Kennett suspended

NZ HARNESS NEWS

Waimate-based Junior driver Josh Kennett has been suspended from driving for more than four months by the Judicial Control Authority (JCA).

Kennett admitted a charge of driving incompetently after the horse he was driving at Forbury Park, Wandering Star, raced in an incorrect gait (pace) for approximately 1350 metres.

At the enquiry, Kennett said he was embarrassed by the error and could not understand how he made such a mistake.

Wandering Star, trained Alistair Lowe at Tinwald, is by The Pres and had raced 58 times prior as a trotter, never as a pacer.

This was Kennett’s first time driving the horse.

In determining the penalty, the JCA concluded that the incident was at the higher end of the scale due to the distance involved, but the horse’s chances of finishing in a dividend-bearing position were likely unaffected as it finished last.

In accordance with Kennett’s request for a suspension, he was outed until after racing on October 31.

• NZ Harness News