Banks Peninsula TC 21 April 2025 – R4 – Jessica Young-Grant

Summary of Facts:

Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent Open Driver Jessica Young-Grant admitted a breach of Whip Rule 869(2).  The particulars of the charge are that when driving VERDUCCI she used her whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home. 

Rule 869 provides that:

(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.

After discussion with Mrs Young-Grant, she was excused from attending the hearing as she was unwell, wanting to return home as soon as possible.

Stipendiary Steward Paul Williams used available video footage to demonstrate the breach. He pointed out Mrs Young-Grant driving VERDUCCI, racing midfield, as the field turned for home. Mr Williams showed that Mrs Young-Grant activated gear, then drew her whip and used it on 7 occasions with more than a wrist flicking motion over the concluding stages before, near the 50m, reverting back to a compliant style of whip use for the remainder of the race.

Decision:

The charge is admitted and therefore proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Williams produced the Respondent’s record, which indicated a clear record.

He said that Stewards assessed the breach to be mid-level, with the Penalty Guide providing a starting point of a $500 fine or 2 day suspension as penalty, for an initial breach of this Rule.

Mr Williams submitted that a 2 day suspension be considered as penalty in this case.

Mrs Young-Grant had indicated to the Adjudicative Committee prior to the hearing, that a suspension was preferred as penalty.

She had also indicated that she wished to take any suspension as soon as possible.

Reasons for Penalty:

After consideration of the evidence from all parties concerned and viewing the race films of the concluding stages of the race, the Adjudicative Committee also assessed the breach as mid-level.

The Penalty Guide provides a 2-day suspension, or $500 fine starting point, for an initial breach of this Rule within a 6-month period.

After taking consideration of all factors, it was determined that a suspension was an appropriate penalty in this case. It was determined that there were no aggravating factors to consider, therefore no uplift was warranted. The Adjudicative Committee therefore deemed a 2-day suspension to be imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent is suspended for a period of 2 days, commencing after racing today, 21 April 2025, up to and including 27 April 2025. Relevant race days encompassed in this period of suspension are – Addington on 25 April and Rangiora on 27 April 2025.