Rangiora HRC – 23 September 2005 – Race 9

Following the running of Race 9, Bahco Tools (NZ) Ltd Mobile Pace, an information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mrs K R Williams, against Licensed Open Horseman, Mr C T (Todd) Woodward alleging that Mr Woodward, as the driver of CHARMER DIRECT in the race, drove in a manner causing interference when shifting ground and not being sufficiently clear of IRAK ATTACK (M P Jones) causing that gelding to break and lose all chance over the final stages.

Mr Woodward had indicated on the information form that he admitted the breach of the Rule and he confirmed this at the outset of the hearing. Accordingly, the charge was found proved.

Mrs Williams asked for a fine of $200 based on Mr Woodwar?d's guilty plea and his clear record over the past 12 months.

Mrs Williams stated that the Stipendiary Stewards had considered a protest against 4^th placing being awarded to CHARMER DIRECT but had decided not to proceed after Mr Jones had indicated that his chances had not been affected.

Mr N Ydgren, Trainee Stipendiary Steward, showed the incident on a video replay of the final stages of the race. He pointed out Mr Jones with Mr Woodward on his inside. There was always a gap between Mr Jones and POCKET GAME (K M Barron) on his outside. Mr Woodward had come from behind Mr Jones. Mr Woodward shifted out and struck the wheel of IRAK ATTACK and tightened that horse for room. IRAK ATTACK broke as a result. All of the pressure had come from Mr Woodward on the inside of IRAK ATTACK.

Mr Woodward submitted that Mr Jones had "drifted in" down the home straight and "made things worse" and had not indicated that he was being tightened. Mr Woodward admitted that he had come out and hit IRAK ATTACK's sulky wheel and "brushed onto" its back leg. Mr Woodward submitted that the degree of interference was minimal.

Mrs Williams disputed that Mr Jones had drifted in but rather had kept a straight line ? he had been 3-wide turning for home and, at the point of the interference, there were still at least 3 horses inside him. The 2^nd placed runner, CAMSPLACE WASZA (A M Butt), had moved out ? to ? of a cart at the same time giving the impression that Mr Jones had run in. Mrs Williams also pointed out that the passing lane tapered towards the finish adding to the impression.

The Committee took into account the submissions of both parties and, also, Mr Woodward's admission of the breach, his good driving record and the fact that the chances of IRAK ATTACK were not affected.

Mr Woodward was fined the sum of $200.00.

CHAIRMAN