Nelson HRC 15 January 2023 – R1 – Sam Thornley
ID: RIB14161
Animal Name:
BONO BROWN
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
15/01/2023
Race Club:
Nelson Harness Racing Club
Race Location:
Nelson Racecourse - 358 Lower Queen Street, Nelson, 7020
Race Number:
R1
Hearing Date:
15/01/2023
Hearing Location:
Richmond Park Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Junior Driver Sam Thornley is fined $200
Evidence:
Following the running of Race 1, an Information was presented by RIB Steward Mr Shane Renault alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) by Junior Driver Sam Thornley.
Mr Thornley confirmed he was conversant with the Rule, he understood the charge, and he admitted the breach. Mr Thornley was assisted at the hearing by Senior Driver Mr Gavin Smith.
RIB Steward Mr Matt Sole showed the replay video of the race entering the final straight with Mr Thornley (BONO BROWN), widest on the track. He pointed to Mr Thornley strike his horse once which was clearly in breach of the Whip Regulations and three times which may be considered so.
Mr Smith agreed with Mr Sole about the first strike but said in his opinion the next three were compliant.
Mr Thornley made no comment.
Decision:
The Charge is admitted by the Respondent and is therefore deemed proved.
Submissions on Penalty:
Mr Sole said Mr Thornley was warned on the first day of the meeting and this resulted in a charge brought against him for today’s indiscretion.
Mr Sole alluded to the Penalty Guide for a first breach of the Rule, a $200 fine, as appropriate.
Mr Thornley and Mr Smith made no submissions.
Reasons for Penalty:
There was no doubt Mr Thornley has breached the Rule and in the circumstances of this case, the Adjudicative Committee could find no reason to depart from the Guidelines which provide a $200 fine as Penalty.
Conclusion:
Junior Driver Mr Sam Thornley is fined $200.
Decision Date: 15/01/2023
Publish Date: 16/01/2023