Waikouaiti TC 1 February 2026 – R9 – Charlotte Williamson
ID: RIB63409
Animal Name:
MAJESDIX
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
01/02/2026
Race Club:
Waikouaiti Trotting Club
Race Location:
Oamaru Racecourse - Highway 1, Oamaru North, Oamaru, 9494
Race Number:
R9
Hearing Date:
01/02/2026
Hearing Location:
Oamaru
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Charlotte Williamson is suspended for 4 days
Mr Sole alleged that in Race 9, Mrs C Williamson (MAJESDIX) used her whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.
Mr Sole identified MAJESDIX racing in the trail as the field turned for home. Shortly after, Mrs Williamson shifts out from the trail and strikes MAJESDIX twice. Mr Sole had no issues with these strikes. However, Mrs Williamson then used the whip with more than a wrist flicking motion some 5 or 6 times in the home straight over a distance of about 100 metres. She was using elbow and shoulder after she had activated gear. Mrs Williamson returned to a compliant action in the last 50 metres. MAJESDIX finished 3rd.
Mrs Williamson accepted the Stewards’ analysis of the videos and said she was making a conscious effort to keep her whip use compliant. MAJESDIX had been responding and she reiterated that she returned to a compliant action in the last 50 metres or so.
Decision
As Mrs Williamson has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submissions as to Penalty
Mr Sole produced the Respondent’s record, which showed that Mrs Williamson had 14 drives last season and this was her first drive this season. She had a previous breach under the Whip Rule in December last. Mr Sole submitted the breach was mid-range due to the number of strikes, and the distance over which the whip use was non-compliant.
Mrs Williamson said she did not want a deferment of any suspension and asked that it commence immediately.
Reasons for Penalty
The breach is mid-range. Mrs Williamson has used her whip in breach of the Whip Rule and the Whip and Rein Regulations for a little under a 100 metres in the home straight. She then has returned to a compliant action. This was her first drive since her previous breach. The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a 4-day suspension for a second mid-range breach. A penalty at the starting point is appropriate, having regard to the circumstances of the breach and its admission.
Conclusion
Mrs Williamson is suspended from the end of racing today, up to and including 22 February 2026. This is 4 days.
Decision Date: 01/02/2026
Publish Date: 03/02/2026