NZ Metro TC 16 June 2024 – R5 – Lionel Dobbs

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 5, Stipendiary Steward Mr Matt Sole presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) by Driver Mr Lionel Dobbs.

Mr Dobbs stated he was conversant with the Rule, the Charge, and confirmed his admission of the breach.

Mr Sole played the video to show at approximately the 1400m, Mr Dobbs (BETTERTHANDIVA) shift out from the running line to move forward, where upon he struck his horse 5 times, which were not compliant and with considerable force. Mr Sole forwarded the video to the 300m, to show Mr Dobbs strike his horse 7 times with more than a wrist flicking motion, intermittently with compliant strikes.

Mr Dobbs accepted Mr Sole’s assessment and agreed it was a bad look.

DECISION:

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

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Sole said Mr Dobbs has had 120 lifetime drives, 5 this season. He said Mr Dobbs was suspended on 3 April for 3 days and again on 19 April for 5 days. Mr Dobbs was spoken to with regard to his whip action on 26 May.

Mr Sole said the Stewards viewed this breach at mid-level and with Mr Dobbs’ record, seek a suspension of no less than 6 days.

Mr Dobbs said he would like a deferment to enable him to drive up to 23 June.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a 4-day suspension starting point for a second or subsequent breach at mid-level.

Mr Dobbs has now had 6 drives this season, in which he has been suspended three times and, on another occasion, has been spoken to about his whip technique.

The Adjudicative Committee have taken the 4-day suspension starting point and applied an uplift of 2 days, to address this very poor record.

Mr Dobbs has his deferment granted and is suspended for 6 days.

CONCLUSION:

Driver Lionel Dobbs’ Licence to drive in races is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 23 June, up to and including racing on 12 July 2024.