Wyndham HRC 8 September 2022 – R9 – Nathan Williamson

ID: RIB10995

Respondent(s):
Nathan Williamson - Driver

Applicant:
Mr Shane Renault - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr N Skelt

Persons Present:
Mr S Renault - Stipendiary Steward, Miss R Haley - Stipendiary Steward, Mr N McIntyre - Stipendiary Steward, Mr N Williamson - Driver

Information Number:
A16540

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Whip and Rein Regs

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
WHO'S BETTOR

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
08/09/2022

Race Club:
Wyndham Harness Racing Club

Race Location:
Wyndham Racecourse - Alma St, Wyndham, 9892

Race Number:
R9

Hearing Date:
08/09/2022

Hearing Location:
Wyndham Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Driver Nathan Williamson was fined the sum of $200

Background:

After the conclusion of Race 9, Stipendiary Steward Mr Shane Renault lodged Information A16540 under Rule 869(2) (Whip and Rein Regulations) alleging that the Respondent Mr Nathan Williamson (WHO’S BETTOR) used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home.

The Respondent Mr Williamson was present at the hearing and admitted the breach and confirmed that he understood the Rule.

Rule 869(2) provides that:

No driver shall during any race use a whip in a manner in contravention of the Use of the Whip Regulations made by the Board.

Stipendiary Steward Mr Renault asked Stipendiary Steward Miss Haley to use the available video footage to demonstrate the breach.

Mr Renault stated that Mr Williamson had used his whip for 3 or 4 strikes from the 200m mark to the 250m mark in the early stages of the run home.

The Respondent Mr Williamson stated that his horse was not steering well and that he had simply made an error of judgement.

Decision:

The charge is admitted by the Respondent and therefore proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Renault produced the Respondent Mr Williamson’s record, which indicated no previous breaches of this Rule.

Mr Renault stated that Mr Williamson has had 7951 drives, 621 drives last season and 257 drives this season. Mr Renault believed the breach was at a low level and that the Penalty Guide recommends a fine of $200.

Mr Williamson had no submissions on penalty.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering the evidence from all parties concerned and during the race films of the concluding stages of the race, the Adjudicative Committee assessed the breach as low level.

Mr Williamson has an outstanding record and after having considered all factors, the Adjudicative Committee deemed a $200 fine to be an appropriate penalty.

Conclusion:

The Respondent Mr Williamson is fined the sum of $200.

Decision Date: 08/09/2022

Publish Date: 12/09/2022