Invercargill HRC 7 May 2022 – R9 – Oliver Kite

Background:

After the conclusion of Race 9 Newfield Sports Mobile Race 2200m, Information A13853 was lodged by Stipendiary Steward Mr Vinny Munro under Rule 869(2) Whip and Rein Regs, alleging that Mr O Kite (I’M TROUBLE) used his whip with more than a wrist flicking action in the run home.

Mr O Kite admitted the breach and confirmed that he understood the Rule, and that Mr Nathan Williamson, a Senior Driver, was assisting him in the hearing.

Rule 860(2) reads as follows: 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.

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

Miss Haley pointed out the horse, I’M TROUBLE, highlighting Mr Kite’s whipping action in the run home which was more than a wrist flicking action.

Mr Kite confirmed he had viewed the video clips with Mr Williamson and that he had made an error of judgement. Mr Williamson pointed out that Mr Kite held his whip in his left hand and that the horse was proving a little difficult to control in this instance.

Decision:

The breach is admitted and therefore the charge is proved accordingly.

Penalty Submissions:

Mr Munro stated that Mr Kite has had 173 lifetime drives, 127 last season and 46 this season. He had no previous breaches under this Rule and this was the first time in his driving career Mr Kite had appeared in front of the Adjudicative Committee.

Mr Munro stated that the Penalty Guide in this instance recommends 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 Kite the sum of $200.