RWWA Stewards yesterday continued an inquiry into the reason for IMA ROCKET STAR NZ (Colin Brown) being able to take up a position in the one wide line in advance of OUR MERCURIO NZ (Chris Lewis) racing towards the back straight on the first occasion in Race 6 the McInerney Ford 4YO Classic (2130m) at Gloucester Park on Friday, 15 January 2010.
At yesterday’s resumption Mr Lewis defended a previously issued charge under HRR 149(2) which states:
“A driver shall not drive in a manner which in the opinion of the Stewards is unacceptable.”
Mr Lewis had been charged with failing to drive competitively from racing in the latter stages of the front straight on the first occasion and as a result did not make sufficient effort to fully retain a trailing position in the one wide line behind SMOKING AGAIN (S. Loone). His failure to do so enabled IMA ROCKET STAR NZ (C. Brown) to gain that position. His failure to drive competitively at that point was, in the opinion of the Stewards, unacceptable.
In addition to Mr Lewis, Stewards also heard evidence from Greg Bond trainer of OUR MERCURIO NZ. Mr Lewis also tendered a number of character references.
The inquiry was adjourned to enable Stewards to fully consider the evidence. A resumption date will be announced shortly.
JOHN A. ZUCAL
RWWA Chairman of Stewards
