Winton HRC 3 August 2025 – R8 – Alister Black

Mr Renault alleged that in Race 8, Mr Black (RIGHTAZZ) used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.

Mr Renault identified RIGHTAZZ racing midfield as the field turned for home. RIGHTAZZ got into the clear and Mr Renault demonstrated that Mr Black had then used the whip with more than a wrist flicking motion some 11 times in the straight. Some were through the tail in the middle stages. RIGHTAZZ finished 2nd.

Mr Black accepted the Stewards’ analysis of the video and said he would have to change his whip action. He said the horse was responding to the whip and had finally paced away. He was doing his best for the connections of the horse.

Decision

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

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Renault produced the Respondent’s record, which showed that Mr Black has had 2 drives this season and 2 the last. His record is clear. Mr Renault submitted the breach was high-range, due to the lengthy distance over which the whip use was non-compliant.

Mr Black agreed with Mr Renault’s assessment of the gravity of the breach. He asked for a deferment of any suspension until after the meeting on 10 August 2025.

Reasons for Penalty

The breach is high-range. Mr Black has used his whip in breach of the Whip Rule and the Whip and Rein Regulations for the majority of the home straight. The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a 3-day suspension for a first such breach. Mr Black has admitted the breach, but this was inevitable in the circumstances. A penalty at the starting point is appropriate.

Conclusion

Mr Black is suspended from the end of racing on 10 August, up to and including 4 September 2025. This is 3 Southland meetings.