Methven TC 12 December 2021 – R2 – Kyle Cameron

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Driver, Kyle Cameron, was charged after Race 2, Methven Tyre & Hire Mobile Pace, that as the Driver of WHISKEY CAVALIER in the race, he used his whip with more than a wrist only flicking motion in the run home.

SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Mulcay showed a video replay of the final 300 metres of the race. He pointed out WHISKEY CAVALIER, driven by Mr Cameron, racing in 3rd position as the field turned into the home straight. Mr Mulcay then showed that Mr Cameron then activated the removable deafeners and commenced driving his horse out. Mr Cameron did not use his whip in a continuous manner but early on, Mr Mulcay submitted, his whip use exceeded the permitted wrist only flicking motion. To Mr Cameron’s credit, he did correct inside the 100 metres and revert to a compliant style, Mr Mulcay said.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

Mr Cameron has admitted the breach which is found proved accordingly.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Mulcay said that Mr Cameron’s record is clear and, therefore, Stewards were seeking a monetary penalty by way of a fine of $200. The breach was low-level, Mr Mulcay said.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The breach is low-level within the definition in the HRNZ Whip Penalty Guide – inadvertently reverting to the old style (freehand, loose reining and/or more than a flicking motion) but promptly taking steps to return to a compliant style.

In addition, this is a first offence. There are no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors. The Penalty Guide starting point for a low-level first offence is a fine in the range of $200-$400. A fine at the lower end of that range is appropriate in this instance.

CONCLUSION:

Driver, Kyle Cameron, is fined the sum of $200.