Wyndham HRC 6 January 2023 -R5 – Alex Milne
ID: RIB13898
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