Invercargill HRC 20 May 2023 – R6 (heard 27 May 2023 at Winton) – Tristan Larsen

ID: RIB22182

Respondent(s):
Tristan Larsen - Junior Driver

Applicant:
Mr Vinny Munro, Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall

Persons Present:
Mr Kirk Larsen, Driver, assisting Mr T Larsen

Information Number:
A17118

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Whip used with more than a wrist flicking motion

Rule(s):
869(2) - Contravention whip rule - Whip and Rein Regulations

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
CHEZZ DALE

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
20/05/2023

Race Club:
Invercargill Harness Racing Club

Race Location:
Ascot Park Raceway - 29 Findlay Road, Ascot, Invercargill, 9810

Race Number:
R6

Hearing Date:
27/05/2023

Hearing Location:
Winton

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Junior Driver Tristan Larsen fined $250

Mr Munro alleged that in Race 6, Mr Larsen used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.

Mr Munro demonstrated the incident on the videos. The Respondent used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion early in the home straight, before adjusting to a compliant action.

Mr K Larsen said it was a question of technique. Mr T Larsen used the whip three or four times with more than a wrist flicking action. It was from on a wide angle which made the breach look worse than it was. Mr Munro did not disagree with Mr K Larsen’s description.

Decision

As Mr T Larsen has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Munro produced the Respondent’s record which showed that Mr T Larsen had had 441 lifetime drives, 142 last season and 94 this season. He had received a warning 28 drives ago concerning his whip use. Mr Munro submitted the breach was low end.

Mr K Larsen reiterated that Mr T Larsen’s technique was an issue and that he would work with Mr T Larsen on this.

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide provides a $300 starting point for a first breach of this Rule. Mitigating factors are that the breach is low end, the Respondent is a Junior Driver, his early admission of the breach and that he returned to a compliant style.

Conclusion

Mr Larsen is fined the sun of $250.

Decision Date: 27/05/2023

Publish Date: 30/05/2023