For immediate release
11 May 2023
Driver licence suspension –Mr Mark Yole – Tasmanian Cup 2023
Stewards completed their inquiries into the tactics adopted on CHECK IN NZ (Mark Yole) in the 2023 Ladbrokes Tasmanian Cup held on March18th, 2023, at Ladbrokes Park Hobart.
After considering the evidence tendered on the night by driver Yole and that of driver Brodie Davis and trainer Steven Davis, connections of MAJOR DAVVIN, reviewing horse and driver records, including reviewing race footage of past performances, and investigating betting, Stewards issued the following charge pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule 149(2) which reads:
“A person shall not drive in a manner which in the opinion of the Stewards is unacceptable.”
On charging driver Yole, Stewards alleged that the manner he drove CHECK IN NZ for the first 700 metres was to the horse’s detriment, by extending it beyond its capabilities, which ultimately rendered the horse uncompetitive over the final 600 metres, tiring out of the event to be beaten 99.4 metres.
In coming to this conclusion Stewards took the following into account, driver Yole’s knowledge of the horse, a driver of his experience after attempting to lead should have realised much sooner that the leader MAJOR DAVVIN was easily holding that position and was not about to hand up the lead and a driver of his experience should have realised that the effort asked of CHECK IN ZN over the initial 700 metres was to its detriment.
Driver Yole pleaded not guilty to the charge, however Stewards believed they could substantiate the charge and thereby found him guilty as charged.
In determining the penalty to be imposed the Stewards considered all evidence, including
- Driver Yole’s experience
- The seriousness of the charge and the need for penalties to reflect such
- His not guilty plea
- Upcoming race calendar
- The Ladbrokes Tasmania Cup is Tasmania’s premier harness racing event
- Driver Yole’s driving record
- Harness Racing is Driver Yole’s primary income
With the above consideration taken into account, Stewards suspended Mr Yole’s licence to drive in races for a period of three (3) race dates.
Driver Yole was advised of his right of appeal
Neil Finnigan
Chief Steward - Harness
