NZ Metro TC 15 November 2024 – R10 – Cameron Hart

ID: RIB48451

Respondent(s):
Cameron Hart - Driver

Applicant:
Mr Nigel McIntyre - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Dave Anderson (Chair), Russell McKenzie

Persons Present:
Mr Vinnie Munro, Mr Shane Renault - Stipendiary Stewards, Mr McIntyre - Chief Stipendiary Steward and Mr Hart

Information Number:
A20191

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Using whip with more than a wrist flicking motion and continuously

Rule(s):
869(2) - Contravention whip rule - Whip Regulations

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Harrison John

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
15/11/2024

Race Club:
NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club Inc

Race Location:
Addington Raceway - 75 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch, 8024

Race Number:
R10

Hearing Date:
15/11/2024

Hearing Location:
Addington Raceway, Christchurch

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver Cameron Hart is suspended for 7 days and fined $600

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 10, the Hill Lee & Scott ‘The Velocity’, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Nigel McIntyre presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) by Driver Mr Cameron Hart.

Mr Hart stated he understood the Rule and the Charge and confirmed he admitted the breach of the Rule.

Rule 869(2) provides:

3.4 For the purposes clause 3.3 a driver shall be deemed to have used the whip in an unapproved manner in the following circumstances which are not exclusive: 3.4.1 If the whip is applied other than as permitted in clause 3.1. 3.4.2 If the whip is applied more than a wrist flicking motion or free of the rein or continuous.

Mr McIntyre played the final straight video to show Mr Hart (HARRISON JOHN) finishing strongly on the inside of the track, where he used his whip several times, which were well outside of an acceptable standard. Mr McIntyre said Mr Hart’s use became compliant in the last 100m, but he has been continuous from the 200m.

Mr Hart agreed he was in breach of the Rule and made no submissions.

DECISION:

The Respondent having admitted the breach, the charge was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr McIntyre said Mr Hart has a clear record under the Rule here and in Australia. He said the Stewards view this breach at mid-range and would be seeking a 7-day suspension and the associated fine for a five hundred-thousand-dollar race.

Mr Hart made no submissions on Penalty, but asked to start any suspension after tomorrow’s racing at Menangle.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a 7-day suspension for a mid-range breach in a Group One race and any race with a stake of $100,000 or more.

In addition, a fine equal to 25% of the Driver’s stake is to be imposed if the breach is at mid-range.

The Adjudicative Committee finds this breach to be at mid-range and endorse the Stewards’ submissions. Mr Hart will be suspended for 7 days, which the NSW Racing Calendar shows will encompass the following meetings.

20 November – Bathhurst

21 November – Penrith

22 November – Newcastle

23 November – Menangle

25 November – Goulburn

26 November – Menangle

27 November – Bathhurst

CONCLUSION:

Driver Cameron Hart is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 19 November 2024, up to and including racing on 27 November 2024 at Bathhurst.

In addition to this suspension, a fine of $600 is imposed.

Decision Date: 15/11/2024

Publish Date: 19/11/2024