Northern Southland TC 13 January 2021 - R 1 (instigating a protest) - Chair, Mr N Skelt

Following the running of Race 1, Advance Agricultural Trot, Information A12750 was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr V Munro.

Mr V Munro alleged that IT’S SUMMERTIME (J Douglas) who has finished officially in fifth placing by the Judge, had galloped more than 50 metres inside the final 200 metres.

Rule 870(3) and Breaking Horse Regulations.
Section b of the Breaking Horse Regulations provides: that any horse which breaks in the last 200 metres of a race and continues in a break for a distance of 50 metres or greater, shall be deemed to be in breach of Rule 870(3) in that it has failed to promptly regain its proper gait.

Mr J Douglas the Trainer/Driver of IT’S SUMMERTIME did not contest the alleged breach of the Rule and did not wish to be present at the hearing.

Mr V Munro showed the race video replay of the final 200 metres of the race and identified IT’S SUMMERTIME galloping when free of interference for approximately 180 metres inside the final 200 metres of the Race.

The Committee considered the evidence and the video footage, which was extremely compelling and was satisfied that IT’S SUMMERTIME had galloped in excess of 50 metres inside the final 200 metre of the race and therefore was in breach of Rule 870(3). 

The breach was upheld and IT’SUMMERTIME is disqualified.
The Judges placings now read:
1st - Galleons Future
2nd - Riley Moment
3rd - Dem Bones Dem Bones
4th - Tease my Tartan
5th - Whangamata