NZ Metro TC 10 December 2021 – R1 – Philippa Wakelin
ID: RIB6271
Animal Name:
Ready I Am
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
10/12/2021
Race Club:
NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club Inc
Race Location:
Addington Raceway - 75 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch, 8024
Race Number:
R1
Hearing Date:
10/12/2021
Hearing Location:
Addington Raceway, Christchurch
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Philippa Wakelin fined $200
SUMMARY OF FACTS:
Driver, Philippa Wakelin, was charged following Race 1, Avon City Ford Mobile Trot, that as the Driver of READY I AM in the race, she used her whip in more than a wrist only flicking motion in the home straight.
SUBMISSIONS:
Mr McIntyre had Stipendiary Steward, Mr Paul Williams, show a video replay of the final 200 metres of the race. He pointed out READY I AM, driven by Ms Wakelin, racing three places back on the markers as the field entered the final straight. Shortly thereafter, Ms Wakelin pulled the horse out and commenced to use her whip.
Mr McIntyre said that Stewards’ concerns were around the 75 metres where Ms Wakelin used more than a wrist only flicking action. He submitted that it could be clearly seen that Ms Wakelin had clearly engaged her elbow and shoulder in several of the strikes at that point, allegedly four strikes. Ms Wakelin agreed with Mr McIntyre.
Ms Wakelin said that she was trying to get some place money for her owners and she had urged the horse accordingly but, in doing so she said, she had cost herself a fine.
The Committee noted that RUSTY I AM finished the race in 4th placing.
REASON FOR DECISION:
Ms Wakelin has admitted the breach which is found proved accordingly
SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:
Mr McIntyre said that Ms Wakelin has had 1,050 lifetime drives, 75 this season. This was a first offence for Ms Wakelin, he said, and Stewards were submitting for a fine of $200 in terms of the Penalty Guidelines. The breach was low-level, Mr McIntyre submitted.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The breach is clearly low-level as defined in the HRNZ Whip Penalty Guide – inadvertently reverting to the old style (freehand, loose reining and/or more than a flicking motion) but promptly taking corrective steps to return to a compliant style. The Guide suggests a penalty range of $200-$400 for a first offence breach in that category.
There are no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors. A fine at the lower end of the Penalty Guide range is appropriate.
CONCLUSION:
Driver, Philippa Wakelin, is fined the sum of $200.
Decision Date: 10/12/2021
Publish Date: 13/12/2021