Waikato BOP H 14 April 2023 – R5 – Adrienne Matthews

ID: RIB18669

Respondent(s):
Adrienne Matthews - Driver

Applicant:
Mr N McIntyre - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Hon J W Gendall KC (Chair), Ms G Himona

Persons Present:
Mr N McIntyre, Ms A Matthews, Mr G Davey - RIB Observer

Information Number:
A16191

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Used whip with more than a wrist flicking motion

Rule(s):
869(2) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
HESASHORETHING

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
14/04/2023

Race Club:
Waikato BOP Harness Racing Inc

Race Location:
Cambridge Raceway - 1 Taylor Street, Cambridge, 3434

Race Number:
R5

Hearing Date:
14/04/2023

Hearing Location:
Cambridge Raceway

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Licensed Driver Adrienne Matthews is fined $500

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 5, the “McMillan-Holmes Country Cup Handicap Pace, Mr McIntyre presented an Information charging Ms Matthews, the Driver of “HESASHORETHING”, with a breach of Rule 869(2) and the NZHR Whip and Rein Regulations, in that she used her whip on her horse with more than a wrist flicking motion in the final stages of the race.

Ms Matthews admitted the breach.

Mr McIntyre identified, from the race film, the actions of Ms Matthews which gave rise to the breach of the requirements of a Driver. Ms Matthews was driving “HESASHORETHING”, trained and part owned by her, which was heading the field into the home straight and appearing to have a definite chance of winning. The horse was fighting on strongly. From about the 100 metre point, until close to the finish, Ms Matthews used her whip vigorously with an extended elbow, and shoulder, action with at least 8 strikes or possibly up to 10. The horse finished a close second, being overtaken very close to the finish line.

Decision:

As the breach was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr McIntyre advised that this was Ms Matthews’ first breach of this Rule. He contended that the offence was mid range and a sanction of a $500 fine or 2 days’ suspension was appropriate, in line with the Guidelines.

Ms Matthews accepted that she knew of the obligations of a Driver, but became overexcited when her horse was looking likely to have held on to win. She said she has only a few drives as she usually engages others to drive horses trained by her.

Reasons for Penalty:

Ms Matthews’ actions were more than momentary, involving repeated prohibited strikes in the final stages of the race. Whilst her horse did not win, it ran a very close second, earning a stake of $2,790. The Adjudicative Committee does not regard a suspension as appropriate in her case. But a significant fine is required.

Conclusion:

The Adjudicative Committee imposes a fine of $500.

Decision Date: 14/04/2023

Publish Date: 17/04/2023