Wyndham HRC 25 February 2024 – R5 – Charlotte Williamson

Mr Munro alleged that in Race 5, Mrs C Williamson (SHANDON BELLS) used her whip with more than a wrist flicking motion early in the run home.

Mr Renault demonstrated the incident on the videos. The Respondent, who was racing mid-field, used her whip in a non-compliant manner some 5 times.

Mr Munro said that the Respondent was urging her horse in the home straight in a non-compliant manner for some distance, before returning to a compliant action in the last 150 metres.

Both Mrs Williamson and Mr Hurrell accepted the Stewards’ analysis of the video.

Decision

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

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Munro produced the Respondent’s record which showed that Mrs Williamson has had 5 drives this season and 224 lifetime drives. Her record was clear, but he said she had been warned 4 drives earlier. Mr Munro submitted the breach was low-range due to the fact the Respondent had returned to a compliant action.

Mrs Williamson accepted Mr Munro’s assessment of the breach.

Reasons for Penalty

The breach is low-range. Mrs Williamson has used her whip in breach of the Whip Rule and the Whip and Rein Regulations in the home straight. The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a fine of $300 or a 2-day suspension for a first such breach. Mitigating factors are that Mrs Williamson, who is a Junior Driver and has just returned to race driving, has a clear record under this Rule and returned to a compliant style in the last 150 metres. A penalty at the starting point is appropriate.

Conclusion

Mrs Williamson is suspended from the end of racing today, up to and including 1 March 2024. This is 2 days.