Methven TC 16 April 2023 – R5 – Anj Mugford
ID: RIB18624
Animal Name:
RUTHLESS LIZZIE
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
16/04/2023
Race Club:
Methven Trotting Club
Race Location:
Methven Racecourse - 47 Mount Hutt Station Road, Methven, 7782
Race Number:
R5
Hearing Date:
16/04/2023
Hearing Location:
Mt Harding Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Junior Driver Anj Mugford is suspended for 3 days
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of Race 5, Stipendiary Steward Mr Paul Williams presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) by Junior Driver Ms Anj Mugford.
Ms Mugford stated she understood the Rule and the charge and confirmed she admitted the breach.
Ms Mugford was assisted at the hearing by Open Driver Mr Robbie Holmes.
Rule 869(2) provides:
(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.
The Whip and Rein Regulations provide:
3.1 A driver may only apply the whip in a wrist only flicking motion whilst holding a rein in each hand with the tip of the whip pointed forward in an action which does not engage the shoulder.
3.2 For the purposes of clause 3.1, “wrist only flicking motion” means:
3.2.1 Ensuring no force is generated by the use of the elbow or shoulder when applying the whip.
3.2.2 The forearm is not raised beyond forty-five degrees relative to the racing surface.
3.2.3 Not applying the whip with overt force.
Mr Williams identified Ms Mugford back in the field entering the final straight, and then switch out wide after straightening, where he said Ms Mugford has stuck her horse 5 times outside of the Whip Regulation Guidelines.
Ms Mugford said she needs to work on her technique.
Mr Holmes said Ms Mugford just needs more practice so that an acceptable style is engrained.
DECISION:
The Respondent having admitted the breach, the charge was deemed to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Williams stated Ms Mugford had only driven 12 times this season and has a breach under the Rule on the 19 March 2023 at Banks Peninsula. He said that breach was only a few drives ago, which could be thought of as an aggravating factor.
Ms Mugford made no submissions on penalty, but asked for deferment until after the Geraldine meeting 21 April.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The Penalty Guidelines provide a 3-day suspension for a second breach of this Rule, which in this case, the Adjudicative Committee finds appropriate.
CONCLUSION:
Deferment is granted and Junior Driver Anj Mugford’s Licence to drive in races is suspended at the conclusion of racing on 21 April, up to and including racing on 30 April 2023.
Decision Date: 16/04/2023
Publish Date: 17/04/2023