RACEDAY JUDICIAL COMMITTEE DECISION

Informant: N R Escott, Chief Stipendiary Steward

Defendant: J I Dickie, Licensed Junior Driver

Information No: 68850

Meeting: New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club

Date: 22 July 2010

Venue: Addington Raceway, Christchurch

Race: 6

Rule No: 869 (2) (a)

Judicial Committee: R G McKenzie, Chairman – K G Hales, Panellist

Plea: Admitted

FACTS:

Following the running of Race 6, Horncastle Homes – 2010 NZ Junior Drivers Championship Mobile Pace, an information was filed by Chief Stipendiary Steward, Mr N R Escott, against Licensed Junior Driver, Mr J I Dickie, alleging a breach of Rule 869 (2) (a) in that Mr Dickie, as the driver of CHOCOLATTO in the race, “used his whip excessively in the run home”.

Mr Dickie and his representative, Licensed Open Driver Mr R D Holmes, had both signed the Statement by the Defendant on the information form indicating, firstly, that the breach was admitted and, secondly, that Mr Dickie did not wish to be present at the hearing of the information.

Rule 869 provides as follows:

(2)   No horseman shall during any race:-

       (a)    use his whip in an unnecessary, excessive or improper manner.

SUBMISSION(S):

Mr Escott showed a video replay of the final 400 metres of the race. He pointed out Mr Dickie, driving CHOCOLATTO, and he alleged that Mr Dickie used his whip on approximately 24 occasions in the run home. This was borne out by the video replay shown.

DECISION:

The charge was found proved.

SUBMISSION(S) ON PENALTY:

Mr Escott informed the Committee that Mr Dickie had a clear record. He also asked the Committee to take into account Mr Dickie’s admission of the breach. He submitted that a fine of $200 was appropriate.

REASONS:

The Committee took into account Mr Dickie’s admission of the breach and his good record. The Committee informed Mr Escott that it regarded use of the whip on 24 occasions to be unacceptable. Unfortunately, Mr Dickie was not present for the Committee to express its disapproval to him.

PENALTY:

Mr Dickie was fined the sum of $200.

R G McKenzie                  K G Hales

Chairman                        Committee Member

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