NZ Metro TC 11 November 2025 – R1 – Paul Nairn

Following the running of Race 1, Saunders Robinson Brown Trot, Open Driver, Paul Nairn, admitted a breach of the Whip Rules in that, as the Driver of TU TANGATA in the race, he “used his whip free of the rein on one occasion near the 500 metres”.

Rule 869 provides:

(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 Regulations provide follows:

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.

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward, Shane Renault, showed video replays of the incident near the 500 metres. He pointed out TU TANGATA, driven by Mr Nairn, towards the rear of the field and the widest runner. He showed Mr Nairn, at that point, turn his whip and unsuccessfully attempt to activate gear, before striking the horse once in a backhand manner, free of the rein. Mr Nairn then regathered the rein, Mr Renault said.

Mr Nairn did not wish to comment.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Renault said that Mr Nairn has had 66 drives this season. He has one breach of the Rule on his record – at Banks Peninsula on 12 October 2025, using whip free of the rein, suspended 3 days, high-level breach.

This breach was low-level, Mr Renault said. He referred the Adjudicative Committee to the Penalty Guide, which provides a starting point for a second, low-level breach of the Rule, of a 3-days suspension. That would be an appropriate penalty, he submitted.

Mr Renault said that Mr Nairn has a notified drive at the meeting of Ashburton TC on 13 November.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

Whip “free of the rein” refers to when a Driver is holding the whip in one hand and not maintaining contact with the rein in the same hand while using the whip – that is to say, the Driver lets go of a rein to strike the horse.

This was a low-level breach by any definition. There was one backhand strike, free of the rein. However, Mr Nairn has a previous similar breach on his record.

The starting point under the RIB Harness Racing Penalty Guide, for a second breach, is a 3-days suspension. Given that Mr Nairn was handed a 2-days suspension for his first breach, an increased penalty is required for this breach.

CONCLUSION:

Open Driver, Paul Nairn, is suspended from after the close of racing on 13 November 2025, up to and including 21 November 2025, after which date he may drive – 3 days.