Winton HRC 25 May 2024 – R4 – Brad Williamson

ID: RIB42527

Respondent(s):
Bradley Mark Williamson - Driver

Applicant:
Vinny Munro - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Matt Conway (Chair), Professor Geoff Hall

Persons Present:
Mr Williamson, Mr Munro

Information Number:
A20887

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Whip used with more than a wrist flicking motion

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
ETERNAL DREAM

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
25/05/2024

Race Club:
Winton Harness Racing Club

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

Race Number:
R4

Hearing Date:
25/05/2024

Hearing Location:
Central Southland Raceway, Winton

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver Brad Williamson is fined $275

BACKGROUND

Following the running of Race 4, Open Driver Brad Williamson, admitted a breach of Whip Rule 869(2).  The particulars of the charge are that, when driving ETERNAL DREAM, he used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.

Rule 869 provides that:

(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.

EVIDENCE

Mr Munro used the available films to identify Mr Williamson mounting a challenge with ETERNAL DREAM to the outside of the passing lane runner in the home straight. Mr Munro said there were four whip strikes between the 200 metre and 100 metre marks in which Mr Williamson used more than a wrist flicking motion. Mr Williamson had returned to a compliant style of whip use in the closing 100 metres, Mr Munro said.

Mr Williamson accepted he had breached the Whip Rule by using more than wrist flicks in the home straight. He submitted this was at a minor level and, although his arm had been engaged, he was not using a great deal of force.

DECISION

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

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS

Mr Munro produced the Respondent’s record, which showed that Mr Williamson has had 127 drives this season and 266 the last. Mr Williamson has a clear record under this Rule, though was warned about his whip use six weeks prior. Mr Munro pointed out that Mr Williamson had a clear record under this Rule in the previous 12 months, not just in the 2 month reset period. Stewards deemed this to be a low-end breach because Mr Williamson had returned to a compliant style. The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a $300 fine in these circumstances, Mr Munro said.

Mr Williamson asked the Adjudicative Committee to consider the fact that he had not faced a charge under the Whip Rule in 12 months. He asked for any fine to be as minimal as possible.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

Mr Williamson has used the whip on four occasions in the home straight with more than a wrist flicking motion. He returned to a compliant style with the whip and reins in the closing 100 metres of the race. The Adjudicative Committee finds this is a low level breach. The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a $300 fine or 2 days suspension for a low level 1st breach of the Whip Rule. There are no aggravating factors. The Adjudicative Committee takes account of Mr Williamson’s record under this Rule during the previous 12 months, which is excellent for a reasonably busy Driver. For this reason, he is afforded a $25 discount on the starting point.

CONCLUSION

Open Driver Brad Williamson is fined $275.

Decision Date: 25/05/2024

Publish Date: 27/05/2024