Manawatu HRC 13 November 2025 – R2 – Scott Dickson

Background:

Following the running of Race 2, the ‘Congratulations Emily Johnson Driving 100 Winners 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 follows:

‘in that he used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion early in the run home’

Mr Dickson 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. Early in the run home, PLAY THE ACE was positioned in the trail. Mr Dickson looked to angle out and improve his position. Between the 200m and the 100m, Mr Dickson is seen to strike his drive in a non compliant manner on two occasions. A third is deemed marginal. From the 100m mark to the line, Mr Dickson returns to a compliant style. When asked, Mr Dickson confirmed that he agreed with Steward interpretation and count.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Penalty Submissions:

Stewards outlined Mr Dickson’s record, as it relates to any breach of the Rule and related Regulations. His record is clear, as it relates to the reset period. He had received a warning in relation to whip use at the Waikato BOP Harness Meeting on 2 October 2025. Stewards remained of the view that on this occasion, the breach was low level and referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current Penalty Guide. Mr Dickson asked that any penalty imposed, be by way of a suspension, rather than a fine.

Reasons for Penalty:

Film provided clearly identifies the incident. The Adjudicative Committee is satisfied that the offence was low level given that Mr Dickson, after the offence, drove to the line in a compliant manner. The current Guidelines provide for penalty by way of a $300 fine, or 2 day suspension. Reflecting upon Mr Dickson’s preference, a 2 day suspension was deemed the appropriate penalty.

Conclusion:

Mr Dickson’s Licence to drive in races is suspended for 2 days, commencing from the close of racing on 13 November and ending upon close of racing on 27 November 2025. Days encompassed by the suspension are Waikato BOP Meetings on 20 November 2025 and 27 November 2025.