NZ Metro TC 10 April 2026 – R3 – Bob Butt
ID: RIB65742
Animal Name:
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
10/04/2026
Race Club:
NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club Inc
Race Location:
Addington Raceway - 75 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch, 8024
Race Number:
R3
Hearing Date:
10/04/2026
Hearing Location:
Addington
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Bob Butt is fined the sum of $500
Summary of Facts:
Following the running of Race 3, the Respondent Open Driver Bob Butt admitted a breach of Whip Rule 869(2). The particulars of the charge are that when driving DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER, he used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.
Rule 869 provides that:
(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.
Mr Butt was excused from attending the hearing after discussion with Mr Renault and Mr Butt, due to his full book of drives and horses to care for during the night.
Stipendiary Steward Shane Renault used available video footage to demonstrate the breach. He pointed out Mr Butt driving DIAMOND ARE FOREVER, racing in the parked position as the field turned for home. Mr Renault showed that Mr Butt drew his whip and used it on 7 occasions with more than a wrist flicking motion, over the initial 150m in the home straight. Mr Butt, he said went back to a compliant style of whip use for the remaining 50m of the race.
Decision:
The charge is admitted and therefore proved.
Submissions for Penalty:
Mr Renault produced the Respondent’s record, which indicated a clear record.
He said that Stewards assessed the breach to be mid-level. The starting point for an initial breach mid range is a $500 fine or 2-day suspension, as per the Penalty Guide.
Mr Renault submitted that a fine commensurate with the Penalty Guide, be considered as penalty.
Reasons for Penalty:
After consideration of the evidence from all parties concerned and viewing the race films of the concluding stages of the race, the Adjudicative Committee assessed the breach as mid-level.
The Penalty Guide provides a $500 fine or 2-day suspension starting point, for an initial breach of this Rule, within a 2-month period.
The Adjudicative Committee determined that a fine was an appropriate penalty in this case.
There were no aggravating factors to consider, therefore no uplift in penalty was warranted.
Therefore, it was deemed that a fine of $500, commensurate with the Penalty Guide, was appropriate.
Conclusion:
Mr Butt is fined the sum of $500.
Decision Date: 10/04/2026
Publish Date: 13/04/2026