Nelson HRC 15 January 2023 – R7 – Bob Butt
ID: RIB14179
Animal Name:
LATRELL
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:
R7
Hearing Date:
15/01/2023
Hearing Location:
Richmond Park Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Bob Butt is fined $500
Evidence:
Following the running of Race 7, an Information was presented by RIB Steward Mr Shane Renault alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) by Driver Mr Bob Butt.
Mr Butt confirmed he was conversant with the Rule, and the Charge, and he admitted the breach.
Mr Renault played the video of the final straight to identify Mr Butt driving LATRELL down the centre of the track. He pointed to Mr Butt strike his horse several times outside of the allowable Guidelines, from early in the straight until approximately the 80m where he conformed to a proper standard.
Decision:
The Respondent has admitted the breach of the Rule and the charge was deemed to be proved.
Submissions on Penalty:
Mr Renault stated Mr Butt has one previous breach on his record at Addington on 22 July 2022. Mr Renault said this breach is mid-range as Mr Butt has driven outside the Guidelines for approximately 150. He said as this was Mr Butt’s second breach within a 6-month period, the Penalty Guidelines state a starting point penalty of a 3-to-5-day suspension.
Mr Butt asked the Adjudicative Committee to give some consideration to his record, which would have been clear in one week.
Reasons for Penalty:
Mr Butt has clearly breached the whip Rule at a mid-range level. He is a very busy Driver and was within 7 days of obtaining a clear record. The Adjudicative Committee on this occasion used its discretion and viewed his record to be neutral.
The Penalty Guidelines for a breach at the mid-range level have a starting point of either a 2-day suspension, or a $500 fine, and the latter is considered appropriate in the circumstances of this case.
Conclusion:
Driver Bob Butt is fined $500.
Decision Date: 15/01/2023
Publish Date: 16/01/2023