Waikato BOP H 3 September 2024 – R4 – Zev Meredith
ID: RIB45944
Animal Name:
RED RACKHAM
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
03/09/2024
Race Club:
Waikato BOP Harness Racing Inc
Race Location:
Cambridge Raceway - 1 Taylor Street, Cambridge, 3434
Race Number:
R4
Hearing Date:
03/09/2024
Hearing Location:
Cambridge
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Junior Driver Zev Meredith is suspended for 4 days
Evidence:
Following the running of Race 4, Mr Mulcay presented an Information charging Junior Driver Mr Z Meredith with a breach of Rule 869(2) – the Whip Rule – in that when driving RED RACKHAM in the final straight, he used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion.
Mr Meredith, assisted by Mr Ferguson, admitted the charge.
The race films illustrated RED RACKHAM finishing strongly in the passing lane in the final 100 meres. When it hit the front in the last 50 metres, Mr Meredith struck it 4-5 times with the whip being raised above his shoulder and head. His horse was narrowly beaten into 2nd place by a fast finishing outside horse.
Mr Meredith said he became “over excited” when RED RACKHAM hit the front. Mr Ferguson said that Mr Meredith did the right thing when initially urging his horse by throwing the reins at it, but went too far when using his whip to strike the horse in the manner he did.
Decision:
As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.
Submissions for Penalty:
Mr Mulcay advised that Mr Meredith had 2 previous breaches of this Rule, namely on 5 July 2024 and 6 August 2024, for which he had been fined $300 and suspended for 5 days. Mr Mulcay submitted that a suspension of 4 days was warranted.
Mr Meredith said he had no committed driving engagements in the next 10 days and accepted some suspension had to follow.
Reasons for Penalty:
The Adjudicative Committee concluded that given Mr Meredith’s youth, promising career and remorse, a suspension of his Driver’s Licence for 4 days was appropriate.
Conclusion:
The suspension is to commence at the end of racing tonight, 3 September 2024 and to finish at the end of racing on 17 September 2024 – that is ATC on 6 and 13 September 2024 and Cambridge on 10 and 17 September 2024.
Decision Date: 03/09/2024
Publish Date: 05/09/2024