Non Raceday Inquiry – Written Decision dated 28 November 2022 – Shane Matheson

Facts 

1. The Respondent has been charged with a breach of Rule 403(m)(ii) of the New Zealand Rules of Harness Racing.

2. Rule 403(m) states: Any mare or filly after day 120 of it’s pregnancy. A trainer shall notify Stipendiary Stewards in writing as soon as practical:… (ii) the date of last service of such mare or filly.

3. Information A13872 specifically alleged that Mr Matheson had failed to notify the last date of service of your mare – SUZIE ROCKS.

4. The Information was signed by the Respondent and identified that he admitted the breach and that he did not wish to be present at the hearing of the Information.

Submissions

5. Mr Munro advised that Mr Matheson had not advised Stewards of the date of service.

6. Mr Munro stated: SUZI ROCKS performed poorly in Race 8 and after the race, Stewards ordered a post-race Veterinary inspection. It was when the Vet and the stable representative, Lisa Barrie spoke, she advised that the mare had been served. Stewards rang Lisa Barrie where she confirmed that the mare had been served and that the Stewards had not been advised.

7. Mr Matheson confirmed at the first instance admitting the breach, and that he did not wish to be present at the hearing.

Decision

8. As the charge was admitted, the Adjudicative Committee found the charge proved.

Penalty Submission 

9. Mr Munro referred to a very similar breach of the Rule at the Oamaru Harness Racing Club on 1 December 2018 where the Respondent was fined the sum of $100.

10. Mr Munro submitted a fine of $100 would be appropriate.

Reasons for Penalty 

11. The Adjudicative Committee considered the submissions placed before them. There was an obligation on the Respondent to have informed the Stewards that the mare had been served.

12. The Penalty imposed at the Oamaru Harness Racing Club on 1 December 2018 is appropriate.

Penalty

13. Mr Matheson is fined the sum of $100.