Riverton TC 3 March 2023 – R10 – Peter Hunter
ID: RIB16539
Animal Name:
Rakadan
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
03/03/2023
Race Club:
Riverton Trotting Club
Race Location:
Winton Racecourse - Racecourse Road, Winton, 9720
Race Number:
R10
Hearing Date:
03/03/2023
Hearing Location:
Winton Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Peter Hunter was fined the sum of $200
Background
Following the running of Race 10, Fear the Dragon at Macca Lodge Mobile Pace, Driver Peter Hunter admitted a breach of Rule 869(2) in that as the Driver of RAKADAN, he used his whip in more than a wrist flicking motion rounding the final bend.
The Respondent admitted the breach and confirmed he understood the Rule.
Rule 869 provides
(2) No driver shall during a 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 a whip in a wrist flicking motion holding a rein in each hand with the tip of the whip pointed forward in an action which does not engage the shoulder.
Evidence
Stipendiary Steward Miss Rebecca Haley, used the video clips to highlight the Respondent using his whip on four occasions in the run home.
Mr Hunter agreed with the Steward’s summation of events.
Decision
The breach is admitted and therefore deemed proved.
Submissions for Penalty
Mr Munro stated Mr Hunter has had 2825 lifetime drives, 105 last season and 9 this season. He received a warning on 17th December 2022. Mr Munro believed the the breach to be low end with the Penalty Guide having a starting point of a $300 fine.
Mr Hunter had no submissions on penalty.
Reasons for Penalty
The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied there was a clear breach of the Rule, which was supported by the video evidence.
The Adjudicative Committee also believed the breach was at the low end and that a $100 reduction to penalty was appropriate, with also consideration being given to the early admittance of the breach.
Conclusion
The Respondent Mr Peter Hunter, was fined the sum of $200.
Decision Date: 03/03/2023
Publish Date: 06/03/2023