NZ Metro TC 17 November 2023 – R8 – Bob Butt

ID: RIB29865

Respondent(s):
Bob Butt - Driver

Applicant:
Chief RIB Steward - Mr Nigel McIntyre

Adjudicators:
Dave Anderson (Chair), Russell McKenzie

Persons Present:
Stipendiary Stewards - Mr Shane Renault, Mr McIntyre and Mr Butt

Information Number:
A21073

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Using whip with more than a wrist flicking motion

Rule(s):
869(2) - Contravention whip rule - Whip Regulations

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
MANHATTAN

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
17/11/2023

Race Club:
NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club Inc

Race Location:
Addington Raceway - 75 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch, 8024

Race Number:
R8

Hearing Date:
17/11/2023

Hearing Location:
Addington Raceway, Christchurch

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver Bob Butt is suspended for 3 days and fined $175

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 8, Southern Mares Classic (Listed Race), Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Nigel McIntyre presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) by Open Driver Mr Bob Butt.

Mr Butt stated he was conversant with the Rule, understood the charge and confirmed he admitted the breach.

Mr McIntyre identified Mr Butt leading the field on the pylons entering the home straight. He pointed to Mr Butt use his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion once in the run home at approximately the 200m.

Mr Butt made no comment.

DECISION:

The Respondent having admitted the breach, the charge was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr McIntyre said Mr Butt had a clear record and the Stewards viewed this breach as low level.

Mr Butt made no submissions but asked for any proposed suspension to be started immediately.

REASONS FOR PENALTY.

The Penalty Guidelines provide a 3-day suspension for a first breach at low-level in a Listed Race such as this.

Consideration was given of Mr Butt’s good record and admission of the breach, and that only one strike was outside of a compliant style.

Accordingly, the Adjudicative Committee determines a 3-day suspension as an appropriate Penalty. In addition to this suspension, the Guidelines provide a fine equal to 12.5 % of the Driver’s share of stake monies which equates to $178 for Mr Butt.

CONCLUSION:

Driver Mr Bob Butt is suspended from the conclusion of racing today, up to and including racing on 26 November 2023. In addition to this suspension, Mr Butt is fined $175.

Decision Date: 17/11/2023

Publish Date: 20/11/2023