Manawatu HRC 29 March 2023 – R5 – Zev Meredith

ID: RIB18090

Respondent(s):
Zev Meredith - Junior Driver

Applicant:
Mr S Mulcay - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr N McCutcheon

Persons Present:
Mr Meredith, Mr M Sole - Stipendiary Steward, Mr Mulcay, Mr D Butcher assisting Mr Meredith

Information Number:
A17273

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Used whip with more than a wrist flicking motion

Rule(s):
869(2) - Contravention whip rule - Whip and Rein Regulations

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
NEW YORK MINUTE

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
29/03/2023

Race Club:
Manawatu Harness Racing Club

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

Race Number:
R5

Hearing Date:
29/03/2023

Hearing Location:
Manawatu Raceway

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Junior Driver Zev Meredith is fined $300

FACTS

Assisted by Mr Butcher, Mr Meredith admitted a breach of Rule 869(2).

The breach being that he used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion on his drive ‘NEW YORK MINUTE’ in the run home.

Mr Meredith said that he knew the Rule, charge and confirmed that he admitted the breach.

Mr Sole showed film replays and identified where Mr Meredith was not compliant with his whip use, by using his elbow and shoulders early in the run home and over the final stages.

Mr Butcher said that it was only for about three strides.

DECISION

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS

Mr Mulcay said that Mr Meredith had had 42 drives this season with one warning for whip use on 26 January 2023.  He placed the breach at the low to mid-range category.

The Penalty Guide was referred to.

Mr Butcher said that it was low-range and asked the Adjudicative Committee to consider the costs associated with Mr Meredith attending the meeting.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

The Penalty Guide has a starting point for a first breach, of a fine of $300 or a 2-day suspension.

Taking all matters into consideration, the Adjudicative Committee determined that there was not any reason to depart from the monetary starting point.

CONCLUSION

Mr Z Meredith was fined $300.

Decision Date: 29/03/2023

Publish Date: 03/04/2023