RACE 5 – ALBANY HARNESS MEETING 16 FEBRUARY 2018
Stewards recently finalised a number of inquiries that had been adjourned from Race 5 at Albany on 16 February 2018.
Background
Race 5 at Albany on 16 February 2018 was a standing start race. After the start, MELTON EXPRESS (W. Andrews) was fractious and as a result made contact with CRIMSON FLOYD (T. Stone) which had begun from 30 metres. This resulted in W. Andrews being dislodged from the sulky but remaining on his feet and T. Stone being dislodged and returning to his feet immediately. Both drivers continued to retain hold of the reins with no horses falling to the track and therefore both horses and drivers were cleared from the track quickly with the track being cleared to continue racing after approximately 20 seconds.
The remaining horses and drivers continued in the race however in the back straight on the first occasion, J. Justins (CHUCK NORRIS), M. Young (ESTOCADA) , L. Inwood (ACROSS THE WAY) and T. Wheeler (FOUR NEEDED) all began to restrain their horses to varying degrees, with CHUCK NORRIS and ACROSS THE WAY being pulled up to a walk, ESTOCADA being restrained and losing ground and FOUR NEEDED being impeded and losing ground when caught behind ACROSS THE WAY which was under restraint. DREDLOCK ROCKSTAR (A. Markham) continued on in the race and improved around the horses that were being restrained and worked to the lead. DREDLOCK ROCKSTAR won the race.
After being caught behind ACROSS THE WAY, T. Wheeler was able to gain clear running with FOUR NEEDED and although initially cautious, then obtained a trail on DREDLOCK ROCKSTAR and continued on and completed the race, being placed second, beaten 8 metres.
After restraining ESTOCADA and losing ground, M. Young continued on and completed the race, being placed third, beaten 42 metres.
After restraining ACROSS THE WAY to a walk, L. Inwood continued on and completed the race, being placed fourth, beaten 380 metres.
After restraining CHUCK NORRIS to a walk, J. Justins continued on and completed the race, being placed fifth, beaten 732 metres.
The all clear was delayed to allow Stewards to review the race and interview all drivers. In determining it was a race, Stewards took into account that no horse suffered interference in the race, all horses were afforded a fair start, there was no obstruction on the track and it was solely the action and decisions of drivers that affected the outcome of the race. Inquiries into the tactics adopted by drivers was adjourned.
Inquiries Finalised
At the resumption of the inquiry, further evidence was taken from L. Inwood, T. Wheeler, M. Young and J. Justins. Assistance was provided to M. Young and J. Justins throughout the inquiry from RWWA Driving Master Mr Trevor Warwick.
Stewards issued a charge under Rule 149(2) to L. Inwood, M. Young and J. Justins
149(2) A driver shall not drive in a manner which in the opinion of the stewards is unacceptable.
The particulars being that in the opinion of stewards it was unacceptable for drivers to restrain their horses and lose ground when the track was clear for racing and no sirens had been sounded. In determining penalty stewards took into account:
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It is a drivers primary obligation to give their horse every opportunity to win or obtain the best possible placing
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The action of drivers resulted in their horses losing ground which affects their finishing position
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The action of drivers resulted in punters, owners and trainers being financially disadvantaged
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It is not acceptable for drivers to take matters into their own hands
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Drivers that intentionally restrain their horse in a race, some to a degree that the horse came to a walk is an integrity issue and will lead Stewards to question the motives of drivers
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This type of action by drivers is detrimental to the harness racing industry in that horses that are not allowed to run on their merits will result in a loss of confidence from punters.
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That any penalty must be a general deterrent
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The guilty pleas of the drivers
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Their offence history and previous penalties under this Rule.
The following penalties were issued:
L. Inwood (ACROSS THE WAY) – Suspension of licence for 6 weeks
J. Justins (CHUCK NORRIS) – Suspension of licence for 4 weeks
M. Young (ESTOCADA) – Suspension of licence for 4 weeks
Stewards took no action against A. Markham (DREDLOCK ROCKSTAR) or T. Wheeler (FOUR NEEDED).
Media Contact:
Barbara Scott, Chief Steward Harness
Ph: 9445 5176
Barbara.scott@rwwa.com.au
