Amberley TC 6 February 2023 – R11 – James Geddes
ID: RIB15360
Animal Name:
Razors Edge
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
06/02/2023
Race Club:
Amberley Trotting Club
Race Location:
Rangiora Racecourse - 312 Lehmans Road, Fernside, Rangiora, 7440
Race Number:
R11
Hearing Date:
06/02/2023
Hearing Location:
Rangiora Raceway, Rangiora
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver, James Geddes, fined $300
BACKGROUND:
Following the running of Race 11, Dawe Contracting Ltd – Davis Ogilvie Mobile Pace, the Respondent, Open Driver, James Geddes, as the Driver of RAZORS EDGE in the race, admitted a charge of using his whip free of the rein on one occasion 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, Shane Renault, showed a video replay of the final 300 metres of the race. He pointed out RAZORS EDGE, driven by the Respondent, towards the rear of the field as the field turned into the final straight. Shortly thereafter, the horse got into the clear and the Respondent activated gear and used his whip once, free of the rein.
DECISION:
The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Renault said that the Respondent has had 7 drives in the current season and in the 2022 season had 28 drives. He has a clear record under the Whip Rules. The breach was low-level, Mr Renault submitted, and a fine of $300 as per the Penalty Guide would be an appropriate penalty.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The Adjudicative Committee agreed with Mr Renault’s submission that this breach was low-level as defined in the HRNZ Whip Penalty Guide, that is to say – “when a driver inadvertently reverts to the old style (freehand, loose reining and or more than a flicking motion) but promptly takes corrective steps to return to a compliant style”. The breach comprised a single strike free of the rein.
For a first low-level breach such as this, the starting point for penalty under the RIB Harness Racing Penalty Guide (effective 1 February 2023) is a fine of $300. In this case, there are no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors to consider.
CONCLUSION:
The Respondent, Driver James Geddes is fined $300.
Decision Date: 06/02/2023
Publish Date: 07/02/2023