NZ Metro TC 24 March 2023 – R4 – Ian Cameron

Summary of Facts:

Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent Ian Cameron, admitted a breach of Whip Rule 869(2) and the Whip & Rein Regulations.

The particulars of the charge are that when driving GINAS MAJESTY, he used his whip free of the rein and with more than a flicking motion in the run home.

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.

Regulation 3.1 reads as follows;

3. USE OF THE WHIP

 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.

Stipendiary Steward Shane Renault used available video footage to demonstrate the alleged breach. Mr Renault pointed out Mr Cameron draw his whip and use it  with 1 strike free of the rein, and then followed by 4 strikes with more than a wrist flicking motion in the concluding stages of the race.

In response, the Respondent advised the Adjudicative Committee that he was having difficulty changing to the new Whip and Rein Regulations.

Decision:

As Mr Cameron has admitted the breach, it is therefore found proved.

Submission For Penalty:

Mr Renault stated that Mr Cameron was warned regarding use of his whip in more than a wrist flicking motion at Reefton Harness on 12 March. Apart from that warning, Mr Cameron had a clear record under this Rule, he said. He stated that this breach was low-level and the Penalty Guide provides a $300 fine or 2-day suspension for a low-range 1st breach.

Mr Cameron submitted that a suspension was preferred as penalty.

Mr Renault stated that the Stewards had no objection to a suspension as penalty in this case.

He submitted that a suspension of at least 2 days be considered as penalty .

The Respondent did not seek a deferment and requested the suspension begin as soon as possible.

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 agreed with the Stewards and assessed the breach as low-level.

The Penalty Guide provides for a $300 fine or 2-day suspension as a starting point for a second breach of this Rule.

With consideration, that this was Mr Cameron’s first offence and taking into account submissions on penalty in conjunction with the low-level of the breach, it was determined that a 2-day suspension was appropriate in this case.

Conclusion:

The Respondent is suspended from conclusion of racing today, 24 March 2023, up to and including 2 April 2023. Relevant meetings encompassed in this period of suspension are Addington meetings on 31 March and 2 April 2023.