NZ Metro TC 1 May 2024 – R3 (heard 5 May 2024 at Rangiora) – Riley Harrison

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 3, The Tyre General (Junior Drivers) Mobile Pace, Licensed Graduation Driver, Riley Elina Harrison, admitted a charge that, as the Driver of BONO BROWN in the race, she used her whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.

The Information was filed on Racenight and adjourned. It was heard at the meeting of Rangiora HRC on 5 May 2024.

The Respondent, a Junior Driver, was assisted at the hearing by Open Driver, John Dunn

Rule 869 provides as follows:

(2)  No driver shall during any 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:

3.1     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.

 3.2     For the purposes of clause 3.1, “wrist only flicking motion” means:

 3.2.1    Ensuring no force is generated by the use of the elbow or shoulder when applying the whip.

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward, Paul Williams, showed a video replay of the final 200-300 metres of the race. He pointed out BONO BROWN, driven by the Respondent, racing on the markers and towards the rear of the field. He alleged that from the home turn, the Respondent struck her horse with her whip in more than a wrist only flicking motion seven times over a distance of over 50 metres. The Respondent accepted the alleged number of seven strikes.

Mr Dunn said that the Respondent was driving an old-style sulky which changed her action. He had nothing else to add.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Williams said that the Respondent has had 49 drives this season and 5 last season. She drives not only for her employer, Diamond Racing, but also has a number of “outside” drives, as on this occasion.

Mr Williams said the breach was over the cusp of a low-level breach and is, therefore, mid-level. The Penalty Guide recommended starting point for penalty is a $500 fine or a 2-days suspension. He stated that the Respondent has indicated that she would prefer a suspension.

The Respondent confirmed that she would prefer a term of suspension over a fine. She wished any term of suspension to commence immediately.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

Whether the breach is classed as low-level or medium-level, the RIB Harness Racing Penalty provides a starting point, in the case of a suspension, of 2 days. The breach probably sits somewhere between low-level and medium-level. The whip use extended over more than 50 metres (required for a medium-level breach), but the strikes were not forceful and did not look bad.

The Respondent prefers a suspension and the breach can appropriately be dealt with way of a suspension of 2 days.

CONCLUSION:

Licensed Junior Driver, Riley Harrison, is suspended from after the conclusion of racing on 5 May 2024, up to and including 12 May 2024 – 2 days.

It is noted that the Premier Meeting of NZ Metropolitan TC on 10 May 2024 has not been included in the period of suspension as the Respondent is not eligible to drive at a Premier Meeting.