Waikato BOP H 12 August 2021 – R3 – Zev Meredith
ID: RIB4077
Animal Name:
OHAKA ACHILLES
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
12/08/2021
Race Club:
Waikato BOP Harness Racing Inc
Race Location:
Cambridge Raceway - 1 Taylor Street, Cambridge, 3434
Race Number:
R3
Hearing Date:
12/08/2021
Hearing Location:
Cambridge
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Zev Meredith is fined $200.
SUMMARY OF FACTS:
Following Race 3 Mr Mulcay submitted an Information alleging that Junior Driver Z Meredith used his whip with more than a wrist only flicking motion.
Mr Meredith, assisted by Mr D Balle was present at the hearing and acknowledged that he:
Understood the Rule and Regulations, and that he
admitted the breach.
Rule 869(2) states: ‘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 & Rein Regulations ( 3.1. ) provide ‘ 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.’
SUBMISSIONS:
Using the films Mr Mulcay identified the horse OHAKA ACHILLES driven by Mr Meredith early in the run home. The horse was mounting a strong challenge on the outer and initially Mr Meredith used his whip correctly. However further up the straight it was clear that Mr Meredith struck the horse several times in a manner which breached the Regulations. OHAKA ACHILLES finished second.
Mr Meredith said he admitted the breach and added that he just got a bit ‘carried away’ as the horse was finishing strongly.
Mr Balle asked for some clarification of the Guidelines and accepted that Mr Meredith’s use of the whip was unacceptable.
REASON FOR DECISION:
As Mr Meredith admitted the breach the charge is proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Mulcay said that as this was Mr Meredith’s first breach a fine of $200 may be appropriate in line with the Guidelines.
REASON FOR PENALTY:
There were no mitigating or aggravating factors to warrant a variation of the fine outlined in the Guide.
CONCLUSIONS:
A fine of $200 was imposed on Mr Meredith.
Decision Date: 12/08/2021
Publish Date: 13/08/2021