Manawatu HRC 16 March 2023 – R5 – Stephen Doody

ID: RIB17658

Respondent(s):
Stephen Doody - Driver

Applicant:
Mr A Dooley - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr N McCutcheon

Persons Present:
Mr Doody, Mr Dooley

Information Number:
A17271

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Used whip with more than a wrist flicking motion

Rule(s):
869(2) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
CHANGEAROUND

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
16/03/2023

Race Club:
Manawatu Harness Racing Club

Race Location:
Manawatu Raceway - Pioneer Highway, Palmerston North,

Race Number:
R5

Hearing Date:
16/03/2023

Hearing Location:
Manawatu Raceway

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver Stephen Doody was suspended for 6 days

FACTS

Mr Doody, Driver of ‘CHANGEAROUND’ admitted a breach in that he used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.

Mr Doody said that he understood the Rule, charge and confirmed that he admitted the breach.

Mr Dooley showed film replays and said that Mr Doody used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion on ten occasions in the run home.  He added that ‘CHANGEAROUND’ finished second.

Mr Doody said that it was nine or ten times.  He said that he is used to the old-fashioned way, thought he was only flicking, but the film showed he was not.

DECISION

As the charge was admitted, it was found proved.

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS

Mr Dooley said that the record for Mr Doody showed two prior breaches of the Rule in the last six months:

17 November 2022  –           2-days suspension

14 March 2023         –           3-days suspension

Last season Mr Doody had 28 drives and this season to date, had had 9 drives.

Mr Dooley placed the breach mid to high-range.

Mr Doody confirmed that he only drove at Cambridge and Manawatu Meetings.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

The Adjudicative Committee was concerned that after breaching the Rule two days previously, the Respondent again breached the Rule and to a greater degree (10 times).

Taking all matters into consideration, a 6-driving day suspension was considered to be a condign penalty.

CONCLUSION

Mr Doody’s Driver’s Licence was suspended from 28 April to 20 July 2023 inclusive (6-days).  The days being 11 & 18 May, 2 & 22 June, 6 & 20 July 2023, all Cambridge meetings.

Decision Date: 16/03/2023

Publish Date: 23/03/2023