Waikato BOP H 4 April 2025 – R7 – Chris Alford

Summary of Facts:

Following the running of Race 7, the TAB Mobile Trot $600,000, the Respondent C Alford admitted a breach of Whip Rule 869(2).  The particulars of the charge are that he used his whip in more than a wrist flicking motion early in the run home.

Rule 869 provides that:

(2) 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.

Stipendiary Steward N McIntyre used available video footage to demonstrate the breach.  He said that Mr Alford was in the trailing position prior to the home straight and his drive was proving to be a “difficult steer” He said the Stewards had concern with one strike of the whip upon entering the straight before Mr Alford returned to a compliant style

Mr Alford, offered no comment in relation to the breach.

Decision:

The charge is admitted and therefore proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr McIntyre produced the Respondent’s record, which was clear.

Mr McIntyre said that Stewards assessed the breach to be low-level and submitted that it be dealt with by way of a suspension and fine as per the Penalty Guidelines.

Mr Alford requested any proposed suspension start after racing on the 12th of April.

Reasons for Penalty:

After consideration of the evidence from all parties concerned and viewing the race films of the concluding stages of the race, the Adjudicative Committee assessed the breach as low level.  Mr Alford fell outside of the Guidelines for one strike, before returning to a compliant style for the remainder of the race.

The Penalty Guidelines point to a 7-day suspension for a mid range breach that occurs in a Group 1 Race or a race more than $100,000. (The TAB Trot has stakemoney of $600,000). In addition, any breach of the Whip & Rein Regulations in a Listed or Group Race, also attracts a fine commensurate with the severity of the breach. For a low level breach, the fine is equivalent to 12.5% of the Driver’s stake earnings.

Mr Alford’s drive finished 2nd and earned stakemoney of $84,500.

Having considered the aforementioned factors, the Adjudicative Committee determined that an appropriate penalty be that of a 5 day suspension and a fine of $500.

Conclusion:

Mr Alford is fined $500 and suspended for 5 days. As Mr Alford is a visiting Driver, his dates for suspension are recorded in the state that he predominately drives (Victoria).

Mr Alford is suspended from the 14th of April to the 19th of April inclusive.

14th April – Maryborough

15th April – Shepparton

17th April – Ballarat

18th April – Cranbourne

19th April – Bendigo