Waikato BOP H 30 September 2021 – R3 – Sean McCaffrey

ID: RIB5008

Respondent(s):
Sean McCaffrey - Driver

Applicant:
Mr S Mulcay - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr A Godsalve

Persons Present:
Mr Mulcay, Mr McCaffrey

Information Number:
A16263

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Breach of Whip Regulations

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
BETTERZIPPIT

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
30/09/2021

Race Club:
Waikato BOP Harness Racing Inc

Race Location:
Cambridge Raceway - 1 Taylor Street, Cambridge, 3434

Race Number:
R3

Hearing Date:
30/09/2021

Hearing Location:
Cambridge

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver Sean McCaffrey was fined $200

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 3 Mr McCaffrey faced a charge in that ‘he used his whip free of the rein on one occasion in the run home’.

Mr McCaffrey was present at the hearing and acknowledged that he understood the Rule and Regulations and that he admitted the breach.

EVIDENCE:

Using the film Mr Mulcay identified BETTERZIPPIT as the field entered the home straight. The horse was leading and it was clear on the film that Mr McCaffrey had struck the horse with an action in breach of the Guidelines. He raised his arm, free of the rein  and struck the horse once without much force.

Mr McCaffrey said he thought the horse was going to ‘pull up’ on him. He went on to win the race.

REASON FOR DECISION:

As Mr McCaffrey admitted the breach the charge is proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Mulcay said that Mr McCaffrey had a clear record as far as breaches of the Rule went, although he had been warned over his whip use. Hence the charge today.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guide determines a fine with a starting point of $200 in these circumstances. We see no reason to alter that.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mr McCaffrey was fined $200.

Decision Date: 30/09/2021

Publish Date: 04/10/2021