NZ Metro TC 12 December 2025 – R3 (heard 1 January 2026 at Rangiora) – Ricky Alfeld

Following the running of Race 3, Braxton Farriers Pace, Open Driver, Ricky Alfeld, admitted a breach of the Whip Rules in that, as the Driver of SANS REPOS in the race, he “used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the home straight”.

The Information was filed with the Adjudicative Committee on the racenight and adjourned. It was heard at the meeting of Rangiora HRC on 1 January 2026. Mr Alfeld had signed the Information form “I DO admit a breach of the rule” and he confirmed his admission of the breach at the hearing.

Rule 869 provides:

(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 Shane Renault, showed a video replay of the final 200-300 metres of the race. He pointed out SANS REPOS, driven by Mr Alfeld, racing three places back on the markers as the field turned into the final straight.

Mr Renault then pointed out on the video replay, that Mr Alfeld used his whip in more than a wrist only flicking motion on eight clear occasions, he alleged, from the top of the straight, prior to returning to a compliant style in the closing stages.

The Adjudicative Committee noted that SAN REPOS finished in 4th placing in the 8-horse field.

Mr Alfeld did not wish to comment.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Renault said that Mr Alfeld had 13 drives in the 2025 season just concluded. He has a previous breach of the Whip Rules on his record – on 13 November last, for using his whip in more than a wrist only flicking motion, suspended 2 days (mid-level breach). Stewards saw the present breach as being mid-level, he said.

Mr Renault then referred to the Penalty Guide starting point for a mid-level, second breach of a 4-days suspension. He submitted that would be an appropriate penalty for the breach.

Mr Alfeld requested that any period of suspension be deferred until after the meeting of Timaru HRC on 7 January 2026.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The RIB Harness Racing Penalty Guide (October 2024) provides a starting point for penalty for a mid-level, second breach of a 4-days suspension. A “mid-level breach” is defined as when “the driver inadvertently uses the old whipping style for approximately 50 metres or more before returning to a compliant style”.  The Adjudicative Committee clearly sees this particular breach as being mid-level within that definition. There were eight non-compliant strikes, early in the run home, not delivered with any degree of force.

There are no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors to be considered.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Alfeld’s application for a deferment is granted.

Open Driver, Ricky Alfeld, is suspended from after the close of racing on 7 January 2026, up to and including 25 January 2026 – 4 days. The meetings intended to be encompassed by the period of suspension are Ashburton TC on 13 January, Oamaru HRC on 21 January, NZ Metropolitan TC on 23 January and Methven TC on 25 January.