Funny how going inside 4 pegs can be construed as contacting marker pegs!
BW has only got 2 weeks for No.1 above so far
Brad Williamson, driver of Aroha Kenny NZ pleaded guilty to a charge under rule 165(1)(b) which states: From the start through the first turn, and until reaching the next straight, a driver shall not move the driver’s horse towards the inside the running line unless the rear of the driver’s sulky is at least one metre clear of the extended front legs of the horse racing in the next position closer to the inside running line. The particulars of the charge being that racing into the first turn, Mr Williamson permitted Aroha Kenny NZ to shift in when insufficiently clear of Our Marvella NZ (C Alford), resulting in that filly being tightened for room, contacting the near side sulky wheel of Aroha Kenny NZ, causing Our Marvella NZ to be checked and break gait. Our Marvella NZ trailed the field thereafter. In assessing penalty in accordance with the HRV Minimum Penalty Guidelines, Stewards took into account Mr Williamson’s guilty plea, apparent good driving record, driving frequency (4000+ career drives), that the incident was a first turn offence and involved contact with the affected horse galloping and the status of the event. Mr Williamson’s licence to drive in races was suspended for 2 weeks to commence midnight 19 November 2022 and a fine of $500 was imposed.
Brad Williamson, driver of Aroha Kenny NZ pleaded not guilty to a charge under rule 149(2) which states: A person shall not drive in a manner which in the opinion of Stewards is unacceptable. The particulars of the charge being that after improving to the outside of Rockinwithattitude (Jayden Barker) near the 1800m and initiating a challenge for the lead, Mr Williamson persisted with that challenge from that point until resisting with that challenge approaching the 1500m, when it was apparent Rockinwithattitude (Jayden Barker) was showing no inclination to relinquish the lead. Stewards considered that the driving tactics adopted by Brad Williamson (Aroha Kenny NZ) during the relevant section were unacceptable contributing to a quick lead time of 42.9 seconds and his failure to give the filly sufficient respite sooner was the main contributing factor in Aroha Kenny NZ giving ground to finish in 8th position beaten approximately 35m. After Mr Williamson requested to provide further evidence in relation to the charge, the matter was adjourned to be reconvened on Wednesday 23 November 2022. A veterinary and endoscopic examination of Aroha Kenny NZ revealed no significant findings.
Jayden Barker, driver of Rockinwithattitude explained that he elected to maintain the lead despite the significant challenge from Aroha Kenny NZ from approximately the 1800m – 1500m, due to the previous racing pattern of the filly and his intention to hold the lead. Rockinwithattitude subsequently finished in 2nd place beaten approximately 7.5m. A veterinary examination of Rockinwithattitude revealed no significant findings. When considering the driving tactics adopted by Jayden Barker (Rockinwithattitude) Stewards took into account the relevant finishing position of Rockinwithattitude (2nd place), however advised that considering the extent of the pressure applied by Aroha Kenny NZ (B Williamson) and the speed of the race, that he also needs to ensure that he demonstrates his own initiative and exercise reasonable judgement in similar circumstances.
Cognati shifted out slightly from a position in the running line near the 600m, resulting in Susan Is Her Name making incidental contact with the offside sulky wheel of Cognati causing that filly to sustain a flat tyre. In the view of the minimal movement and no established carelessness, no further action was pursued.
Aroha Kenny NZ hung in and contacted marker pegs rounding the final turn and a warning was issued.
https://www.harness.org.au/racing/st...l/?mc=MX191122