NZ Metro TC 23 May 2024 – R8 – Riley Harrison

Summary of Facts:

Following the running of Race 8, the Respondent Junior Driver Riley Harrison admitted a breach of Whip Rule 869(2).  The particulars of the charge are that when driving SONOMA TYRON she used her whip in the run home in a continuous manner. 

Miss Harrison was assisted at the hearing by Open Driver, John Dunn.

Rule 869 provides that:

(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.

Stipendiary Steward Shane Renault used available video footage to demonstrate the breach. He pointed out Miss Harrison driving SONOMA TYRON, racing widest on the track as the field turned for home. Mr Renault showed that Miss Harrison drew her whip and used it in a continuous manner over the concluding stages. He added that the strikes were with a wrist flicking motion and were not forceful, however were continuous for the majority of the home straight.

Miss Harrison and Mr Dunn elected to make no submissions in regard to the breach, apart from concurring that it was continuous. 

Decision:

The charge is admitted and therefore proved.

Submission for Penalty:

Mr Renault produced the Respondent’s record which indicated a previous breach on 1 May 2024 at Addington, where she received a 2 day suspension.

Mr Renault said that Stewards assessed the breach to be low-level and as it was a second breach, submitted that it be dealt with by way of a 3-day suspension as per the Penalty Guide. 

Miss Harrison, with assistance from Mr Dunn, made application to defer any suspension until after racing at Addington on 30 May 2024.

Reasons for Penalty:

After consideration of the evidence from all parties concerned and viewing the race films of the concluding stages of the race, the Adjudicative Committee also assessed the breach as low-level.

The Penalty Guide provides a 3-day suspension starting point for a low level second breach of this Rule.

It was determined that there were no aggravating factors to consider, therefore no uplift was warranted.

After taking consideration of all factors, the Adjudicative Committee deemed a 3-day suspension to be an appropriate penalty.

Conclusion:

Miss Harrison’s application for a deferment until after racing on 30 May 2024 at Addington, is granted.

The Respondent is suspended for a period of 3 days commencing after racing on Thursday 30 May, up to and including 9 June 2024. Relevant race days encompassed in this period of suspension are Ashburton – 2 June, Addington – 7 June and Addington – 9 June 2024.