Invercargill HRC 30 April 2022 – R2 – Robbie Close
ID: RIB8752
Animal Name:
MOONLITE DREAM
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
30/04/2022
Race Club:
Invercargill Harness Racing Club
Race Location:
Ascot Park Raceway - 29 Findlay Road, Ascot, Invercargill, 9810
Race Number:
R2
Hearing Date:
30/04/2022
Hearing Location:
Ascot Park Raceway
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Robbie Close was fined the sum of $200
After the conclusion of Race 2, Coats & Schuck Jewellers Fillies & Mares Mobile Pace, Information A16528 was lodged by Stipendiary Steward Miss R Haley under Rule 869 2, Whip & Rein Regs 4.4 that Mr R Close MOONLITE DREAM crossed his reins and saluted with his whip prior to the finish line.
Mr R Close admitted the breach and confirmed he understood the Rule and that he did not wish to be present at the hearing.
Rule 869(2) reads as follows:
869(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.Â
Miss Haley used the appropriate video clips to highlight Mr Close crossing his reins about 50m from the finishing line and using his left hand to salute with the whip prior to the finish line.
Decision:
The breach is admitted and therefore the charge is proved.
Penalty Submissions:
Miss Haley stated that Mr Close had had 4,442 lifetime drives, 788 last season and 229 this season. Miss Haley confirmed that Mr Close had no previous charges under this Rule.
Miss Haley stated that the Penalty Guide in this instance was a $200 fine.
Reasons for Penalty:
The race films of the incident are very clear and the facts are not contested. A fine of $200 in this instance was deemed appropriate.
Conclusion:
The Adjudicative Committee fined Mr Close the sum of $200.
Decision Date: 30/04/2022
Publish Date: 02/05/2022