Rangiora HRC 17 February 2024 – R1 – Jo-ann Buckland-Stevens

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 Ms Jo-ann Buckland-Stevens.

Ms Buckland-Stevens stated she was conversant with the Rule, the Charge and confirmed she did admit the breach.

Rule 869(2) provides that ‘No driver shall during a race use a whip in a manner in contravention of the Whip and Rein Regulations made by the board’ where the Regulations provide ‘A driver may only apply the whip in a wrist 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’. The Regulations provide definition in respect of wrist only flicking motion.

Mr Williams played the final straight video to identify Ms Buckland-Stevens (LOUIE VISTA), 3 wide outside the leaders and counted 12 strikes applied up until reaching the winning post. The first 4 or 5 strikes, Mr Williams said, were well outside of the Regulations. Mr Williams said Ms Buckland-Stevens tempered her whip use after these strikes, but has continued to use her whip to the very limits of the continuous component of the Rule.

Ms Buckland-Stevens said she affirmed the strikes were non compliant and she was working on her technique.

DECISION:

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

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Williams stated Ms Buckland-Stevens had a clear record and Stewards assess this breach as mid-range. He alluded to the Penalty Guidelines as appropriate in this case.

Ms Buckland-Stevens said she would prefer a suspension over a fine.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a 2-day suspension or a $500 fine starting point for a first breach of this Rule at mid-range.

The Adjudicative Committee agrees this breach is at mid-range, the strikes engaged the elbow significantly, were somewhat forceful, and Ms Buckland-Stevens pushed the boundaries of continuous use with 12 strikes.

Ms Buckland-Stevens’ request to be suspended rather than fined, is granted. As per normal for Amateur Drivers, a 2-day suspension equates to one month.

CONCLUSION:

Amateur Driver Ms Buckland-Stevens’ Licence to drive in races is suspended from the conclusion of racing today, up to and including racing on 17 March 2024.