Waikato BOP H 9 May 2024 – R4 – Sheryl Wigg

Summary of Facts:

Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent Sheryl Wigg admitted a breach of Whip Rule 869(2).  The particulars of the charge are that she used her whip in more than a wrist flicking motion 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 S Mulcay used available video footage to demonstrate the breach. He said that after leading into the straight and activating the gear, Ms Wigg used her whip in more than a wrist flicking motion on a number of occasions for more than 50m in the run home

Ms Wigg made no comment in relation to the incident.

Decision:

The charge is admitted and therefore proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Mulcay produced the Respondent’s record which was clear.

Mr Mulcay said that Stewards assessed the breach to be mid-range and submitted that the Stewards would be seeking a fine of $500 which was in line with the Penalty Guidelines.

Ms Wigg asked if the Adjudicative Committee could consider her good record when assessing penalty.

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 to be mid-range.

It was evident that Ms Wigg was applying the whip outside of the Guidelines, which allow for a wrist flicking motion only. Her use of the whip continued for around 100m, which elevated the charge from a low level to a mid level breach.

Having considered all factors, the Adjudicative Committee saw no reason to deviate from the Penalty Guide and issued a $500 fine as a penalty.

Conclusion:

Ms Wigg is fined $500.