Rangiora HRC 19 December 2021 – R11 – Robbie Close
ID: RIB6525
Animal Name:
MAJESTICMITE
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
19/12/2021
Race Club:
Rangiora Harness Racing Club
Race Location:
Rangiora Racecourse - 312 Lehmans Road, Fernside, Rangiora, 7440
Race Number:
R11
Hearing Date:
19/12/2021
Hearing Location:
Rangiora Raceway
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Robbie Close is fined $250
SUMMARY OF FACTS:
Following the running of Race 11, Chairman of Stewards Mr Nigel McIntyre presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(3)(b) by Driver Mr Robbie Close which was admitted. Mr Close acknowledged he was conversant with the Rule.
SUBMISSIONS:
Mr McIntyre showed all the available videos of the incident and identified Mr Close (MAJESTICMITE) leading the field at approximately the 300m mark. He pointed to Mr Close activating gear on his horse and in the course of this procedure allowing his horse to drift up the track and force DESBOIS wider disadvantaging that runner.
Mr Close made no submissions.
DECISION:
Mr Close having admitted the breach the charge was deemed proved.
SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:
Mr McIntyre stated Mr Close has had 760 drives in this extended season and has a clear record under the Rule. He said the Stewards assessed the level of the breach as low and warrant a fine in the vicinity of $250.
Mr Close made no submissions on penalty.
REASON FOR PENALTY:
The Guidelines and several like breaches of the Rule indicate a fine of between $200 and $250 would be appropriate for Mr Close.
Mr Close’s excellent record and admission are mitigating factors.
The Adjudicative Committee’s assessment is that although the outward movement of MAJESTICMITE, the result of Mr Close’s carelessness, was minor, it did allow the trailing runner MIKEMARO to take an inside run well before the passing lane. The advantage MIKEMARO received and the disadvantage to DESBOIS being forced wider may well have cost DESBOIS second placing. The horses finished 2nd and 3rd respectively with only a half-neck margin.
In considering all factors the Adjudicative Committee finds an appropriate penalty, in this case, is a fine of $250.
CONCLUSIONS:
Mr Close is fined $250.
Decision Date: 19/12/2021
Publish Date: 20/12/2021