Geraldine TC 7 December 2024 – R12 – Lionel Dobbs
ID: RIB49189
Animal Name:
BETTERTHANDIVA
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
07/12/2024
Race Club:
Geraldine Trotting Club
Race Location:
Orari Racecourse - Orari Station Road, Orari, 7992
Race Number:
R12
Hearing Date:
07/12/2024
Hearing Location:
Orari Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Lionel Dobbs is fined $300
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of Race 12, Stipendiary Steward Mr Shane Renault presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) by Driver Mr Lionel Dobbs.
Mr Dobbs stated he understood the Rule and the Charge and confirmed he admitted the breach of the Rule.
Rule 869(2) provides:
3.4 For the purposes 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: 3.4.1 If the whip is applied other than as permitted in clause 3.1. 3.4.2 If the whip is applied more than a wrist flicking motion or free of the rein or continuous.
Mr Renault played the first 200m of the race to show Mr Dobbs (BETTERTHANDIVA) drawn the outside of the mobile barrier. He pointed to Mr Dobbs drive his horse forward from the start with his whip and counted four strikes, that were clearly in breach of the rule.
Mr Dobbs agreed he was in breach of the Rule and made no submissions.
DECISION:
The Respondent having admitted the breach, the charge was deemed to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Renault said Mr Dobbs has a clear record under the rule and has driven 23 times this season. He said the Stewards view this breach at low-range and would be seeking a penalty as the Guidelines provide.
Mr Dobbs made no submissions on Penalty.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The Penalty Guidelines provide a 2-day suspension or a $300 fine for a low-range breach, which this is.
There are no factors here to move the Adjudicative Committee to depart from the Guidelines and accordingly, fine Mr Dobbs $300.
CONCLUSION:
Driver Mr Lionel Dobbs is fined $300.
Decision Date: 07/12/2024
Publish Date: 10/12/2024