Banks Peninsula TC 23 November 2025 – R7 – Alana Cameron

Following the running of Race 7, Fiber Fresh Mobile Pace, Junior Driver, Alana Cameron, admitted a breach of Rule 869(2) and the Whip and Rein Regulations in that, as the Driver of TIMES ARE A CHANGIN 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 TIMES ARE A CHANGIN, driven by Ms Cameron, racing midfield on the markers as the field turned into the final straight, before entering the passing lane to make a run. He showed Ms Cameron commence using her whip and, he alleged, do so in more than a wrist only flicking motion from that point, on 5-6 occasions, before reverting to a compliant style near the finishing line.

The Adjudicative Committee noted that TIMES ARE A CHANGIN finished in 4th placing in the race.

Ms Cameron declined the opportunity to comment.

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 21 drives in the current season.

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-days suspension for such a breach.

Ms Cameron elected to take a suspension, which she wished to commence after racing at Methven on 30 November.

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, first breach of a $500 fine or a 2-days suspension. There are no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors to consider.

Ms Cameron has expressed a preference for a term of suspension, rather than a fine. She requested a deferment until after the meeting of Methven TC on 30 November.

CONCLUSION:

Ms Cameron’s application for a deferment of suspension is granted.

Junior Driver, Alana Cameron, is suspended from after the close of racing on 30 November 2025, up to and including 5 December 2025 – 2 days.