Invercargill HRC 1 July 2022 – R1 – Tim Robertson

BACKGROUND

After the running of Race 1 Level One Restaurant and Bar Trot 2200m, Information A13862 was lodged by Stipendiary Steward Mr Vinny Munro under Rule 869(2) Whip and Rein Regulations alleging that Mr Tim Robertson (THE BRONX BOMBER) used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.

Mr Robertson was present at the hearing, admitted the breach and confirmed he understood the Rule.

Rule 869(2) reads as follows:-

No Driver in any race shall use a whip in a manner of contravention of the use of the whip and regulations made by the Board.

Mr Munro asked the Stipendiary Steward Miss Rebecca Haley to highlight the incident using the appropriate video clips.

Miss Haley pointed out Mr Robertson has used his whip at least 3 times from the top of the straight with more than a wrist flicking motion.

Mr Robertson agreed with Miss Haley’s summation and simply stated he had reverted to old habits.

DECISION

As the breach is admitted the charge is deemed proved.

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS

Mr Munro stated that Mr Robertson has had 579 lifetime drives, 82 last season and 37 this season.

Mr Munro confirmed that Mr Robertson had no previous breaches under this Rule and he believed that the breach on this occasion was at the low end of the scale.

Mr Munro stated that the HRNZ Penalty Guide in this instance was a fine of $200.

Mr Robertson had no submissions on penalty.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

The video films of the incident are very clear and conclusive and confirm Mr Robertson has on 3 occasions used his whip in a non wrist flicking motion.

CONCLUSION

The Adjudicative Committee fined Mr Robertson the sum of $200.