NZ Metro TC 24 March 2023 – R3 (heard 4 April 2023 at Timaru) – Ricky Alfeld

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 3 at the NZMTC meeting 24 March 2023, the Respondent, Open Driver Mr Ricky Alfeld admitted a breach of the Whip Regulations which was filed pursuant to Rule 869(2) and the Whip and Rein Regulations.

The Information was opened and adjourned and heard on 4 April 2023 at Phar Lap Raceway, Timaru.

Mr Alfeld acknowledged he understood the Rule and the Charge and confirmed his admission of the breach.

Mr Renault demonstrated on the videos Mr Alfeld, who was racing wide on the track from the 350m, strike his horse 12 times and then pause until entering the straight. He then showed Mr Alfeld strike his horse 20 more times and pause before adding another 6 or 7. Mr Renault said there were at least 35 strikes over this period and clearly breaching the continuist element of the Whip Regulations. He said the strikes were better described as flicks and none were in any way forceful, however, they were over a prolonged period.

Mr Alfeld said he was unaware of this part of the Whip Regulations.

DECISION:

The Respondent having admitted the breach, the charge was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Renault said Mr Alfeld would prefer a suspension over a fine and the Stewards had no objection to this. He said Mr Alfeld had a clear record and the starting point for a breach of this nature was a 2 day suspension, but the Stewards would be looking for an uplift given the number of strikes.

Mr Alfeld, in response to the question of deferment, said it was not required and was refreshingly honest in informing the Adjudicative Committee to disregard any grass track meetings in its calculations as he wouldn’t be driving there, hence he has prolonged his own period of suspension.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines for this Rule provide for a 2 day suspension starting point and the Adjudicative Committee agree with Mr Renault, there has to be an uplift with regard to the number of strikes. Accordingly, a 3 day suspension is found to be an appropriate penalty in this case.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Alfeld’s licence to drive in races is suspended from the close of racing today 4 April 2023, up to and including racing on 24 April 2023.