Gore HRC 27 December 2021 – R12 – Robbie Close

ID: RIB6638

Respondent(s):
Robbie Close - Driver

Applicant:
Miss R Haley, Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr N Skelt

Persons Present:
Miss Haley, Mr R Close, Mr V Munro, Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A16510

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Contravention of the Use of Whip and Rein Regulations

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
ROBYNS SHADOW

Code:
Harness

Race Date:
27/12/2021

Race Club:
Gore Harness Racing Club

Race Location:
Gore Racecourse - 136 Gore-Mataura Highway, Gore, 9772

Race Number:
R12

Hearing Date:
27/12/2021

Hearing Location:
Gore

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Mr Close fined $200

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 12, The Carpet Plus Willys Flooring Mobile Race, Stipendiary Steward, Miss R Haley presented an Information charging Mr R Close, the Driver of ROBYNS SHADOW, with a breach of Rule 869(2) and the Whip and Rein Regulations made by the HRNZ Board in that he used his whip in contravention of those regulations.

Mr Close was present at the hearing and confirmed he understood the Rule and that he admitted the breach.

SUBMISSIONS:

Miss Haley asked Stipendiary Steward, Mr Munro to demonstrate on the Race film the alleged incident, which began about the 250m mark from the winning post with Mr Close using his whip on at 4 occasions outside the confines of the Rule.

Mr Close agreed with Mr Munro’s summation.

REASON FOR DECISION:

As Mr Close admitted the breach it was deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Miss Haley advised that Mr Close had no previous breach of this Rule. He has had 3797 lifetime drives ,427 last season and 772 this season. He has admitted the breach and it was deemed to be low level.

The Penalty Guide recommends a fine of $200 for a first offence at a low level.

Mr Close had no submissions on penalty.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Committee accepts the submissions of Miss Haley. Mr Close is a very busy successful Driver and this was his first offence under this Rule, and he has also admitted the breach.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Close is ordered to pay a fine of $200.

Decision Date: 27/12/2021

Publish Date: 28/12/2021