Waikouaiti TC 2 February 2025 – R10 – Bradley Williamson

ID: RIB51307

Respondent(s):
Bradley Mark Williamson - Driver

Applicant:
Mr Shane Renault, Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall

Persons Present:
Mr Paul Williams, Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A20062

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Whip used with more than a wrist flicking motion

Rule(s):
869(2) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Not Admitted

Animal Name:
LORD FANTASY

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
02/02/2025

Race Club:
Waikouaiti Trotting Club

Race Location:
Oamaru Racecourse - Highway 1, Oamaru North, Oamaru, 9494

Race Number:
R10

Hearing Date:
02/02/2025

Hearing Location:
Oamaru

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver Bradley Williamson is fined $250

Mr Renault alleged that in Race 10, Mr Williamson (LORD FANTASY) used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.

Mr Williamson denied the charge.

Mr Williams identified on the videos that LORD FANTASY was racing just behind the leading horses as they turned for home. Mr Renault stated that Mr Williamson had used the whip with more than a wrist flicking motion four times early in the home straight. He believed Mr Williamson had used his elbow. Mr Williamson then returned to a compliant action. LORD FANTASY finished out of a dividend bearing position.

Mr Williamson said he had not used his elbow. He said LORD FANTASY was a big horse, and he had had to reach forward and stretch out his arm to make contact with the whip. He believed this made his whip action look worse than it actually was. He questioned whether the strikes were any worse than those of a number of other Drivers in the race. He pointed to these and said he could not see why the Stewards were concerned only with him.

Reasons for Decision

Mr Williamson has used the whip with more than a wrist action on four occasions. The first strike is the most egregious, but there are four strikes in total, that breach the Rules and Regulations, in that there is use of the elbow. The fact other Drivers might also be in breach of the Whip Rule, is no defence to the charge. It transpired that the other Driver whose whip action Mr Williamson highlighted, was in fact warned by the Stewards.

Decision

The breach is found to be proved.

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Renault produced the Respondent’s record, which showed that Mr Williamson has had 33 drives this season and 273 the last. His record is clear, with his last warning being on 11 December last. Mr Renault submitted the breach was low-range.

Mr Williamson submitted that a small fine was appropriate.

Reasons for Penalty

The breach is low-range. Mr Williamson has used his whip in breach of the Whip Rule and the Whip and Rein Regulations on four occasions. The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a fine of $300 for a first such breach. Mitigating factors are that Mr Williamson, who is a busy Driver, has a clear record under this Rule since May last year and he returned to a compliant action. A penalty just below the starting point is appropriate.

Conclusion

Mr Williamson is fined the sum of $250.

Decision Date: 02/02/2025

Publish Date: 03/02/2025