NZ Metro TC 14 May 2025 – R4 (heard 18 May 2025 at Rangiora) – Jessica Young-Grant

Following the running of Race 4, Aotea Electric Mobile Pace, Open Driver Jessica Young-Grant, admitted a breach of the Whip Rules in that, as the Driver of VERDUCCI in the race, she “used her whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home”.

The Information was filed at the race meeting and adjourned. It was heard at the meeting of Rangiora HRC at Rangiora Raceway on 18 May.

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 VERDUCCI, driven by Mrs Young-Grant, in the trail behind the leader, SPEED WRITER, as the field turned into the final straight.

Mr Renault pointed out that Mrs Young-Grant after turning for home, used her whip in more than a wrist only flicking motion on four occasions. He showed that she then activated gear and, from that point, turned her whip around and used her reins to the finishing line.

Mrs Young-Grant did not wish to comment.

The Adjudicative Committee noted that VERDUCCI finished in 2nd placing.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Renault said that Mrs Young-Grant has had 21 drives this season. She has a previous breach of the Whip Rules on her record at Banks Peninsula TC on 21 April 2025 – suspended 2 days for using her whip in more than a wrist only flicking motion.

Mr Renault said that this breach was low-level. He referred to the Penalty Guide starting point for a low-level, second breach of a 3-days suspension. He submitted that was an appropriate penalty for the breach.

Mrs Young-Grant had nothing to say regarding penalty. She requested a deferment of suspension until after the Timaru HRC meeting on 25 May 2025.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee concurs with the submission of Stewards that the breach is low-level. A low-level breach is defined as when a Driver “inadvertently uses the old whipping style before promptly returning to the compliant style”. Mrs Young-Grant has used her whip four times in more than a wrist only, but not forceful, flicking motion.

The RIB Harness Racing Penalty Guide (October 2024) suggests a starting point for penalty for a second, low-level breach of a 3-days suspension. There being no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors, the penalty is therefore a 3-days suspension.

CONCLUSION:

Mrs Young-Grant’s application for a deferment is granted. Her Open Driver’s Licence is suspended from after the close of racing on 25 May, up to and including 6 June 2025 – 3 days.