Nelson HRC 12 January 2025 – R3 – Korbyn Newman

ID: RIB50566

Respondent(s):
Korbyn Thomas Newman - Junior Driver

Applicant:
Mr Paul Williams, Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall

Information Number:
A20408

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:
12/01/2025

Race Club:
Nelson Harness Racing Club

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

Race Number:
R3

Hearing Date:
12/01/2025

Hearing Location:
Nelson

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Junior Driver Korbyn Newman is suspended for 4 days

Mr Williams alleged that in Race 3, 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 was racing outside the leader as the field turned for home. The horse went to the lead early in the straight. Mr Williams stated that Mr Newman had used the whip with more than a wrist flicking motion some 12 times.  CAPTAIN COOL finished 3rd.

Mr Newman accepted the Stewards’ analysis of the video and commented the strikes were not really bad, although he agreed two or three were high.

Decision

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

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Williams produced the Respondent’s record, which showed that Mr Newman has had 11 drives this season and 158 the last. His record was clear with the 2-month reset until the first day of this meeting. Mr Williams submitted the breach was mid-range, due to the distance over which the whip use was non-compliant.

Mr Newman had nothing further to add.

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 4-day suspension for a 2nd such breach. An unfortunate feature of the incident is the speed with which Mr Newman has attracted a second breach in almost identical circumstances, after having a clear record under this Rule in the past 2 months. However, a penalty at the starting point is appropriate.

Conclusion

Mr Newman is suspended from the end of racing on 24 January, up to and including 6 February 2025. This is 4 days.

Decision Date: 12/01/2025

Publish Date: 14/01/2025