Ashburton TC 2 June 2024 – R11 – Mia Holbrough

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 11, Stipendiary Steward Mr Shane Renault presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) by Junior Driver Miss Mia Holbrough.

Miss Holbrough stated she was conversant with the Rule, the Charge and confirmed she admitted the breach.

Miss Holbrough was assisted at the hearing by Open Driver Mr Matthew Williamson.

Mr Renault played the final 300m of the race, to identify Miss Holbrough finishing wide on the track and pointed to her striking her horse four times in an uncompliant manner, followed by a pause and then three more times, which were outside of the Guidelines.

Miss Holbrough and Mr Williamson both agreed there needs to be major improvement in Miss Holbrough’s whip technique.

DECISION:

The Respondent having admitted the breach, the Charge was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Renault said Miss Holbrough has had 43 drives this season and was suspended on her last drive, which was on this horse, for using her whip in a continuous manner. He said the suspension was to start after racing today, up until after racing on 9 June. He said for this breach, a suspension of 3 days would be appropriate.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a 3-day suspension for a second breach of the Rule at low level.

The Adjudicative Committee views this breach at low level, but cautioned Miss Holbrough to do better in the future.

CONCLUSION:

Junior Driver Mia Holbrough’s Licence to drive in races is suspended for 3 days, from the conclusion of racing on 9 June 2024, up to and including racing on 21 June 2024.