Marlborough HRC 19 January 2024 – R7 (heard 21 January 2024 at Blenheim) – Alana Cameron
ID: RIB37985
Animal Name:
HES FAST AND FURIOUS
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
19/01/2024
Race Club:
Marlborough Harness Racing Club
Race Location:
Waterlea Racecourse - Mclauchlan Street, Springlands, Blenheim, 7201
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
21/01/2024
Hearing Location:
Blenheim
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Junior Driver Alana Cameron is suspended for 3 days
Summary of Facts:
This was an adjourned hearing from the Marlborough Harness Racing Club’s Meeting on 19 January 2024.
Following the running of Race 7, the Respondent Junior Driver Alana Cameron admitted a breach of Whip Rule 869(2). The particulars of the charge are that when driving HES FAST AND FURIOUS, she used her whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.
Rule 869 provides that:
(2) No driver shall during any race use a whip in a manner in contravention of the Use of the Whip Regulations made by the Board.
Miss Cameron was assisted at the preliminary Stewards’ inquiry by Open Driver Ricky May.
Chief Stipendiary Steward Nigel McIntyre used available video footage to demonstrate the breach. He pointed out Miss Cameron driving HES FAST AND FURIOUS racing 4 back on the pylons as the field turned for home. Mr McIntyre showed that Miss Cameron drew her whip, shortly after turning for home, and used it on 4 to 5 occasions with more than a wrist flicking motion. He added that Miss Cameron reverted back to compliant use of the whip for the remainder of the race.
Miss Cameron stated that she believed the number of strikes were on 4 occasions.
Decision:
The charge is admitted and therefore proved.
Submissions for Penalty:
Mr McIntyre produced the Respondent’s record which indicated a previous breach within the prior 2 months, being a 2-day suspension for a breach of this Rule at Westport on 26 December 2023.
Mr McIntyre said that Stewards assessed the breach to be low to mid-level. He added that the Penalty Guide provided a 3-4 day suspension for a low to mid-range 2nd breach of this Rule within 2 months. Mr McIntyre submitted that a 3 day suspension be considered as penalty.Â
Miss Cameron made no submissions in regard to penalty apart from requesting any suspension begin as soon as possible.
Reasons for Penalty:
After consideration of the evidence from all parties concerned and viewing the race films of the concluding stages of the race, the Adjudicative Committee also assessed the breach as low to mid-level.
The Penalty Guide provides a 3-4 day suspension starting point for a low to mid-level second breach of this Rule.
It was determined that there were no aggravating factors to consider, therefore no uplift was warranted.
After taking consideration of all factors and submissions, the Adjudicative Committee deemed a 3-day suspension to be an appropriate penalty in this case.
Conclusion:
The Respondent is suspended for a period of 3 days, commencing after racing today, 21 January 2024, up to and including 28 January 2024. Relevant race days encompassed in this period of suspension are Forbury Park at Oamaru – 24 January, 26 January – Addington and Methven – 28 January 2024.
Decision Date: 21/01/2024
Publish Date: 23/01/2024