Winton HRC 18 September 2025 – R5 – Matthew Williamson
ID: RIB58951
Animal Name:
SARGENT BEST
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
18/09/2025
Race Club:
Winton Harness Racing Club
Race Location:
Winton Racecourse - Racecourse Road, Winton, 9720
Race Number:
R5
Hearing Date:
18/09/2025
Hearing Location:
Oamaru
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Open Driver Matthew Williamson is suspended for 3 days
Mr McIntyre alleged that Mr Matthew Williamson, committed a breach of r 869(2) in that, as the Driver of SARGENT BEST in Race 5, he used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.
Rule 869 provides:
(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.
The Whip and Rein Regulations provide:
3.1 A driver may only apply the whip in a wrist only flicking motion whilst holding a rein in each hand with the tip of the whip pointed forward in an action which does not engage the shoulder.
3.2 For the purposes of clause 3.1, “wrist only flicking motion” means:
3.2.1 Ensuring no force is generated by the use of the elbow or shoulder when applying the whip.
Mr McIntyre showed a video replay of the home straight and pointed out SARGENT BEST, driven by Mr Williamson. He showed that there were four or five strikes, which were more than a wrist flicking motion. He said that Mr Williamson returned to a compliant action late in the straight.
Mr Williamson agreed the strikes were clear.
DECISION
The charge having been admitted, it is found proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY
Mr McIntyre described the breach as low to mid-range. He believed a starting point in the Penalty Guide for a second low level breach — a 3-day suspension — was appropriate.
Mr Williamson agreed with Mr McIntyre’s submission. He requested a deferment of any suspension until after racing on 21 September. The Stewards did not oppose this.
REASONS FOR PENALTY
The breach is appropriately described as low to mid-range. There are clear strikes in breach of the Rule, but Mr Williamson has returned to a compliant action. Mr Williamson has had 86 drives since his previous breach of this Rule in very similar circumstances at Addington in late July. The reset period does not apply. A penalty at the 3-day starting point in the Penalty Guide for a 2nd breach is appropriate in this case.
CONCLUSION
Mr Williamson is suspended from the end of racing on 21 September, up to and including 1 October 2025. This is 3 South Island days.
Decision Date: 18/09/2025
Publish Date: 23/09/2025