STEWARDS REPORT
DEAGON OFFICES – MARCH 9, 2010
Stewards today continued an inquiry into the riding tactics adopted by Chris Whiteley in the early and middle stages on Urnfield in race seven at Eagle Farm on February 10, 2010.
Following the race initial evidence was taken from rider C. Whiteley, Mr Stephen Lee trainer of Urnfield and S. Katsidis rider of Brigadoon Star. The matter was adjourned to allow stewards to examine all betting activities on the race and review footage of previous starts of Urnfield. C. Whiteley was also requested to provide phone records for the relevant period from the time nominations were made for this meeting.
At the hearing stewards considered further submissions from Chris Whiteley and trainer Stephen Lee. Written submissions were also tendered by part-owners of Urnfield, Mr Don Beard and Mr Phil Duggan. Stewards have also interviewed licensed bookmakers Mr Lindsay Gallagher and Mr Hadyn Flynn regarding betting activities on this particular race.
After taking into account all of the evidence, Chris Whiteley was found guilty of a charge under the provisions of AR.135(b) which reads:
The rider of every horse shall take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that his horse is given full opportunity to win or to obtain the best possible place in the field.
The particulars of the charge being that he unnecessarily restrained Urnfield between the 850 metres and the 650 metres when it was reasonable and permissible to maintain a position trailing Mr Solitary or to the outside of the heels of Mr Solitary. The failure to maintain this position on Urnfield resulted in Brigadoon Star (S. Katsidis) being afforded the opportunity to shift out around the heels of Mr Solitary and improve into the race.
C. Whiteley had his licence to ride in races suspended for a period of six weeks to commence at midnight Sunday, March 14, 2010 and to expire at midnight April 25, 2010. When assessing penalty stewards acknowledged that C. Whiteley had a previously unblemished record in relation to matters under AR. 135(b).
Stewards were satisfied that there was nothing abnormal in relation to the telephone records provided by rider Chris Whiteley. The examination of all betting activities also did not reveal any significant findings.
Trainer Stephen Lee was advised by stewards that they were of the view that he had not breached the Rules of Racing and his explanation was accepted.
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