Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards today concluded an inquiry into an incident that occurred upon pulling up at the completion of Race 6 the “Empire Stallions Vicbred Platinum Home Grown Classic (3YO Colts & Geldings) Final (Group 2)” at the Tabcorp Park Melton meeting conducted on 15 September 2017.
This matter was previously adjourned after reviewing the available footage and taking evidence from Rodney Petroff, driver of Muscle Up Major, Christopher Shinn, driver of Comprehend, and Noel Shinn, managing owner of that gelding.
During the adjournment evidence was also taken from Jason Lee, driver of Mended.
After taking further evidence from Mr Petroff at today’s reconvening of the inquiry, and consideration of all the evidence tendered, Stewards issued a charge against Mr Petroff under Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) 168(1)(f) & (g) which state:
168. (1) A person shall not before, during or after a race drive in a manner which is in the opinion of the Stewards:-
(f) foul or
(g) likely to endanger person or horse.
The particulars of the charge being:
That when the driver of Muscle Up Major, in Race 6 the “Empire Stallions Vicbred Platinum Home Grown Classic (3YO Colts & Geldings) Final (Group 2)” at the Tabcorp Park Melton meeting on 15 September 2017 that upon pulling up at the completion of the event Mr Petroff allowed Muscle Up Major to improve to be positioned to the inside of Comprehend before directing Muscle Up Major out resulting in Muscle Up Major making unnecessary contact with Christopher Shinn, driver of Comprehend, and Muscle Up Major also contacting the sulky of that runner and blundering. The actions of Mr Petroff at this stage of the race were, in the opinion of the Stewards, foul and/or likely to endanger persons or horses, specifically Christopher Shinn, driver of Comprehend, Muscle Up Major and himself.
Mr Petroff pleaded guilty to the charge.
In assessing penalty Stewards took into consideration:
-
Mr Petroff’s immediate admissions and forthright evidence tendered throughout the inquiry;
-
The guilty plea entered;
-
Mr Petroff’s prior clear offence record;
-
The circumstances of the incident;
-
General and Specific deterrence factors and the penalty imposed must demonstrate that safety to horse and driver is of paramount importance;
-
The seriousness of a charge of driving in a manner, which is deemed to be foul or likely to endanger persons or horses.
Stewards accordingly imposed a two (2) month suspension of Mr Petroff’s licence to drive in races and a $2,000 fine.
This suspension was ordered to commence midnight 8 October 2017.
