Manawatu HRC 25 February 2025 – R3 – Allen Pyers

Background:

Following the running of Race 3, the ‘Scott Dickson Stables Handicap Trot’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) and the Whip and Rein Regulations. Details of the Information are as follow:

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

Mr Pyers 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. In the home straight, SCOOTS was positioned slightly away from the fence and was under some pressure. Between the approx. 100 and 50 metre point, Mr Pyers is seen to strike his drive in a non compliant manner on 4/5 occasions. When asked, Mr Pyers confirmed that he agreed with Stewards’ interpretation.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was found proved.

Penalty Submissions:

Stewards outlined Mr Pyers’ record, as it relates to this Rule and related Regulations. His record remains clear within the two month reset period. In extending this, he was issued with a warning at the Kapiti Coast HRC meeting on 21st January 2025. Stewards remained of the view that on this occasion, the breach was low range and referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current Penalty Guide. Mr Pyers expressed that he preferred suspension over imposition of a fine and did not seek deferment.

Reasons for Penalty:

Film provided clearly identifies the offence. The Adjudicative Committee is satisfied that given the number of strikes, along with the distance over which the breach occurred (nearing 50 metres), the offence represented a low/mid range breach of the Rule. Guidelines provide for penalty of 2 days suspension or $300 fine – low range and 2 days suspension or $500 fine – mid range. Given circumstance, a suspension of 2 days is deemed appropriate.

Conclusion:

Mr Pyers’ Licence to drive in races is suspended for 2 days, from the close of racing on 25th February 2025, up to and including 11th March 2025.  The 2 meetings encompassed by the period of suspension are Waikato BOP Harness 4th March 2025 and Manawatu Harness 11th March 2025.