Riverton TC 28 January 2024 – R1 – Tim Robertson

Mr Munro alleged that in Race 1, Mr Robertson (STILTON LORD) used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.

Mr Munro demonstrated the incident on the videos. The Respondent was urging his horse in the home straight in a non-compliant manner for some 250 metres before returning to a compliant action in the last 75 metres.

Mr Robertson accepted the Stewards’ analysis of the video and said he was caught up in the heat of the moment.

Decision

As Mr Robertson has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved. 

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Munro produced the Respondent’s record which showed that Mr Robertson has had 5 drives this season and 44 the last. He has had 654 lifetime drives. His record was clear but he had been warned one drive earlier. Mr Munro submitted the breach was mid-range due to the distance over which the whip use was non-compliant.

Mr Robertson accepted Mr Munro’s assessment of the breach.

Reasons for Penalty

The breach is mid-range. Mr Robertson has used his whip in breach of the Whip Rule and the Whip and Rein Regulations for some distance in the home straight. The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a fine of $500 or a 2-day suspension for a first such breach. Mr Robertson finished second in the race. Mitigating factors are that Mr Robertson has a clear record under this Rule and returned to a compliant style in the last 75 metres. A penalty at the starting point is appropriate.

Conclusion

Mr Robertson is suspended from the end of racing today, up to and including 11 February 2024.