Invercargill HRC 26 April 2026 – R9 – Nathan Williamson
ID: RIB66386
Animal Name:
PALLADIUM
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
26/04/2026
Race Club:
Invercargill Harness Racing Club
Race Location:
Ascot Park Raceway - 29 Findlay Road, Ascot, Invercargill, 9810
Race Number:
R9
Hearing Date:
26/04/2026
Hearing Location:
Invercargill
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver N Williamson suspended for 3 days
Mr McIntyre alleged that Mr N Williamson used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home in Race 9.
Mr Munro identified the Respondent’s horse on the videos and demonstrated that Mr Williamson had shifted out 3-wide on the home bend and was making a run down the centre of the track from the top of the straight. Mr Williamson then used the whip in breach of the Rules, near the 150 metres.
Mr McIntyre said there were 3 strikes in a very short period of time. Other strikes, including backhanders, were in accordance with the Rules.
Mr Williamson said he had nothing to say, other than the fact he was trying to straighten the horse.
Decision
As Mr Williamson has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Penalty Submissions
Mr McIntyre produced the Respondent’s record. He explained that Mr Williamson had been off the scene for some time due to injury. Mr Williamson was usually compliant with the Rules and he had only received one warning. Mr McIntyre described the breach as low level. Mr Williamson had returned to a compliant action and the 3 strikes were in a short period. He said the starting point in the Penalty Guide was 5 days’ suspension, having regard to the fact it was a Group 2 Race.
Mr Williamson addressed the issue of deferment of the suspension. He requested that it start after racing at Auckland on 1 May. The Stewards did not object to this.
Reasons for Penalty
The breach is low range, in that the Respondent has used his whip in breach of the Whip Rules, with more than a wrist flicking action for a very short period of time, as he progressed down the home straight. He returned to a compliant action. Mr Williamson has no previous breaches of this Rule and has a very good record over a long period.
Taking into account the status of the race, the circumstances of the breach, Mr Williamson’s very good record and his admission of the breach, the Adjudicative Committee believes a penalty below the starting point is appropriate.
Conclusion
Mr Williamson is suspended from the end of racing on 1 May 2026, up to and including 7 May 2026. This is 3 days.
Decision Date: 26/04/2026
Publish Date: 30/04/2026