Winton HRC 17 September 2026 – R4 – Peter Hunter

BACKGROUND

Following the running of Race 4, Open Driver Peter Hunter admitted a breach of Whip Rule 869(2). The particulars of the charge were that, when driving SHEZASTRANGER, 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 Whip and Rein Regulations made by the Board.

The Whip and Rein Regulations, in part, 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.

3.2 For the purposes of clause 3.1, “wrist only flicking motion” means:

3.2.1 Ensuring no force is generated by the use of the elbow or shoulder when applying the whip.

At the start of the hearing, Mr Hunter confirmed his admission of the breach.

EVIDENCE

Mr Wallis, with the assistance of his colleague, Mr Munro, used the available race videos to demonstrate the alleged breach. Mr Hunter was shown angling out of the one out-one back position with SHEZASTRANGER coming off the final turn.

Two uses of the whip by the Respondent early in the home straight were considered acceptable by Stewards. However, two subsequent whips strikes near the 150 metre mark involved more than a wrist flicking motion, Mr Wallis said, after which Mr Hunter had returned to a compliant style of whip use.

Mr Hunter accepted the Stewards’ submission.

DECISION

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

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS

Stewards produced the Respondent’s record, which showed that Mr Hunter had had 63 drives this season. His record under the Whip Rule was clear.

Mr Wallis submitted that this was a low level breach, in that Mr Hunter had promptly returned to a compliant style. In those circumstances, the Racing Integrity Board’s Harness Racing Penalty Guide provided a starting point of a $300 fine or 2-day suspension. There were no reasons to deviate, Mr Wallis said.

Mr Hunter indicated his preference for a fine rather than a suspension.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

The Respondent uses his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion twice near the 150 metre mark, before promptly returning to a compliant style of whip use. By definition, as outlined in the Penalty Guide, this is a low level breach of the Whip Rule and the attendant Whip and Rein Regulations.

The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a $300 fine or 2-day suspension for a first breach found to be low level. There are no aggravating or mitigating factors to consider. A fine at the starting point is appropriate.

CONCLUSION

Driver Peter Hunter is fined $300.