NZ Metro TC 15 May 2024 – R1 – Alan Edge

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 1, IRT. Your Horse. Our Passion. (Amateur Drivers) Mobile Pace, Advanced Amateur Driver, Alan Edge, admitted a breach of the Whip Rules in that, as the Driver of OFF THE EDGE in the race, he “used his whip free of the rein on several occasions in the run home”.

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.

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward, Shane Renault showed a video replay of the final 200-300 metres of the race. He pointed out OFF THE EDGE, driven by the Respondent, racing outside the leader as the field turned into the final straight. He then showed the Respondent attempt unsuccessfully to activate gear with the reins in his left hand and then reaching down to try again and, in doing so, used his whip once free of the rein and then four “little flicks”, before taking the rein back into his left hand.

The breach was low-level, Mr Renault submitted. The Respondent said that it was a “brain fail” on his part.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Renault said that the Respondent has had 7 drives this season and had 14 drives in the 2023 season. He has a clear record under the Whip Rules.

Mr Renault referred to the Penalty Guide starting point of a $300 fine and submitted that, having regard to the Respondent’s good record and admission of the breach, a fine of $250 would be appropriate.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

This was a low-level breach.  Although there were five “strikes” free of the rein, they were little more than “little flicks”, as described by Mr Renault.

The RIB Harness Racing Penalty Guide (February 2023) provides for a starting point penalty of a $300 fine or a 2-days suspension for a low-level first breach. The Respondent prefers a fine.

The Respondent has a clear record and has admitted the breach. For those factors, a discount from the Penalty Guide starting point is warranted. That discount is fixed at $50.

CONCLUSION:

Advanced Amateur Driver, Alan Edge, is fined $250.