Winton HRC 24 September 2022 – R3 – Brad Williamson

ID: RIB11218

Respondent(s):
Brad Williamson - Driver

Applicant:
Mr Shane Renault - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr N Skelt

Persons Present:
Mr S Renault, Miss Rebecca Haley - Stipendiary Steward, Mr B Williamson - Driver

Information Number:
A19501

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Whip and Rein Regulations

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Sherwood Maggie

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
24/09/2022

Race Club:
Winton Harness Racing Club

Race Location:
Winton Racecourse - Racecourse Road, Winton, 9720

Race Number:
R3

Hearing Date:
24/09/2022

Hearing Location:
Winton Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver Brad Williamson was fined the sum of $300

Summary of Facts

After the conclusion of the Race 3, Information A19501 was lodged by Stipendiary Steward Mr Shane Renault under Rule 869(2) Whip and Rein Regulations.  Mr Renault alleged that Mr Brad Williamson used his whip free of the rein passing the 1900 metres and with more than a wrist flicking motion.

The Respondent Mr Brad Williamson was present at the hearing and admitted the breach and confirmed he was conversant with the Rule charge.

Rule 869 provides that:

(2) No driver shall during any race use a whip in a matter of contravention of the use of the whip regulations made by the board.

Stipendiary Steward Mr Renault advised Stipendiary Steward Miss Haley to highlight the incident on the video clip.

Mr Renault said that Mr Williamson had only used his whip once and onto the sulky shaft, but it was very forceful and a very bad look, to the Trackside viewer and the Industry.

In response, the Respondent stated he was attempting to let Mr Milne know (MAXWELL ROBIN) that he was staying in front with his horse, when Mr Milne’s horse ranged up outside his horse SHERWOOD MAGGIE.

Mr Williamson simply said he didn’t know what happened, and his action was simply not acceptable.

Decision

The charge is admitted and therefore proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Renault produced the Respondent’s record which indicated no previous breaches under this Rule. He stated Mr Williamson has had has 3,977 lifetime drives, 380 last season and 211 last season.

Mr Renault said the Stewards assessed the breach to be at the low end and submitted that the Penalty Guidelines recommended a $200 fine as a starting point, although he reiterated the perception of Mr Williamson’s action was a very bad look.

Mr Williamson agreed with Mr Renault’s summation.

Reasons for Penalty

The race films of the incident are very clear, and the Adjudicative Committee assessed the breach to be at the low end level. Unfortunately the aggressive nature of Mr Williamson’s action has resulted in a very poor look for the Industry and for Mr Williamson. An uplift in penalty from a starting point of $200 to $400 was appropriate, with a reduction of $100 for Mr Williamson’s admittance of the breach and his outstanding driving record.

Conclusion

The Respondent Mr Williamson is fined the sum of $300.

Decision Date: 24/09/2022

Publish Date: 27/09/2022