Waikouaiti TC 4 February 2024 – R1 – Alan Edge
ID: RIB38564
Animal Name:
OFF THE EDGE
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
04/02/2024
Race Club:
Waikouaiti Trotting Club
Race Location:
Oamaru Racecourse - Highway 1, Oamaru North, Oamaru, 9494
Race Number:
R1
Hearing Date:
04/02/2024
Hearing Location:
Oamaru
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Amateur Driver Alan Edge is fined $250
Mr Renault alleged that in Race 1, Mr Edge (OFF THE EDGE) used his whip free of the rein on one occasion in the run home.
Mr Williams demonstrated the incident on the videos. The Respondent was urging his horse in the home straight and used the whip free of the rein on one occasion.
Mr Edge said it was a tight finish, his horse was making up ground, and he had gone back to old habits.
Decision
As Mr Edge has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submissions as to Penalty
Mr Renault produced the Respondent’s record which showed that Mr Edge has had 1 drive this season and 14 the last. His record was clear, although he had had a warning on 2 January at Omakau. Mr Renault submitted the breach was low-range.
Mr Edge did not disagree with the Stewards’ assessment of the seriousness of the breach.
Reasons for Penalty
The breach is low-range. Mr Edge has used his whip in breach of the Whip Rule and the Whip and Rein Regulations on one occasion in the home straight. The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a fine of $300 for a first such breach. Mr Edge won the race. Mitigating factors are, it was just the once and that Mr Edge has a clear record under this Rule. A penalty just below the starting point is appropriate.
Conclusion
Mr Edge is fined the sum of $250.
Decision Date: 04/02/2024
Publish Date: 07/02/2024