Banks Peninsula TC 23 November 2025 – R12 – Robbie Holmes

Following the running of Race 12, See You At “The Mot” 29 December Mobile Pace, Open Driver, Robbie Holmes, admitted a breach of Rule 869(2) and the Whip and Rein Regulations  in that, as the Driver of GOODOLDAYZ in the race, he “used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home”.

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 200-300 metres of the race. He pointed out GOODOLDAYZ, driven by Mr Holmes, improving wide on the track as the field entered the home straight. He said that Stewards were alleging that, from that point to the 200 metres, Mr Holmes had used his whip in more than a wrist only flicking motion between six and eight times, after which his whip use was compliant.

Mr Holmes did not wish to comment.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Williams said that Mr Holmes has had 277 drives this season. He received a $300 fine for using his whip in more than a wrist flicking motion at Kaikoura TC meeting on 2 November.

Stewards saw the breach as being low-level, Mr Williams said. He referred to the Penalty Guide, which provides for a 3-days suspension for a second such breach, which Stewards considered to be an appropriate penalty, he said.

Mr Holmes elected to take any suspension to commence immediately.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee assessed the level of the breach as being low-level. A “low-level breach” is defined as when “a Driver inadvertently uses the old whipping style before promptly returning to the compliant style”.

The RIB Harness Racing Penalty Guide (October 2024) provides for a starting point for penalty for a low-level, second breach of a 3-days suspension. There are no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors to consider.

CONCLUSION:

Open Driver, Robbie Holmes, is suspended from after the close of racing on 23 November 2025, up to and including 30 November 2025 – 3 days.