Wyndham HRC 6 January 2023 -R5 – Alex Milne

ID: RIB13898

Respondent(s):
Alex Milne - Driver

Applicant:
Mr V Munro, Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall (Chair), Matt Conway

Persons Present:
Mr Munro , Mr Milne

Information Number:
A13891

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Using the whip with more than a wrist flicking motion

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
LA MOTH

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
06/01/2023

Race Club:
Wyndham Harness Racing Club

Race Location:
Cromwell Racecourse - Wanaka- Queenstown Highway, Cromwell,

Race Number:
R5

Hearing Date:
06/01/2023

Hearing Location:
Cromwell Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver, Alex Milne fined $200

Mr Munro alleged that in Race 5 Mr Milne (LA MOTH) used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.

Mr Munro demonstrated the incident on the videos. As the field exited the home bend, LA MOTH was racing one-out just behind the leading horse. Mr Milne was initially compliant with the Whip and Rein Regulations but as the field proceeded down the straight, he became more urgent and used his wrist in more than a flicking motion before again becoming compliant.

Mr Milne accepted that it was clear on the videos that he had breached the Rule.

Decision

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

Submissions as to penalty

Mr Munro produced the Respondent’s record which showed 6128 life-time drives, 69 drives last season and 3 this. Mr Milne had received one warning 17 drives ago, hence the charge on this occasion. His record was clear under the Whip Rule.

Mr Munro submitted the breach was low end and a penalty in accordance with the Penalty Guide was appropriate. Mr Milne did not disagree with this but questioned whether the Whip and Rein Regulations were being applied consistently throughout the country.

Reasons for penalty

The breach is low end. Mr Milne has used his whip in breach of the whip rule and the Whip and Rein Regulations for a brief period in the home straight. The Penalty Guide provides for a fine in the range of $200 to $400 for a first such breach.

Conclusion

Mr Milne is fined the sum of $200.

 

Decision Date: 06/01/2023

Publish Date: 12/01/2023