Westport TC 26 December 2023 – R7 – Alana Cameron
ID: RIB31146
Animal Name:
PHILADELPHIA FILLY
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
26/12/2023
Race Club:
Westport Trotting Club
Race Location:
Westport Racecourse - 15 Derby Street, Westport, 7825
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
26/12/2023
Hearing Location:
Patterson Park, Westport
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Junior Driver, Alana Cameron suspended for 2 days
BACKGROUND:
Following the running of Race 7, Ollie & Vic Collins Mobile Pace, Junior Driver, Alana Cameron, admitted a breach of Rule 869(2) in that, as the Driver of PHILADELPHIA FILLY in the Race, she used her whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.
The Respondent, a Junior Driver, waived her right to be assisted at the hearing by an Open Driver.
Rule 869 provides:
(2) No driver shall during any race use a whip in a manner in contravention of the Use of the Whip Regulations made by the Board.
The Whip and Rein Regulations provide:
3.1 A driver may only apply the whip in a wrist only flicking motion whilst holding a rein in each hand with the tip of the whip pointed forward in an action which does not engage the shoulder.
EVIDENCE:
Stipendiary Steward, Paul Williams, showed a video replay of the final 200 metres of the Race. He pointed out PHILADELPHIA FILLY, driven by the Respondent, racing in the last few and behind horses as the field turned into the final straight, before being pulled out 4-wide to make a run. The Respondent commenced using her whip and did so, in more than a wrist only flicking motion from that point, on 8-9 occasions, Mr Williams submitted, before reverting to a compliant style near the finishing line.
The Adjudicative Committee noted that PHILADELPHIA FILLY finished in 2nd placing, beaten by a ½ length.
The Respondent did not wish to comment, but accepted the count alleged by Mr Williams.
DECISION:
The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Williams said that the Respondent has a clear record under the Whip Rules. She has had 92 drives in the current season and, in the 2022 season, had a total of 39 drives.
Stewards saw the breach as being mid-level, Mr Williams said. He referred to the Penalty Guide which provides for a fine of $500 or a 2-day suspension for such a breach.
The Respondent elected to take a suspension, which she wished to commence after racing at Motukarara on 29 December.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The Adjudicative Committee assessed the level of the breach as being mid-level. A “mid-level breach” is defined as “when a driver inadvertently reverts to the old style (freehand, loose reining and/or more than a flicking motion) and continues to drive in this manner for some distance (50 metres) before taking corrective steps to return to a compliant style of driving”.
The RIB Harness Racing Penalty Guide provides for a starting point for penalty for a mid-level breach of a $500 fine or a 2-day suspension. There are no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors to consider.
CONCLUSION:
The Respondent’s application for a deferment of suspension is granted.
The Respondent, Junior Driver, Alana Cameron, is suspended from after the close of racing on 29 December 2023 up to and including 1 January 2024 – 2 days.
Decision Date: 26/12/2023
Publish Date: 29/12/2023