Auckland TC 19 April 2024 – R2 (heard 9 May 2024 at Cambridge) – Taitlyn Hanara

Evidence

Following the running of Race 2 at the Auckland Trotting Club Meeting on 19 April 2024, Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr S Mulcay filed an Information alleging Junior Drive Taitlyn Hanara (EXHILARATE) used her whip in more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.

Due to Ms Hanara having left the course, the matter was opened and adjourned.  Ms Hanara was advised, and no plea was entered.

The charge was subsequently heard at the Waikato BOP meeting on 9 May 2024.

Rule 869(2) provides:

No driver shall during any race use a whip in a manner in contravention of the Whip and Rein Regulations made by the board.

At the commencement of the hearing, Ms Hanara confirmed that she admitted the breach.

Using available race films, Stipendiary Steward, Mr Dooley identified EXHILARATE (T Hanara) who was racing three back on the markerline as the field entered the home straight. He pointed out that just prior to straightening, Ms Hanara used her whip in more than a flicking motion on two occasions and then once again at the 150m

EXHILARATE was weaking and finished last.

Ms Hanara said that she accepted the Stewards’ interpretation of the breach and had nothing further to add.

Decision

As Ms Hanara admitted the breach, it is deemed to be proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Mulcay advised that Ms Hanara has a clear record under the Rule.

Mr Mulcay advised that Stewards categorised the breach as low level and that the Penalty Guide for a low level breach provides for either a $300 fine or 2 day suspension.

He said that Ms Hanara had confirmed to the Stewards that she would prefer a suspension as opposed to a fine.

Ms Hanara confirmed her preference for a suspension and acknowledged that due to her Junior Driver status and number of wins (less than 15), that she was ineligible to drive at the upcoming Premier race meetings on the 17th and 24th of May at Auckland.

Reasons for Penalty

After considering the Race films and the submissions, the Adjudicative Committee assessed Ms Hanara’s breach low level. Low level use of the whip is defined as when a driver inadvertently reverts to the old style i.e. more than a wrist flicking motion but promptly takes corrective steps to return to a compliant style.

The starting point as per the Penalty Guide, would be either a $300 fine or a period of suspension of not less than 2 days.

In consideration of the above factors, including the films and the submissions of both Mr Mulcay and Ms Hanara, a 2 day suspension is imposed.

Conclusion

Ms Hanara’s Licence to drive in races is suspended from 10th of May, until 31st of May (inclusive).