Banks Peninsula TC 16 March 2025 – R5 – Philippa Wakelin
ID: RIB52665
Animal Name:
Musclynn
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
16/03/2025
Race Club:
Banks Peninsula Trotting Club
Race Location:
Motukarara Racecourse - 43 Duck Pond Road, Motukarara, 7672
Race Number:
R5
Hearing Date:
16/03/2025
Hearing Location:
Motukarara Raceway, Motukarara
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Open Driver, Philippa Wakelin, is suspended for 2 days
BACKGROUND:
Following the running of Race 5, Waihora RFC Trot, Open Driver, Philippa Wakelin, admitted a breach of the Whip Rules in that, as the Driver of MUSCLYNN in the race, “she used her whip with more than a wrist flicking motion and in a continuous manner 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.
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.
3.3 A driver shall not use a whip in an unapproved manner.
3.4 For the purposes of clause 3.3 a driver shall be deemed to have used the whip in an unapproved manner in the following circumstances which are not exclusive:
3.4.2 If the whip is applied excessively, continuously, or without allowing the horse time to respond.
EVIDENCE:
Stipendiary Steward, Matt Sole, showed a video replay of the final 200-300 metres of the race. He pointed out MUSCLYNN, driven by Ms Wakelin, racing behind mid-field and wide as the field turned into the final straight. After turning for home, Mr Sole showed, Ms Wakelin commenced using her whip and did so in more than a wrist only flicking motion, generating force by the use of her shoulder and elbow and, furthermore, in a continuous manner, he alleged.
Mr Sole said that Ms Wakelin had explained to Stewards that she had been trying to use the reins, but accepted that the whip was not pointed forward (see 3.1 above).
Ms Wakelin explained that she had been using “more rein than whip”, using her upper body to drive forward with the rein. Her mare had kept giving, she said.
The Adjudicative Committee noted that MUSCLYNN finished in 4th placing.
DECISION:
The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Sole said that Ms Wakelin has had 9 drives this season and had 41 drives in the 2024 season. She has a clear record under the Whip Rules. He submitted that the breach was medium-level.
Mr Sole then referred to the Penalty Guide starting point for a medium-level, first breach – a $500 fine or a 2-days suspension.
Ms Wakelin indicted that she would prefer a suspension, which could commence immediately.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The RIB Harness Racing Penalty Guide (October 2024) provides a starting point for penalty for a first, medium-level breach of a 3-days suspension. A “medium-level breach” is defined as when a driver “inadvertently uses the old whipping style for approximately 50 metres or more before returning to a compliant style”. The Adjudicative Committee sees this particular breach as being medium-level, within that definition.
Ms Wakelin has indicated a preference for a suspension rather than a fine. She did not require a deferment, she said.
CONCLUSION:
Open Driver Philippa Wakelin’s Licence is suspended from after the close of racing on 16 March 2025, up to and including 23 March 2025 – 2 days. It is recorded that Ms Wakelin has no notified drives at the meeting of NZ Metropolitan TC on 19 March, which date is not included in the period of suspension.
Decision Date: 16/03/2025
Publish Date: 18/03/2025