Harness Racing SA Stewards finalised the inquiry into Kerry Brown’s drive on TURISMO in the Kapunda Pacing Cup on 1 March 2015.
Evidence was taken from drivers Kerry Brown and David Smith.
Kerry Brown was issued with four charges, those being:
Rule 149(2). A person shall not drive in a manner which in the opinion of the Stewards is unacceptable. The particulars being that after challenging EXPOSED (D. Smith) for the first 500 metres and gaining the lead near the 2100 metres, K. Brown continued to urge TURISMO forward and race clear of the field until near the 1700 metres and instead of giving TURISMO some respite, he again placed TURISMO under pressure near the 1700 metres to resist a challenge from SOUL TANA which had improved three wide. Leaving the 1400 metres he again placed TURISMO under pressure in an unsuccessful attempt to resist a challenge for the lead from PALEFACE JASPER . TURISMO began to give ground from the 600 metres to be beaten 90 metres. Stewards were of the opinion that after placing TURISMO under pressure in the early stages to gain the lead and again under pressure to resist challenges from SOUL TANA and PALEFACE JASPER, he failed to give TURISMO any respite and the effort he asked of TURISMO was beyond that horse’s capabilities. K. Brown pleaded guilty and his licence to drive in races suspended for 8 weeks. In determining penalty stewards believe his unacceptable driving had a negative impact on the image of harness racing.
Rule 163(1) (a) A driver shall not cause or contribute to any crossing, jostling or interference. The particulars being that near the 1200 metres after being crossed by PALEFACE JASPER, K. Brown has allowed TURISMO to shift up the track into a two wide position, and as EXPOSED which was trailing improved and established running to his inside, TURISMO was directed back down the track and as a result EXPOSED was checked and lost a racing position to which he was entitled. K. Brown was found guilty and had his licence to drive in races suspended for 2 weeks.
Rule 168. (1) 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 being that near the 900 metres after allowing TURISMO to shift up the track into a two wide position, EXPOSED has again improved to his inside where there was sufficient room and established running to the inside of TURISMO and soon after K. Brown directed TURISMO down the track whilst EXPOSED was racing to his inside in an attempt to regain a marker peg position. As a result EXPOSED was checked and forced down over marker pegs. LAND OF PANAARM which was trailing was also tightened and carried over marker pegs. Stewards were of the opinion that K. Browns driving at that stage of the race was foul. K. Brown was found guilty and had his licence to drive in races suspended for 12 weeks. In determining penalty stewards were of the opinion there was intent to force another runner out of their rightful racing position.
Rule 168. (1) 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 being that after tiring over the final lap and finishing 90 metres behind the winner, K. Brown continued to urge TURISMO along after the finish line in an attempt to make ground on the horses that were pulling up in the back straight and he then directed TURISMO toward the back of the sulky of EXPOSED in close proximity to D. Smith. Stewards were of the opinion that K. Brown drove in an improper manner after the finish of the race and his actions were meant to intimidate D. Smith. K. Brown was found guilty and has his licence to drive in races suspended for 2 weeks.
Stewards ordered the penalties be served cumulatively, totalling 24 weeks and should commence at the conclusion of the interference suspension that Kerry Brown is currently serving. Kerry Brown was advised of his appeal rights.
Barbara Scott
Chair of Stewards
