Banks Peninsula TC 19 March 2023 – R10 – Anj Mugford
ID: RIB17353
Animal Name:
RUTHLESS LIZZIE
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
19/03/2023
Race Club:
Banks Peninsula Trotting Club
Race Location:
Motukarara Racecourse - 43 Duck Pond Road, Motukarara, 7672
Race Number:
R10
Hearing Date:
19/03/2023
Hearing Location:
Motukarara Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Junior Driver, Anj Mugford suspended for 2 days
BACKGROUND:
Following the running of Race 10, Chief Stipendiary Steward, Mr Nigel McIntyre presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) by Junior Driver, Ms Anj Mugford.
Ms Mugford confirmed she was conversant with the Rule, she understood the charge and admitted the breach. Ms Mugford declined the assistance of a Senior Driver for the hearing.
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:
Mr McIntyre used the video to identify Ms Mugford driving RUTHLESS LIZZIE racing mid-field towards the pylons. He pointed to Ms Mugford find racing room, activate gear and commence to use her whip. With the assistance of Steward, Mr Renault, counted 10 strikes that were outside of the required guidelines.
Ms Mugford admitted it was not a good look and that she would need to improve her technique.
DECISION:
The Respondent having admitted the breach the charge was found to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr McIntyre stated Ms Mugford had 4 drives last season and in the current season has driven 8 times. He said Ms Mugford was warned on 12 March 2023 at Reefton. He said Stewards place this breach at mid-range where a $500 fine or a 2 day suspension is a starting point. He said Ms Mugford would prefer a suspension over a fine and Stewards would be agreeable to this.
Ms Mugford made no submissions for Penalty.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The Adjudicative Committee found that this breach was mid -level as defined in the whip regulations. The Harness Racing Penalty Guidelines provide a suspension of 2 days or a $500 fine for a first breach at mid-range. There are no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors to depart from this starting point and a 2 day suspension is thought to be an appropriate penalty in this case.
CONCLUSION:
The Respondent, Junior Driver, Anj Mugford’s Licence to drive in races is suspended for 2 days, commencing after the conclusion of racing today 19/3 /2023 up to and including racing on the 24/3/2023.
Decision Date: 19/03/2023
Publish Date: 20/03/2023