Stewards’ Inquiry – Harness
10 March, 2010
Harness
RWWA Stewards today concluded the 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.
Mr Chris Lewis had previously pleaded not guilty to a charge under HRR 149(2) for: 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.
Today was the fifth hearing into this matter.
After consideration the Stewards found Mr Lewis to be guilty of the charge.
Mr Lewis was suspended from driving in races for a period of six (6) weeks effective from midnight Friday, 19 March 2010 to expire midnight Friday, 30 April 2010.
JOHN A. ZUCAL
RWWA Chairman of Stewards
From the office of the Chairman of Stewards
Racing and Wagering Western Australia
Stewards Division
70 Grandstand Road
Ascot WA 6104
Ph: (08) 9277 0777