NZ Metro TC 9 June 2024 – R2 – Steven James Trotter

ID: RIB43142

Respondent(s):
Steven James Trotter - Other (Graduation Driver)

Applicant:
Paul Williams - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Russell McKenzie

Information Number:
A20772

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Using whip in more than a wrist only flicking motion and continuously

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Hoofn It

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
09/06/2024

Race Club:
NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club Inc

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

Race Number:
R2

Hearing Date:
09/06/2024

Hearing Location:
Addington Raceway, Christchurch

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Graduation Driver, Steve Trotter, is suspended for 2 days

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 2, Thank You Sam Taylor Vet Trot, Graduation Driver, Steve Trotter, admitted a charge that, as the Driver of HOOFN IT in the race, he used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion and in a continuous manner in the run home.

Rule 869 provides as follows:

(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.

The Whip and Rein Regulations provide:

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

3.3     A driver shall not use a whip in an unapproved manner.

 3.2     For the purposes of clause 3.3 a driver shall be deemed to have used the whip in an unapproved manner in the following circumstances which are not exclusive:

 3.4.2    If the whip is applied excessively, continuously, or without allowing the horse time to respond.

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward, Paul Williams, showed a video replay of the final 200-300 metres of the race. He pointed out HOOFN IT, driven by the Respondent, racing midfield and wide as the field turned into the final straight, and take the lead shortly after. He alleged that from the home turn, the Respondent used his whip continuously, on 14 occasions, with one slight pause at about the 60 metres, and then four more. The horse finished in 4th placing.

The Respondent declined the opportunity to comment.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Williams said that the Respondent has had 10 drives this season. He has a clear record under the Whip Rules.

Mr Williams said that the Penalty Guide recommended starting point for penalty is a $300 fine, or a 2-days suspension. He stated that the Respondent has indicated that he would prefer a suspension.

The Respondent confirmed that he would prefer a term of suspension over a fine. He wished any term of suspension to commence immediately.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee noted that the Respondent was first Licensed as a Junior Driver in 1987 and last held a Graduation Driver’s Licence in 2017, although he had not driven since 2014. He has just been relicensed this season.

Whether the breach is classed as low-level or medium-level, the RIB Harness Racing Penalty provides a starting point, in the case of a suspension, of 2 days. The breach probably sits somewhere between low-level and medium-level. The whip use involved more than a wrist only flicking motion and the strikes, while not forceful, did extend for almost the entire length of the straight and was, therefore, continuous.

The Respondent prefers a suspension and the breach can appropriately be dealt with way of a suspension of 2 days.

CONCLUSION:

Graduation Driver, Steve Trotter, is suspended from after the conclusion of racing on 9 June 2024, up to and including 16 June 2024 – 2 days.

Decision Date: 09/06/2024

Publish Date: 12/06/2024