Waikato BOP H 6 May 2025 – R3 – James Brownlee

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 3, Stipendiary Steward Mr S Mulcay presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) by Amateur Driver Mr J Brownlee.

Mr Brownlee was charged that he used his whip free of the reins (once) and with more than a wrist flicking motion.

Mr S Mulcay demonstrated that Mr Brownlee, driving BOOT SCOOTIN BOOGIE, was at the back of the field turning into the straight. He crossed his reins to activate gear, but did not take the rein back in his hand when he used the whip, therefore using it once free of the rein. He also used the whip with a more than a wrist flicking motion down the straight. Mr Mulcay stated that there was only one strike of the whip free of the rein.

Mr Brownlee agreed with the Steward’s interpretation of the incident.

Decision:

The charge was admitted, so was proven.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Mulcay advised that Mr Brownlee had a clear record and the Penalty Guide for a first charge, was a $300 fine or a 2 day suspension. Mr Brownlee indicated that he did not want a deferment.

After discussion regarding the likely length of the penalty, Mr Brownlee indicated that he would prefer a fine, as the Amateur Championships were coming up.

Reasons for Penalty:

The video clearly showed Mr Brownlee using his whip once free of the reins and his action down the straight, was with more than a wrist flicking motion. In the circumstances of Mr Brownlee’s clear record and there being only one strike free of the reins, the Adjudicative Committee considered a fine of $300 was appropriate.

Conclusion:

The Adjudicative Committee applied a fine of $300.