Waikouaiti TC 5 February 2023 – R11 – Nathan Williamson

ID: RIB15450

Respondent(s):
Nathan Williamson - Driver

Applicant:
Mr Vinny Munro, Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall

Information Number:
A21327

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
whip used with more than a wrist flicking motion

Rule(s):
869(2) - Contravention whip rule - Whip and Rein Regulations

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
QUICKSMART

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
05/02/2023

Race Club:
Waikouaiti Trotting Club

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

Race Number:
R11

Hearing Date:
05/02/2023

Hearing Location:
Oamaru

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver Nathan Williamson is fined $300

Mr Munro alleged that in Race 11, Mr N Williamson (QUICKSMART) used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.

Mr Munro demonstrated the incident on the videos. In the home straight, Mr Williamson twice used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion.

Mr Williamson was surprised when he viewed the video and agreed he was at fault with two of his strikes in the home straight. He accepted that it was clear on the videos that he had breached the Rule.

Decision

As Mr Williamson has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Munro produced the Respondent’s record which showed 8157 life-time drives, 411 drives last season and 52 this. He described Mr Williamson’s record as very good, although he noted it had reset only earlier during the meeting.

Mr Munro submitted the breach was low end and a penalty in accordance with the Penalty Guide was appropriate. Mr Williamson did not disagree with this.

Reasons for Penalty

The breach is low end. Mr Williamson has, on two occasions in the home straight, used his whip in more than a wrist flicking motion. The Penalty Guide provides for a fine of $300 for a first such breach.

Conclusion

Mr Williamson is fined the sum of $300.

Decision Date: 05/02/2023

Publish Date: 09/02/2023