Rangiora HRC 5 May 2024 – R9 – Ross Cameron

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 9, High Spec Painters Limited Handicap Pace, Licensed Open Driver, Ross Edward Cameron, admitted a charge that, as the Driver of JOSE QUIVERA in the race, he used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion 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.

 3.2     For the purposes of clause 3.1, “wrist only flicking motion” means:

 3.2.1    Ensuring no force is generated by the use of the elbow or shoulder when applying the whip.

EVIDENCE:

Mr Williams showed a video replay of the final 200-300 metres of the race. He pointed out JOSE QUIVERA, driven by the Respondent, pulled out from the one out, one back position to issue a challenge wide out.

Mr Williams alleged that the Respondent used his whip in more than a wrist only flicking motion on seven occasions in the run home. He said that Stewards believed the breach was a medium-level breach, the non-compliant strikes extending for a distance of more than 50 metres.

The Respondent said that the video replay was self-explanatory.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Williams said that the Respondent has had 25 drives this season and 63 last season. He has cooperated with Stewards.

The Penalty Guide starting point for a first medium-level breach is a $500 fine or a 2-days suspension. The Respondent has expressed a preference for a 2-days suspension and Stewards have no objection to that, Mr Williams said, and would like to drive at Addington on 8 May next. Mr Cameron confirmed that.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee is satisfied that the breach fits within the category of a mid-level breach (“when a driver inadvertently reverts to the old style (freehand, loose reining or more than a flicking motion) and continues to drive in this manner for some distance (50 metres) before taking corrective action to return to a compliant style of driving”). The Respondent has reverted to a compliant style.

The Adjudicative Committee noted the provisions of the RIB Harness Racing Penalty Guide which provide for a starting point, as submitted by Mr Williams, of a fine of $500 or a 2-days suspension. The breach can adequately be dealt with by way of a fine.

CONCLUSION:

The Respondent’s application for a deferment is granted.

Licensed Open Driver, Ross Cameron, is suspended from after the conclusion of racing on 8 May 2024, up to and including 12 May 2024 – 2 days.