Winton HRC 26 October 2023 – R4 – Brian Norman

ID: RIB28918

Respondent(s):
Brian Norman - Driver

Applicant:
Stipendiary Steward, Mr Vinnie Munro

Adjudicators:
Dave Anderson

Persons Present:
Mr Munro, Mr Norman, Ms Rebecca Haley-Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A17149

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Using whip with more than a wrist flicking motion

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
SUPERFAST

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
26/10/2023

Race Club:
Winton Harness Racing Club

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

Race Number:
R4

Hearing Date:
26/10/2023

Hearing Location:
Winton Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver, Brian Norman suspended for 3 days

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 4, Stipendiary Steward, Mr Vinnie Munro presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) by Open Driver, Brian Norman.

Mr Norman stated he was conversant with the Rule, the Charge and confirmed he admitted the breach.

Mr Munro played the final straight video to identify Mr Norman (SUPERFAST) racing behind the leading horses at approximately the 250m. Mr Munro pointed to Mr Norman strike his horse 2 times well outside of the acceptable guidelines.

Mr Norman made no comment.

DECISION:

The Respondent having admitted the breach the charge was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Munro stated Mr Norman has had 3913 lifetime drives, 4 last season and 14 in this current season.

Mr Munro said on the 12 October 2023, 2 drives ago, Mr Norman was fined $400 for continuous use and more than a wrist flicking motion. He said as this is a second breach, a 3-day suspension is in order.

Mr Norman made no submissions and asked to start any proposed suspension immediately.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a 3-day suspension starting point for a second breach of the Rule at low level, which this is.

The Adjudicative Committee sees no factors to depart from the Guidelines in the circumstances of this case, and consider a 3-day suspension as the appropriate penalty.

CONCLUSION:

Driver, Brian Norman Licence to drive in races is suspended from the 5 November 2023 to the 12 November 2023 inclusive.

Decision Date: 26/10/2023

Publish Date: 27/10/2023