Northern Southland TC 11 March 2023 – R10 – John Hay
ID: RIB17108
Animal Name:
Wheels Of Fortune
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
11/03/2023
Race Club:
Northern Southland Trotting Club
Race Location:
Ascot Park Raceway - 29 Findlay Road, Ascot, Invercargill, 9810
Race Number:
R10
Hearing Date:
11/03/2023
Hearing Location:
Ascot Park Raceway
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver John Hay was fined the sum of $200
Background:
Following the running of Race 10, Driver John Hay admitted a breach of Rule 869(2) in that as the Driver of Wheels of Fortune used his whip in more than a wrist flicking motion rounding the final bend.
The Respondent admitted the breach and confirmed he understood the Rule.
Rule 869 provides:
(2) No driver shall during a 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) A driver may only apply a whip in wrist flicking motion holding a rein in each hand with the tip of the whip pointed forwards in an action which does not engage the shoulder.
Evidence:
Stipendiary Steward Mr Paul Williams used video clips to highlight Mr Hay using a whip on three occasions in the run home.
Decision:
The breach is admitted and is therefore deemed proved.
Submission for Penalty:
Mr Munro stated that Mr Hay has had 8398 lifetime drives – 34 last season, and 4 this season. He received a warning on 6 November 2022. Mr Munro believed the breach to be low end with the Penalty Guide having a starting point of a $300 fine.
Mr Hay had no submissions on penalty.
Reasons for Penalty:
The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied there was a clear breach of the Rule, which was supported by the video evidence.
The Adjudicative Committee also believed the breach was at the low end, and that a $100 reduction to penalty was appropriate, also being made as to the early admittance of the breach.
Conclusion:
The Respondent, Driver John Hay, was fined the sum of $200.
Decision Date: 11/03/2023
Publish Date: 14/03/2023