On Friday evening 6 March, 2015 HRNSW Stewards concluded an inquiry which had been adjourned from the Menangle Park race meeting on 21 February, 2015 to permit Stewards to review several races of interest regarding the use of the whip by driver Robert Morris and in particular his driving of Abettorrose in this race.
At the resumed inquiry the Stewards reviewed the official vision of races from the race meetings held on 14, 20 and 21 February at Menangle Park.
After considering Mr. Morris’ explanations in regards to these matters the Stewards issued the following charges.
Under Rule 297(7):
That when driving Iam Mr Brightside in Race 4 – Form 700 Hondo Grattan Stakes (Group 2) at Menangle Park on Saturday, 14 February, 2015 by using the whip with a free hand he had failed to comply with a direction previously provided by the Stewards at Bathurst on 21 January, 2015.
That when driving Pompidou Race 6 – WDC Heats Wednesday @ Bathurst Pace at Menangle Park on Friday, 20 February, 2015 by using the whip with a free hand he had failed to comply with a direction previously provided by the Stewards at Bathurst on 21 January, 2015.
That when driving Sing It Loud in Race 3 – WDC Heats Sunday @ Newcastle Ladyship Pace at Menangle Park on Friday, 20 February, 2015 by using the whip with a free hand he had failed to comply with a direction previously provided by the Stewards at Bathurst on 21 January, 2015.
That when driving Abettorrose in Race 6 – Best In Beds Pink Bonnet (Group 2)at Menangle Park on Saturday, 21 February, 2015 he had failed to comply with a direction previously provided by the Stewards at Bathurst on 21 January, 2015 (Rule 297(7)) by using the whip with a free hand.
Under Rule 156(3)(b):
That when driving Charlaval in Race 4 – Tabcorp Rod Fitzpatrick Memorial (Group 2) at Menangle Park on Saturday, 21 February, 2015 he did use the whip excessively.
Mr. Morris plead guilty to all charges.
In regards to (four) Charges issued under Rule 297(7), Mr Morris was fined $ 250 in each instance.
In regards to the charge under Rule 156(3)(b) the Stewards determined that Mr. Morris’s licence to drive in races be suspended for a period of twenty-one (21) days to commence at midnight on Friday, 6 March, 2015.
In addition the Stewards directed that Mr. Morris be required to have a rein in each hand when applying the whip for a period of two months commencing from 21 February, 2015.
In determining this penalty the Stewards took into account Mr. Morris’s plea, his driving record in whip related breaches which the Stewards considered unsatisfactory and the HRNSW Penalty Guidelines.
Furthermore Mr. Morris was placed on notice that frequent and continued breaches of the Rules relating to the use of the whip might result in more severe sanctions being applied.
Mr. Morris will be referred to the HRNSW Driver Mentoring Panel to review his breaches.
Mr. Morris was informed of his right to appeal these decisions.
Harness Racing New South Wales