Northern Southland TC 15 January 2026 – R3 – Phil Williamson

BACKGROUND

Following the running of Race 3, Open Driver Phil Williamson admitted a breach of Whip Rule 869(2). The particulars of the charge were that, when driving WHAT’S THE WHISPER, he used his whip free of the rein on the final bend.

Rule 869 provides that:

(2) No driver shall during any race use a whip in a manner in contravention of the Whip and Rein Regulations made by the Board.

The Whip and Rein Regulations, in part, 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.

At the start of the hearing, Mr Williamson confirmed his admission of the breach and that he understood the relevant Rule and Regulations.

EVIDENCE

Mr Sole used the available race videos to identify Mr Williamson improving 4-wide on the home turn with WHAT’S THE WHISPER. At about the 300 metre mark, the Respondent could be seen crossing the reins and delivering two backhand whip strikes with his right hand, which was free of the rein. He then reverted to a rein in each hand and drove the remainder of the race in a compliant style, Mr Sole said.

Mr Williamson accepted the submission of the Stewards and said he had simply fallen into old habits.

DECISION

As Mr Williamson has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS

Mr Sole produced the Respondent’s record, which showed that Mr Williamson had had 2 drives this season and 16 the last. He had a clear record under this Rule, though was warned about using the whip free of the rein when he last drove WHAT’S THE WHISPER.

Stewards deemed this to be a low-level breach because Mr Williamson had promptly returned to a compliant style.

The starting point in the Racing Integrity Board’s Harness Racing Penalty Guide for a low level breach of this Rule was a $300 fine or 2-day suspension, Mr Sole submitted.

Stewards could not point to any aggravating or mitigating factors, Mr Sole said.

Mr Williamson said he preferred a suspension rather than a fine. He confirmed that he predominantly drives in Otago and Southland. He asked if any suspension could be deferred until after the Riverton meeting on 25 January 2026.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

The breach is low-level. Mr Williamson uses his whip in breach of the Whip Rule and the Whip and Rein Regulations for a short distance on the final bend, before promptly returning to a compliant style. The two strikes in breach are backhanders that, on the evidence of the race videos, do not appear to be delivered forcefully.

The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a $300 fine or 2-day suspension for a first such breach. Noting the Respondent’s preference, and finding there to be no aggravating or mitigating factors, the Adjudicative Committee considers a 2-day suspension to be appropriate.

CONCLUSION

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted. Open Driver Phil Williamson is suspended for 2 days, from the conclusion of racing on 25 January 2026 up to and including racing on 1 February 2026. The meetings affected by the period of suspension are: Invercargill HRC (29 January) and Waikouaiti TC (1 February).