Waikato BOP H 6 August 2024 – R2 – Zev Meredith

ID: RIB45156

Respondent(s):
Zev James Meredith - Junior Driver

Applicant:
Mr S Mulcay - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Hon J W Gendall KC

Persons Present:
Mr S Mulcay, Mr A Dooley and Mr Z Meredith

Information Number:
A19438

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:
CHEER ME ON

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
06/08/2024

Race Club:
Waikato BOP Harness Racing Inc

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

Race Number:
R2

Hearing Date:
06/08/2024

Hearing Location:
Cambridge

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Junior Driver Zev Meredith is suspended for 3 days

Evidence:

Following Race No. 2, the “Diamond Racing Stables Mobil Pace”, Mr Mulcay presented an Information charging Junior Driver Mr Z Meredith with a breach of Rule 869(2) and the Whip and Rein Regulations, in that he used his whip on his horse, “CHEER ME ON” with more than the permitted wrist flicking motion near the 200 metre mark.

Mr Meredith admitted the breach and waived his entitlement to have his employer or another (under Rule 23.2 5th Schedule) attend to assist.

The race films illustrated the event which occurred after the field entered the home straight and “CHEER ME ON” was travelling on the inside and making ground on the leaders.  Mr Meredith was seen to strike the horse once with his right arm raised above shoulder height.  The horse battled on to finish 4th.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Mulcay advised that Mr Meredith had a previous breach of the Whip Rule and referred to the NZ Harness Racing Guide as it related to second offences.

Mr Meredith submitted that a fine plus one day suspension was all that was required.  He had drives at Auckland and Cambridge meetings over the next 10 days.

Reasons for Penalty:

This was a “low level” breach, but nevertheless, as a second offence since 5 July 2024, required a 3 day period of suspension.  A fine and lesser suspension was inappropriate.  A deferment of the suspension for 10 days is granted.

Conclusion:

Mr Meredith’s Licence is suspended for 3 days, to commence at the end of racing at Alexandra Park on 16 August 2024 and to end at the completion of racing at Cambridge on 27 August 2024.  That is for the 3 days of racing on 20, 23 and 27 August 2024 at Cambridge and Alexandra Park.

Decision Date: 06/08/2024

Publish Date: 09/08/2024