's horse. He tried to go into that gap and as a result struck the wheel of the cart of Little More Action and his horse fell.

Mr McIntyre, in rebuttal, said that Mr Beecroft was not entitled to make the move he did unless there was a full run for him, he doubted that there was ever a gap for Mr Beecroft to take his horse through but that the movement must be done with safety.

The Committee, after giving consideration to the evidence of the Stipendiary Stewards, Mr Chmiel and Mr Gray, is of the view that their evidence correctly states the position and finds as a matter of fact that Mr Beecroft attempted to move his horse into a position when he could not safely do so. Mr Beecroft's explanation of the event is not accepted.

With regard to penalty Mr McIntyre indicated that Mr Beecroft had a clear record over the last 12 months and this was confirmed by the Defendant. Mr McIntyre said, however, the Committee should take into account the fact that his horse lost all chance and also the chance of another runner was affected. The Stipendiary Stewards were seeking a fine of in the vicinity of $200 - $250 or a 2 to 3 day suspension.

Mr Beecroft, when asked by the Committee as to his preference, indicated that he preferred a suspension. Mr Beecroft was asked as to the days he would be driving and indicated that he was down to drive horses at the Geraldine meeting on 2^nd December 2006 and the Banks Peninsula meeting on Sunday 3^rd December 2006. He also intimated that there may be the possibility of having a drive at Forbury Park on 30^th November 2006 but could not confirm that that would be the case.

The Committee after giving consideration to the submissions of both parties suspends Mr Beecroft's horseman's licence from the completion of racing today, 26^th November 2006, until the completion of racing on 3^rd December 2006 (an effective 2 day suspension.

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B Coombes

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hearing_type: Old Hearing

Rules: 869.3.b

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