Rangiora HRC 20 November 2024 – R1 – Jo-ann Buckland-Stevens

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 1, Stipendiary Steward Mr Matt Sole presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) by Amateur Driver Mrs Jo-ann Buckland-Stevens.

Mrs Buckland-Stevens was excused from the hearing, as she had children to be gathered from school. She had advised Mr Sole she admitted the breach.

Rule 869(2) provides:

3.4 For the purposes 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: 3.4.1 If the whip is applied other than as permitted in clause 3.1. 3.4.2 If the whip is applied more than a wrist flicking motion or free of the rein or continuous.

Mr Sole played the final straight video to identify Mrs Buckland-Stevens entering the passing lane, from the three back position and pointed to her strike her horse four times well outside of the Regulations, with her hand raised above her shoulder. He said she has returned to a compliant style in the last 100m.

DECISION:

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

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Sole said Mrs Buckland-Stevens has had 11 drives this season and was warned in relation to this Rule on 9 October 2024.

Mr Sole said the Stewards view the breach at low level and relayed Mrs Bucklands-Stevens’ wish to accept a suspension, rather than a fine.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a 2-day suspension or a $300 fine for a first breach of the Rule at low level.

Mrs Buckland-Stevens has indicated she wishes to take a suspension and is aware a 2-day suspension relates to one month for an Amateur Driver.

There are no other factors to consider here, and the Adjudicative Committee finds a month’s suspension is the appropriate Penalty in the circumstances of this case.

CONCLUSION:

Amateur Driver Mrs Jo-ann Buckland-Stevens’ Licence to drive in races is suspended from the conclusion of racing today, up to and including racing on 20  December 2024.