Gore HRC 27 December 2022 – R1 (heard 4 January at Roxburgh) – Kirk Larsen
ID: RIB14346
Animal Name:
ONELOVEONELIFE
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
27/12/2021
Race Club:
Gore Harness Racing Club
Race Location:
Gore Racecourse - 136 Gore-Mataura Highway, Gore, 9772
Race Number:
R1
Hearing Date:
04/01/2023
Hearing Location:
Roxburgh
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver, Kirk Larsen fined $200
Mr Munro alleged that passing the 500 metres in Race 1 Mr Larsen used his whip free of the rein.
Mr McIntyre prosecuted the matter and demonstrated the incident on the videos. The Respondent was working off the back and, after activating gear, he struck his horse, ONELOVEONELIFE, once with the whip free of the rein. He then placed his hands back on the reins.
Mr Larsen said he had taken his hand off the reins to pull the ear plugs and had hit the horse once before putting both hands back on the reins. He said it was force of habit.
Decision
As Mr Larsen has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submissions as to penalty
Mr McIntyre produced the Respondent’s record which showed 132 drives last season. Mr Larsen had received one warning with respect to this Rule on 13 February 2022, hence the charge on this occasion. His record was clear under the Whip Rule. Mr McIntyre submitted the breach was low end and a penalty in accordance with the Penalty Guide was appropriate.
Mr Larsen did not disagree with this.
Reason for penalty
The breach is low end. The Penalty Guide provides for a fine in the range of $200 to $400 for a first such breach.
Conclusion
Mr Larsen is fined the sum of $200.
Decision Date: 04/01/2022
Publish Date: 16/01/2023