NZ Metro TC 30 April 2025 – R1 – Colleen Negus

ID: RIB54646

Respondent(s):
Colleen Patricia Negus - Other (Advanced Amateur Driver)

Applicant:
Mr Paul Williams - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Dave Anderson

Persons Present:
Mr Williams and Mrs Negus

Information Number:
A20110

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Using whip with more than a wrist flicking motion and continuous

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
FOVEAUX GAMBLER

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
30/04/2025

Race Club:
NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club Inc

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

Race Number:
R1

Hearing Date:
30/04/2025

Hearing Location:
Addington Raceway, Christchurch

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Amateur Driver Colleen Negus is fined $500

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 1, Stipendiary Steward Mr Paul Williams presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) by Amateur Driver Mrs Colleen Negus.

Mrs Negus stated she was conversant with the Rule, she understood the Charge and confirmed her admission of the breach.

Mr Williams played the final straight video to identify Mrs Negus (FOVEAUX GAMBLER) three back on the inner as the field entered the straight. Mr Williams pointed to Mrs Negus strike her horse 4 times with more than a wrist flicking motion and continued to use her whip, in a compliant style, without any pauses until she reached the winning post.

Mrs Negus said the breach was obvious.

DECISION:

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

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Williams said Mrs Negus has a clear record and has driven 9 times this season.

The Stewards’ opinion is this breach is at mid-level and a penalty in line with the Guidelines would be appropriate.

Mrs Negus said she would prefer a fine, rather than a suspension as penalty.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a $500 fine or a 2-day suspension for a mid-level breach.

The breach is a mid-level one, as Mrs Negus had transgressed two aspects of the Rule and there are no factors here to deviate from the Guidelines in this case.

CONCLUSION:

Amateur Driver Colleen Negus is fined $500.

Decision Date: 30/04/2025

Publish Date: 01/05/2025