Kaikoura TC 2 November 2025 – R2 – Robbie Holmes

Following the running of Race 2, the Respondent Open Driver Robbie Holmes admitted a breach of Whip Rule 869(2).  The particulars of the charge are that when driving VISCOUNT BANNER, he used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home. 

Rule 869 provides that:

(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 Respondent acknowledged he understood the Rule, nature of the charge and confirmed his admission of the breach.

Chief Stipendiary Steward Nigel McIntyre used available video footage to demonstrate the breach. He pointed out Mr Holmes driving VISCOUNT BANNER, racing on the pylons as the field turned for home. Mr McIntyre showed that Mr Holmes drew his whip and used it on three occasions, with more than a wrist flicking motion. Mr Holmes, he said, then reverted back to a compliant style of whip use for the remainder of the race.

Mr Holmes said “he was trying too hard to make some dollars”.

Decision:

The charge is admitted and therefore proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr McIntyre produced the Respondent’s record, which indicated a warning at Addington on 7 September 2025.

He said that Stewards assessed the breach to be low-level. The starting point for an initial low level breach was a 2 day suspension or a $300 fine. 

Mr Holmes submitted that a fine was preferred as penalty.

Reasons for Penalty:

After consideration of the evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the race films of the concluding stages of the race, the Adjudicative Committee assessed the breach as low-level.

The Penalty Guide provides a 2-day suspension or $300 fine as starting point for an initial breach of this Rule.

It was determined that there were no aggravating factors to consider, therefore no uplift was warranted.

After taking consideration of all factors, the Adjudicative Committee deemed a $300 fine, commensurate with the Penalty Guide, to be an appropriate penalty.

Conclusion:

Mr Holmes is fined the sum of $300.