Auckland TC – 15 December 2006 –

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hearing_racingtype: harness-racing

startdate: 15/12/2006

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hearing_title: Auckland TC - 15 December 2006 -

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An Information was lodged by Stipendiary Steward Mr JM Muirhead against Trainer Mr GC Small in that Mr Small was late presenting Victory Spirit in the Parade Ring ten minutes prior to start time

An Information was lodged by Stipendiary Steward Mr JM Muirhead against Trainer Mr GC Small in that Mr Small was late presenting Victory Spirit in the Parade Ring ten minutes prior to start time and further that he was late presenting Alpine Dream into the Parade Ring and onto the track in that Alpine Dream went onto the track with nine minutes to start time.

Mr Small admitted the breaches of the Rule and was present at the Hearing. Mr Muirhead stated that he was in the Parade Ring prior to Race 1 and noticed that three horses were late into the Parade Ring and on to the track two of which were Mr Small's horses. Victory Spirit came into the Parade Ring with ten minutes before start time and Alpine Dream went on to the track nine minutes before start time.

Mr Muirhead recommended a fine of between $250.00 and $500.00 and suggested that this should be at the upper end of the scale.

Mr Small in reply said that when he was leaving home that two Trainers had telephoned in to say that there was an accident on the motorway between Drury and the Papakura turn off and accordingly Mr Small took an alternative route along Kingseat Road and out through Karaka. When questioned Mr Small could not remember the two Trainers who rang up and thought that one might have been Adrienne Matthews but said that one of his stablehands had taken the call.

Mr Small said that the alternative route added 10 to 15 minutes to his journey and he arrived at the course 10 to 15 minutes late.

Mr Small also said that two fillies had been playing up in the truck and he thought that they had injured themselves and he had had to stop to check them. (It was noted by the Committee that both fillies raced at this meeting).

Mr Small acknowledged that he was at the course 45-50 minutes before the first race and he said that two horses had already arrived and there were five on his truck and that two stable assistants and himself had to unload the horses and the gear and then gear up the two horses to start in Race 1. Mr Small said that he did not have enough time to do all that.

It was noted that Mr Small had not advised the Club, the Stipendiary Stewards or the Parade Ring Steward that he had arrived late on course and that he might be delayed in having his horses enter the Parade Ring prior to Race 1.

Mr Muirhead also noted that Mr DJ Butcher the Driver of Alpine Dream appeared to be ready in plenty of time but does not appear to have gone to help Mr Small to get the two horses or at the very least Alpine Dream ready for Race 1.

In considering this matter the Committee took into account the following:

A. Mr Small admitted his responsibility by admitting the charges.

B. Mr Small stated that two Trainers had telephoned to advise of problems on the motorway but when questioned was not really sure who they were but thought that one might have been Miss Matthews.

C. Mr Small's suggestion that the alternative route would add 10-15 minutes to his journey was not accepted by the Committee. Both members of this Committee are familiar with the area concerned.

D. Mr Small stated that he had to stop because two fillies were playing up and they possibly had injuries but both raced at this meeting.

E. Mr Small acknowledged being at the track 45-50 minutes before race start time and although there were seven horses and gear to unload there were three people to do this. Mr Small acknowledged that although Mr DJ Butcher was at the course he did not help with having at least Alpine Dream ready and into the Parade Ring on time and the Committee believes that if Mr Small was running against time then he should have called upon Mr Butcher for assistance.

F. Mr Small did not notify delays or time difficulties to either the Club, the Stipendiary Stewards or the Parade Ring Steward.

G. The Committee has some difficulty in believing everything presented by Mr Small at this Hearing.

H. Mr Small does not have a good record in this area and he has been dealt with on three occasions during 2006 for the same charge. It is disappointing that this Committee has to deal with Mr Small again.

In considering this matter the Committee notes that the rules are there for a purpose, that Trainers have a responsibility to have their horses not only in the Parade Ring but also on the track on time and accordingly this Committee imposes a fine of $375.00 on Mr Small.

BJ Scott

Chairman

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