Industry rallies behind Colin DeFilippi after suspension rules him out of cup drive

Harness racing participants are tonight roundly condemning the Racing Integrity Board’s decision to oust senior driver Colin DeFilippi over a whip infringement which will cost him his drive behind Heza Sport in Tuesday’s $600,000 IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup.

And questions are being asked why DeFilippi was not able to have his suspension deferred until after the code’s biggest meeting of the year when an allowance is routinely granted to jockeys, the latest just a week ago.

Hall Of Fame driver DeFilippi, who was the sixth Kiwi to notch 2000 winners, was charged with using his whip with more than a wrist-flicking motion after piloting Happy Place into a close second at Kaikoura on Monday.

Chief stipendiary steward Nigel McIntyre said DeFilippi used his whip 10 to 12 times in the run home, which the driver did not contest, saying only his arm action made it look worse than it actually was.

While DeFilippi pleaded guilty, he submitted any suspension would far outweigh the crime as he was down to drive New Zealand Cup runner Heza Sport, whom he owns and trains, had three other horses nominated to start as well as two confirmed outside drives.

DeFilippi asked the adjudicative committee to consider his potential loss of earnings and requested more time to consider his position. He also admitted he was struggling to deal with the death last Friday of his brother Mike.

Colin de Filippi with Heza Sport who gained automatic entry to the New Zealand Trotting Cup courtesy of his win in the Maurice Holmes Vase in August. PHOTO: Ajay Berry/Race Images.RIB chair Russell McKenzie, who heard the charge along with Dave Anderson, said in his report DeFilippi did not seek a deferment of suspension and he dismissed the driver’s application for an adjournment of the penalty hearing.

“He has admitted the breach and there is nothing more he could say that would be likely to affect the adjudicative committee’s penalty decision, which has to involve a suspension.”

McKenzie said the committee understood DeFilippi was naturally keen to drive on cup day but it was important that charges were dealt with expeditiously, and on race day.

‘Dangerous precedent’

“No special concession can be made despite the respondent’s submissions. Any such concession may create a dangerous precedent.”

In deciding the length of suspension the committee took into account DeFilippi was put out for four days in May for a similar breach.

Stewards described the Kaikoura breach as “mid-level” with a starting point of a three to five-day supension.

The committee ruled a three-raceday suspension was appropriate, having regard to the fact cup day was included in that period.

It suspended DeFilippi from November 1 until November 10, meaning he can’t drive at Rangiora on November 4, Addington on cup day Tuesday or Ashburton next Thursday.

DeFilippi was today mourning his late brother with a private funeral followed by a packed gathering at the Springston Hotel but his wife and training partner Julie took to social media to rail against the decision.

“This was a whip fine, not careless driving or causing harm to anyone and does not warrant Col losing probably his last ever cup drive.

“Public and industry support has been overwhelming and it’s time a stand is taken about the treatment of drivers by the RIB.

“To say I’m disgusted and disillusioned in this game is an understatement.”

Scores of people replied sympathetically to her Facebook post, Australian-based champion driver Anthony Butt particularly caustic in his criticism.

“Col is someone who has devoted his whole life to harness racing in New Zealand and has been a shining example for all of us to follow. Worse thing is the stipes think they are doing a good job. They would be flat getting a job on the stop-go signs anywhere else.”

Under the rules of Harness Racing New Zealand, suspensions must begin immediately if the horseman has no engagements to drive during the next seven days.

In a stroke of unbelievable bad luck for DeFilippi, trotting cup day is eight days after Kaikoura.

It was not known tonight if DeFilippi has appealed the penalty but rule 1305 states the filing of a notice of appeal does not operate as a stay of suspension unless on written application the appeals tribunal or its chairman otherwise directs.

Gallops defer 10 days

Incredibly, the rules for thoroughbred racing seem to differ from those for harness.

Just last Thursday, apprentice jockey Kelsey Hannan was suspended for three weeks for a far more serious offence at Rotorua, riding carelessly which caused another runner to clip her heels and dislodge its jockey.

The start of Hannan’s suspension was deferred, “in accordance with the rules because of riding commitments within the next 10 days.”

Hannan will not start her penalty until after she rides at Tauherenikau on Sunday.

Strangely, the rules published online for New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, applicable from last July, do not refer to a 10-day window.

Rule 1106 describes suspensions having to be served immediately unless the rider has engagements in the next seven days.