Northern Southland TC 6 Oct 2023 – R2 – Zev Meredith
ID: RIB28237
Animal Name:
Franco Huntington
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
06/10/2023
Race Club:
Northern Southland Trotting Club
Race Location:
Ascot Park Raceway - 29 Findlay Road, Ascot, Invercargill, 9810
Race Number:
R2
Hearing Date:
06/10/2023
Hearing Location:
Invercargill
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Junior Driver Zev Meredith is suspended 2 days and fined $100
Mr Munro alleged that in Race 2, Mr Meredith (FRANCO HUNTINGTON) used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.
Miss Haley demonstrated the incident on the videos. As the field exited the home bend and proceeded to race down the straight, the Respondent, who was leading and was being challenged by a horse to his outside and then by a horse in the passing lane, used his wrist in a non-compliant action.
Mr Munro said the Stewards believed there were 3 occasions that the whip was used in this fashion.
Mr Meredith did not disagree with Mr Munro and nor did Mr Barclay who was assisting Mr Meredith.
Decision
As Mr Meredith has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submissions for Penalty
Mr Munro produced the Respondent’s record which showed that Mr Meredith had had 101 drives this season and 89 the last. His lifetime total was 321 and Mr Munro described him as a busy North Island Junior Driver. He had a previous breach at Auckland on 22 September. Mr Munro submitted the breach was mid-range.
Mr Meredith sought a deferment of penalty until after the meeting on 12 October.
Reasons for Penalty
The breach is mid-range. Mr Meredith has used his whip in breach of the Whip Rule and the Whip and Rein Regulations on 3 occasions in the home straight. The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a fine of $500 or a 3-day suspension for a second such breach. A mitigating factor is that Mr Meredith has returned to a compliant style. He has also admitted the breach. An aggravating factor is that this is Mr Meredith’s third drive back after his earlier suspension. A penalty at or close to the starting point is appropriate.  As Mr Meredith is a Junior Driver, who prior to the previous breach had a good record under the Rule, a fine is substituted for one day of the suspension.
Conclusion
Mr Meredith is suspended for 2 days. This starts after the Cambridge Meeting on 12 October and is up to and including 23 October. He is also fined the sum of $100.
Decision Date: 06/10/2023
Publish Date: 10/10/2023