NZ Metro TC 15 November 2024 – R7 – Nathan Williamson
ID: RIB48417
Animal Name:
CAPTAINS MISTRESS
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:
R7
Hearing Date:
15/11/2024
Hearing Location:
Addington Raceway, Christchurch
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Nathan Williamson is suspended for 5 days and fined $600
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of Race 7, the Dunstan Horsefeeds Sires’ Stakes Final, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Nigel McIntyre presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) by Open Driver Mr Nathan Williamson.
Mr Williamson stated he understood the Charge, was conversant with the Rule and confirmed he admitted the breach.
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 continuously.
Mr McIntyre played the final straight video and had Mr Munro identify Mr Williamson (CAPTAINS MISTRESS) finishing strongly down the middle of the track. Mr Munro pointed to Mr Williamson begin using his whip at the 150m and continued without any obvious pause until the winning post. Mr McIntyre said the strikes were compliant, but unfortunately for Mr Williamson, there were no pauses.
Mr Williamson said he is gutted he breached the Rule, and the video looks worse than it felt like on the track in the moment.
DECISION:
The Respondent having admitted the breach, the charge was deemed to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr McIntyre said Mr Williamson has a clear record under the Rule and said the Stewards view the breach at low range.
Mr McIntyre said the Stewards were seeking a suspension of 5 days and a fine to the appropriate percentage stated in the Penalty Guidelines.
Mr Williamson made no submissions on penalty, but asked for a deferment of penalty until after racing on Sunday 17 November at Winton.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The Penalty Guidelines provide a 7-day suspension for a mid-range breach of the Rule at Group One level.
The Adjudicative Committee also places this breach in the low-level zone. The strikes were compliant and were of little force.
Considering all factors, the Adjudicative Committee finds a 5-day suspension as an appropriate Penalty in the circumstances of this case. In addition to this suspension, a fine of 12.5 % of the Driver’s percentage is imposed, which equates to $600.
Deferment is granted pursuant to Rule 1006.
CONCLUSION:
Driver Nathan Williamson’s Licence to drive in races is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 17 November 2024, up to and including racing on 27 November 2024.
In addition to this suspension, Mr Williamson is fined $600.
Decision Date: 15/11/2024
Publish Date: 19/11/2024