Stewards tonight concluded their inquiry into an incident that occurred after the winning post after the running of race 7 the Chloe Pace at the Mildura Harness Racing meeting on Tuesday, 12 February 2013.
After considering further evidence tendered by drivers Shayne Cramp (Imtheguy), Nigel Milne (Maria Caterina), starter Doug Gretgrix, the official race replay and the Stewards’ own observations, driver Shayne Cramp was charged under AR 168(1) which reads: A person shall not before, during or after a race drive in a manner which in the opinion of the Stewards is careless, reckless, incompetent, intimidatory, improper, foul or likely to endanger persons or horses.
The particulars of the charge being that after passing the winning post at the finish of the race Mr Cramp directed his drive Imtheguy inwards into the line of Maria Caterina (Nigel Milne) resulting in that horse being severely checked. The driving was alleged to be foul or likely to endanger persons or horses.
Driver Cramp was found guilty as charged and after considering the matter of penalty he was disqualified for a period of six months. In determining penalty the Stewards took into account submissions of Mr Cramp and also the very serious nature of the charge.