Auckland TC – 31 March 2006 – Race 4

hearingid: 240455e656fbcf92774e569febfe3d37

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hearing_racingtype: harness-racing

startdate: 31/03/2006

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decisiondate: no date provided

hearing_title: Auckland TC - 31 March 2006 - Race 4

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This is a protest by the connections of REALITY CHECK (J Stormont) placed third by the Judge against BELLETTI (P Jeffries) placed second alleging interference in the run to the finish of Race 4.

This is a protest by the connections of REALITY CHECK (J Stormont) placed third by the Judge against BELLETTI (P Jeffries) placed second alleging interference in the run to the finish of Race 4.

The connections of both horses were represented and an undertaking to pay the protest deposit of $100 was obtained from the connections of REALITY CHECK.

The incident was demonstrated on video by Stipendiary Steward J Muirhead who identified the runners as they turned into the straight. BELLETTI was in the lead with REALITY CHECK trailing awaiting the passing lane. There was a slight inward movement by BELLETTI, which was immediately corrected by Mr Jeffries. Mr Stomont confirmed that he had been held up briefly by the inward movement. Mr Jeffries confirmed that he took immediate corrective action and doubted whether there had been any adverse effect for REALITY CHECK. This was confirmed by Mr McCaffrey, the trainer of BELLETTI.

Mrs Small stated that she was sure there had been interference to REALITY CHECK.

Mr Muirhead informed the Committee that although there was no doubt of the inward movement it was quickly corrected and the gap appeared to be present for REALITY CHECK to finish in a better place throughout the run to the finish. Given the margin of half a length at the finish he believed it was doubtful that the chances of REALITY CHECK had been affected.

The Committee has considered all the evidence and the videos. It is satisfied there was an inward movement by BELLETTI, which caused REALITY CHECK to be held up, as it was commencing to run on the inside. After that it was clear that it made up lost ground on BELLETTI to get within a neck of it in the run home but weakened just short of the post to be half a length at the finish. In those circumstances the Committee is satisfied that its chances of a better placing have not been affected by the interference at the top of the straight and on that basis the protest is dismissed and the Judge's placings will stand.

As interference has been established, although not warranting a change in the placings, the deposit will not be forfeited.

E Doherty

Chairman

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hearing_type: Old Hearing

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raceid: 529a1d86afeeff79877992140a4cd7dd

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race_title: Race 4

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meetdate: 31/03/2006

meet_title: Auckland TC - 31 March 2006

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tracklocation: auckland-tc

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name: Auckland TC