Nelson HRC 10 January 2025 – R4 – Korbyn Newman

ID: RIB50541

Respondent(s):
Korbyn Thomas Newman - Junior Driver

Applicant:
Mr Shane Renault, Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall

Persons Present:
Mr Paul Williams, Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A20407

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Whip used with more than a wrist flicking motion

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
CAPTAIN COOL

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
10/01/2025

Race Club:
Nelson Harness Racing Club

Race Location:
Nelson Racecourse - 358 Lower Queen Street, Nelson, 7020

Race Number:
R4

Hearing Date:
10/01/2025

Hearing Location:
Nelson

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Junior Driver Korbyn Newman is suspended for 2 days

Mr Renault alleged that in Race 4, Mr Newman (CAPTAIN COOL) used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.

Mr Williams identified on the videos that CAPTAIN COOL had improved to be racing one out behind the leader as the field turned for home. Mr Renault stated that Mr Newman had then used the whip with more than a wrist flicking motion some 9 or 10 times over a distance of some 120 metres. Mr Newman returned to a compliant action in the last 100 metres. CAPTAIN COOL finished 5th.

Mr Newman accepted the Stewards’ analysis of the video and said he had got carried away.

Decision

As Mr Newman has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Renault produced the Respondent’s record, which showed that Mr Newman has had 3 drives this season and 158 the last. His record is clear with the 2-month reset and his last warning was on 29 December last. Mr Renault submitted the breach was mid-range, due to the distance over which the whip use was non-compliant.

Mr Newman said he wanted a deferment of any suspension until after the meeting on 19 January 2025.

Reasons for Penalty

The breach is mid-range. Mr Newman has used his whip in breach of the Whip Rule and the Whip and Rein Regulations for some distance in the home straight. The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a fine of $500 or a 2-day suspension for a first such breach. Mitigating factors are that Mr Newman has a clear record under this Rule in the past 2 months and he returned to a compliant action in the last 100 metres. A penalty at the starting point is appropriate.

Conclusion

Mr Newman is suspended from the end of racing on 19 January, up to and including 24 January 2025.

Decision Date: 10/01/2025

Publish Date: 14/01/2025