Riverton TC 12 February 2022 – R2 – Tristan Larsen

Summary of Facts:

Following the running of Race 2 the Carriers Arms Hotel Mobile Pace, Stipendiary Steward Mr V Munro submitted an Information that Junior Driver Mr Tristan Larsen breached Rule 869(2) Whip and Rein Regulations, and that he used his whip and reins in a continuous manner when driving CHEZZ DALE in the concluding stages of the race.

Mr T Larsen admitted the breach and confirmed he understood the Rule and was present at the hearing.

Mr Larsen was supported by his father Mr K Larsen who is a Senior Trainer and Driver.

Rule 869(2) (Whip and Rein Regulations:
No driver shall during any race use a whip in contravention of the use of the whip regulations.

Relevant part of the Whip and Rein Regulations as follows:
3.4.2

Using the available footage Mr Munro identified Mr T Larsen using his whip and reins continuously from approximately 220m down the home straight to the winning post.

Mr T Larsen agreed with Mr Munro’s summation and said he had had a mental block and that he was keen to get the win on his horse CHEZZ DALE and had reverted back to his old style.

Mr K Larsen said that it was unfortunate as CHEZZ DALE needed urging along to get the best out of him as he could be a bit of a loafer. He also said that the footage was worse than what it appeared as when it was slowed down you could see it was a mixture of whip and reins that Mr T Larsen had used .

Decision:

The charge is admitted by Mr T Larsen and is therefore deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Munro produced Mr T Larsen’s driving record which showed he has had 218 lifetime drives, 163 last season and 13 this season.

Mr Munro confirmed that Mr Larsen had a clear record under this Rule and that he was driving between 2 and 4 horses  most Southern race days.

Mr Munro believed that the breach was mid range in this instance and was seeking a fine of $500.

Mr T Larsen had no submissions on penalty.

Mr K Larsen did outline the fact that it was very difficult for Junior Drivers to retain drives and a suspension would be difficult for him to do so. He also stated that a $500 fine was a hefty amount for a Junior Driver in their wage earning capacity.

Reasons For Penalty:

The penalty provides for a starting point of a 2 day suspension or $500 fine.

After taking into account the submissions of both Mr Munro and Mr K Larsen a fine of $500 is deemed appropriate. The aggravating factor in fixing penalty is the animal welfare, in that it is a very poor look for the Industry and the mitigating factor being Mr T Larsen’s clear record and his admittance of the breach which saw a mutual result.

Conclusion:

Mt T Larsen was fined the sum of $500 and reminded of his obligations under this particular Rule.