Stewards’ Inquiry – Harness
5 February, 2010
Harness
RWWA Stewards today 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 racing towards the back straight on the first occasion in Race 6 the McInerney Ford 4YO Classic Pace (2130m) at Gloucester Park on Friday, 15 January 2010.
At today’s resumption Driver Chris Lewis (OUR MERCURIO NZ) was charged under HRR Rule 149(2) which states:
“A driver shall not drive in a manner which in the opinion of the Stewards is unacceptable.”
Mr Lewis was charged with failing to drive competitively from racing in the latter stages of the front straight on the first occasion until racing towards the back 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. 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.
Mr Lewis pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted an adjournment to obtain advice and arrange witnesses.
The inquiry will resume at 2pm on Thursday, 18 February 2010.
BILL DELANEY
RWWA Chief Steward – Harness
For more information contact:
Racing and Wagering Western Australia
Stewards Division
Gloucester Park
East Perth WA 6004
Ph: (08) 9323 3552