For immediate release
11 May 2023
Driver licence suspension –Mr Brodie Davis – Tasmanian Cup 2023
Stewards completed their inquiries into the tactics adopted on MAJOR DAVVIN (Brodie Davis) in the 2023 Ladbrokes Tasmanian Cup held on March18th, 2023 at Ladbrokes Park Hobart.
After considering the evidence tendered on the night by driver Davis and that of trainer Steven Davis (MAJOR DAVVIN) as well as driver Mark Yole (CHECK IN NZ), 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(1) which reads:
“A driver shall take all reasonable and permissible measures during the course of a race to ensure that the horse driven by that driver is given full opportunity to win or obtain the best possible placing in the field.”
On charging driver Davis, Stewards alleged that the manner he drove MAJOR DAVVIN 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 129.5 metres.
In coming to this conclusion Stewards took the following into account, driver Davis’s knowledge of the horse; the fact the best placing MAJOR DAVVIN had recorded in races held over 2400 metres, or further, was the fifth placing it secured in the heat when handing up the leading position before entering the first turn; Mr Davis’s acknowledgement that he drove it differently by, in the heat, in hope of the horse making the final of the Tasmanian Cup.
Driver Davis 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 Davis’s relative inexperience, particularly in bigger race events
- 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 Event
- Driver Davis’s driving record
- Harness Racing is Driver Davis’s sole income
With the above consideration taken into account, Stewards suspended Mr Davis’s licence to drive in races for a period of six (6) race dates.
Driver Davis was advised of his right of appeal
Neil Finnigan
Chief Steward - Harness
