Gore HRC 19 February 2023 – R10 – Sam Thornley
ID: RIB15951
Animal Name:
Lou’s Deal
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
19/02/2023
Race Club:
Gore Harness Racing Club
Race Location:
Gore Racecourse - 136 Gore-Mataura Highway, Gore, 9772
Race Number:
R10
Hearing Date:
19/02/2023
Hearing Location:
Gore Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Junior Driver Sam Thornley was fined $200
BACKGROUND
Following the running of Race 10 Gore Town and Country Club Summer Cup Mobile Pace, the Respondent Junior Driver Sam Thornley admitted a breach of Rule 869(2) in that he used his whip in a continuous manner on LOU’S DEAL in the final straight.
The Respondent confirmed he understood the Rule and admitted the breach.
The 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 shall only apply the whip in a wrist 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
Stipendiary Steward Mr Vinny Munro asked Stipendiary Steward Mr Mark Davidson to use the available video footage highlighting Mr Thornley continuously using his whip for about 120 metres in the home straight before pausing.
The Respondent was supported by Mr John Morrison and agreed with the summation by the Stipendiary Stewards.
DECISION
The breach is admitted and therefore deemed proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY
Mr Munro stated that Mr Thornley had been warned earlier in the day.
He believed the breach was low end.
Mr Thornley has had 755 lifetime drives, 378 last season and 73 this season.
The Penalty Guide has a starting point of $300.
REASONS FOR PENALTY
The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied there was a clear breach of the Rule. Mr Thornley continued to use his whip for about 120 metres before pausing.
The Adjudicative Committee accepts the breach to be at the lower level and gives Mr Thornley a $100 reduction for this level and guilty plea.
CONCLUSION
The Respondent is fined the sum of $200.
Decision Date: 19/02/2023
Publish Date: 22/02/2023