Forbury Park TC – 1 October 2004 – Race 9

Mr C Allison, assistant stipendiary steward, has alleged that Mr Holmes, trainer, presented STRADDLE in the birdcage with an incorrect official number. Mr Robertson indicated he appeared on behalf of Mr Holmes and stated that he did not admit the charge. As the hearing proceeded it became evident that Mr Holmes had left the course some time prior to the race and had left the horse in the care of Mr Robertson who is a licensed trainer. At the suggestion of the Committee Mr Allison sought and was granted leave to amend the charge to one alleging that Mr Robertson, who was in charge of the horse at the relevant time, had presented the horse. Mr Robertson re-asserted he did not admit the breach.

Mr Allison stated that STRADDLE was number 3 and appeared in the birdcage with saddlecloth 6 which was the number of a scratched horse. Mr Robertson said he did not have a copy of the race book and, not knowing STRADDLE?S number, simply asked the boy who was distributing the saddlecloths for the number for Mr Holmes' horse, STRADDLE. He was clearly given the wrong number. Mr Birch who was assisting with the horse confirmed this fact but it was evident that he had not himself witnessed the exchange between Mr Robertson and the boy with the saddlecloths.

The onus under the Rules is on Mr Robertson to ensure that he affixes the correct saddlecloth. This he did not do. I thus find the charge proved. Mr Allison has asked for a fine of $100. In these rather unusual circumstances I propose to halve this amount. Mr Robertson is fined the sum of $50 and reminded of his obligations under the Rules of Harness Racing.