Follow Up Report

RIVERINA PACEWAY 7/05/2024

Race 6, FAMILY TREE

Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards have concluded an inquiry into the actions of licensed trainer/driver Ms Amanda Dean following Race 6 at the Wagga race meeting on 7 May 2024, where she was the trainer and driver of FAMILY TREE.

 

The inquiry was initially adjourned after taking evidence from Ms Dean and so as to allow Stewards the opportunity to review the available evidence, which included a post-race veterinary examination of FAMILY TREE which revealed three welt marks to the gelding’s rump area.

 

After taking further evidence from Ms Dean and review of the available CCTV footage, Stewards issued her a charge under Australian Harness Racing Rule 240(c) which states:

240.  A person shall not, whether alone or in an association with others, do, permit or suffer anything before, during or after a race which in the opinion of the Stewards or Controlling Body:-

(c)     is improper.

 

The particulars of the charge related to Ms Dean’s actions upon returning FAMILY TREE to the race day tie-up stalls following the race where she struck the gelding with the whip on at least three occasions which resulted in three welt marks being present on the gelding’s rump and furthermore struck the gelding to the face with her hand upon securing it in the raceday stall.

 

Ms Dean pleaded guilty to the charge as issued.

 

In assessing penalty Stewards took into account the following factors:

• Ms Dean’s guilty plea;
• Ms Dean’s forthright evidence and remorse;
• Ms Dean’s personal subjective factors;
• Ms Dean’s prior clear record over an extensive period for like matters;
• General and specific deterrence factors, noting particularly that any penalty must demonstrate that such conduct is not tolerated within the industry;

 

Stewards accordingly imposed a 3 month suspension of Ms Dean’s trainers and drivers licence and a fine of $2,000.

 

Ms Dean was apprised of her rights of appeal.