Forbury Park TC 1 July 2021 – R6 – Brad Williamson
ID: RIB3281
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
01/07/2021
Race Club:
Forbury Park Trotting Club
Race Location:
Forbury Park - 146 Victoria Road St Kilda, Dunedin, 9012
Race Number:
R6
Hearing Date:
01/07/2021
Hearing Location:
Forbury Park
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Brad Williamson suspended for 3 meetings
Evidence:
Mr Munro alleged that Mr Williamson (KERALA STAR) used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the early stages of the race.
Mr Munro identified the Respondent’s horse on the video and demonstrated that as the horses left the mobile, he was urging his horse. Mr Munro stated that Mr Williamson used the whip with one hand free of the reins. He said Mr Williamson had gone back to the old style of driving. There were 5 strikes.
Mr Williamson said the horse was lazy and he was trying to give it its best chance in the race. He agreed the strikes were free of the rein, but he thought there were only 4 strikes. Mr Munro stated he would accept a count of 4 strikes.
Reason for Decision:
As Mr Williamson has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submission for Penalty:
Mr Munro produced the Respondent’s record. Mr Williamson has had 212 drives this season and 323 the last. Mr Williamson has a previous breach of the whip rule in Victoria on 13 February last. Mr Munro sought a suspension of 3 days.
Mr Williamson asked that any suspension be deferred for a week.
Reason for Penalty:
The breach is a little above mid-range in that the Respondent has commenced to use his whip free of the reins for some distance immediately after the start. He has reverted to the old style of whip use with the intention of keeping the horse focused. At this point in the race, in particular, the use of the whip in this manner is not a good look for the industry. Mr Munro has agreed with the Respondent that it is 4 strikes although there is a fifth strike that Mr Munro initially counted. Penalty is imposed on the basis of 4 strikes. Mr Williamson’s record under this rule shows one breach these past 12 months.
Conclusions:
Mr Williamson is suspended for 3 meetings. The suspension commences after racing on 8 July and is up to and including 15 July 2021.
Decision Date: 01/07/2021
Publish Date: 06/07/2021