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NZ Metro TC 3 July 2022 – R2 – Max Hill

ID: RIB9882

Respondent(s):
Max Hill - Junior Driver

Applicant:
Mr P Williams - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Dave Anderson

Persons Present:
Mr Williams and Mr Renault - Stipendiary Stewards, Mr Hill, Mr R May - Open Driver assisting Mr Hill

Information Number:
A17062

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Using whip with more than a wrist flicking motion.

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

Plea:
Admitted

Stewards Report

Results

Animal Name:
MATADOR

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
03/07/2022

Race Club:
NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club Inc

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

Race Number:
R2

Hearing Date:
03/07/2022

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

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Junior Driver Max Hill is fined $200.

Summary of Facts:

Following the running of Race 2, Respondent Mr Max Hill admitted a breach of Whip Rule 869(2).  The particulars of the charge are that “M Hill (MATADOR) used his whip with more than a wrist 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.

Stipendiary Steward Mr Paul Williams used available video footage to demonstrate the breach. He pointed to Mr Hill (MATADOR) entering the home straight, strike his horse several times engaging his elbow before complying with the Regulations at the 200m.

In response, the Respondent made no submissions.

Decision:

The charge is admitted and therefore proved.

Submission For Penalty:

Mr Williams produced the Respondent Mr Hill’s record which indicated he had been spoken to about his whip action on 6 May 2022 and on 27 May 2022 a warning for same.

Mr Williams said that Stewards assessed the breach to be low-level and submitted that it be dealt with by way of a $200 fine.

The Respondent submitted no submissions on Penalty.

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 assessed the breach as low-level.

A low-level breach is defined as when a driver inadvertently reverts to the old style (freehand, loose reining, and or more than a flicking motion) but promptly takes corrective action to return to a compliant style.

A Low-level Penalty range is $200-$400 (first offence).

Having considered all factors, the Adjudicative Committee deemed a fine to be an appropriate penalty.

Conclusion:

The Respondent is fined $200.

Decision Date: 03/07/2022

Publish Date: 04/07/2022