Manawatu HRC 12 December 2024 – R3 – Stephen Doody

Background:

Following the running of Race 3, the ‘Buy Wholesale Vehicles Mobile Pace’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) and the Whip and Rein Regulations. Details of the Information are as follow:

‘ S Doody (D K Louie)  used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion rounding the final bend and early in the run home’

Mr Doody conveyed that he understood the Rule and admitted the breach.

Rule 869(2) provides ‘ No driver shall during any race use a whip in a manner in contravention of the Whip and Rein Regulations made by the Board’. The Regulations remain specific in respect of definition.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident. Approaching the home turn, D K LOUIE is situated away from the fence. Mr Doody is seen to to strike his drive on 7 occasions between the 300 and 100 metre mark, in other than a wrist flicking motion. From this point, Mr Doody drove in a compliant manner to the finish line.  Mr Doody agreed with Stewards’ interpretation.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was found proved.

Penalty Submissions:

Stewards outlined Mr Doody’s record, as it relates to this Rule and related Regulations. He was suspended for 2 days on 11th November 2024 for a low level breach. Stewards remained of the view that on this occasion, the breach was mid range and referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current Penalty Guide. Mr Doody did not offer specific comment in respect of penalty.

Reasons for Penalty:

Film provided clearly identifies the offence. The Adjudicative Committee is satisfied that given the number of strikes, the offence represented a mid range breach of the Rule. Mr Doody did correct his actions and drove in a compliant manner from the 100 metre mark to the line. Guidelines provide for penalty (2nd offence) by way of a starting point, being a 4 day suspension. Given circumstance, this penalty is deemed appropriate.

Conclusion:

Mr Doody’s Licence to drive in races is suspended for 4 days, from the close of racing on 12th December 2024, up to and including 21st January 2025 . The 4 meetings to be encompassed by the period of suspension are Wairarapa HRC – 2nd January 2025 and Kapiti HRC 6, 19 and 21st January 2025.