For immediate release
Date of issue 22 September 2017
TIM YOLE – LAUNCESTON PACING CLUB 10th SEPTEMBER 2017 – RACE 9
Panel – D Farquharson, A Crowther & R Brown
Office of Racing Integrity Stewards today concluded an inquiry adjourned from Sunday 10 September 2017 into the driving tactics adopted by Tim Yole, driver of Philtra Phella in race 9 the Lees Orchard Claimer at the Launceston Pacing Club, Launceston.
After taking evidence from Mr Yole, viewing the official race footage and giving consideration to their own observations, Stewards issued a charge under the provisions of Australian Harness Racing Rule 149(2) which states:’ A person shall not drive in a manner which in the opinion of the Stewards is unacceptable’.
The particulars of the charge being, that as the driver of Philtra Phella in race 9 at Launceston on Sunday 10 September 2017, Mr Yole drove in a manner which in the opinion of the Stewards was unacceptable in that he elected to move the gelding away from a favourable one out one back position at the 800 metres to lead the three wide line. Stewards considered the exposed form of Philtra Phella which had raced in positions of cover, being behind the leader and one out two back at its most recent starts, and had failed to run on in either performance, as being not supportive to engage in such a tactic.
Mr Yole pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Stewards considered Mr Yoles’ submission in support of his plea, in that Philtra Phella had worked well in a recent track gallop and he expected a forward showing based on one trackwork performance. Stewards however were of the view that the charge could be sustained and formally found Mr Yole guilty as charged.
In assessing the matter of penalty, Stewards considered Mr Yoles’ driving record, which indicated two breaches of related rules within a nine month period, and further Mr Yoles’ personal circumstances.
Stewards deemed the appropriate penalty be a suspension of Mr Yoles’ licence to drive in races for a period of 12 race dates commencing midnight 22 September 2017 and expiring 19 November 2017.
Mr Yole was advised of his rights to appeal.
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David Farquharson
SENIOR STEWARD – Harness
(03) 6777 1900
