Kaikoura TC 31 October 2022 – R8 (heard 4 November 2022 at Rangiora) – Matthew Williamson.
ID: RIB12280
Animal Name:
ANYTHING GOES
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
31/10/2022
Race Club:
Kaikoura Trotting Club
Race Location:
Kaikoura Racecourse - , ,
Race Number:
R8
Hearing Date:
04/11/2022
Hearing Location:
Rangiora Raceway
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Matthew Williamson is suspended for 4 days.
Summary of Facts:
Following the running of Race 8, the Respondent Matthew Williamson admitted a breach of Whip Rule 869(2). The particulars of the charge are that M Williamson (ANYTHING GOES) used his whip with more than a wrist-flicking motion in the run home.
Rule 869 provides that:
(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.
Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr McIntyre used available video footage to demonstrate the breach which showed Mr Williamson driving compliantly in the home straight until the last 150m where he struck his horse 4 times, those strikes being well outside of the Regulations.
In response, the Respondent advised the Adjudicative Committee he had a momentary brain fade.
Decision:
The charge is admitted and therefore proved.
Submission For Penalty:
Mr McIntyre produced the Respondent, Mr Williamson’s record, which indicated a breach on 28 July 2022 190 drives ago.
Mr McIntyre said that Stewards assessed the breach to be medium-level and submitted that it be dealt with by way of a 4-day suspension, as this race was a Listed race.
The Respondent made no submissions but said if a suspension is proposed, a 7-day deferment is sought to enable confirmed driving engagements at the Cup meeting to be met.
Reasons For Penalty:
After consideration of the evidence from all parties concerned and viewing the race films of the concluding stages of the race, the Adjudicative Committee assessed the breach as mid-level.
A medium-level breach is defined as when a driver inadvertently reverts to the old style (freehand, loose reining and/or more than a flicking motion) and continues to drive in this manner for some distance (50 metres) before taking corrective steps to return to a compliant style of driving.
- For Group 3 or Listed races, a starting point of a 4-day suspension.
Having considered all factors, the Adjudicative Committee deemed a 4-day suspension to be an appropriate penalty.
Conclusion:
The Respondent is granted a deferment and is suspended for a period of 4 days, commencing 13 November 2022 and concluding 19 November 2022.
Decision Date: 04/11/2022
Publish Date: 07/11/2022