Driver loses helmet before running second

NSW harness racing driver Fiona Schmetzer has been slapped with a fine and suspension after her helmet fell off in the early stages of a recent meeting.

The 48-year-old, based in the Riverina region, was handling six-year-old mare Weona Branach (Auckland Reactor) for trainer Chris Hughes at last Tuesday night’s (June 4) Wagga Wagga fixture when the incident occurred.

Stewards, headed by chief steward Travis Quick, reported that Schmetzer’s helmet fell off near the 1600 metre mark, meaning the field had travelled about 140 metres from the starting point.

Weona Branach wasn’t on its best behaviour pre-race and broke in the score up, with race vision showing Schmetzer a clear last when her helmet fell backwards off her head.

Watch the race replay, click here.

Schmetzer continued in the race and after weaving her way through the field nicely, looked a strong winning chance on the home corner.

Weona Branach fought hard, but couldn’t hold off a fast-finishing Lonestar Lad (Lonestar Legend), trained and driven by Mark Buckingham, who got the money by the margin of a neck.

The stewards’ report stated that Schmetzer pleaded guilty to failing to have her helmet fastened, acknowledging she had inadvertently failed to have the chin strap fastened.

In imposing a $500 fine, stewards considered the significant safety issues.

Schmetzer pleaded guilty to a further charge of driving in an improper manner in that she continued in the race without a helmet with stewards noting there was a clear opportunity to retire for safety reasons.

In assessing penalty, Schmetzer’s guilty plea and good record was taken into account.

Stewards referred to HRNSW guidelines as well as a general and specific deterrence in handing down a six-week suspension from driving for Schmetzer. Her helmet was confiscated.

Schmetzer has driven 26 winners during her career – her most recent victory being with Weona Branach at Wagga’s Riverina Paceway on March 4.

by Harnesslink Media