Driver hit with $12,000 in fines & 180-day ban for whip abuse

Harness racing has been rocked by yet another disturbing case of whip abuse — this time involving veteran driver Dan Rawlings of Mechanic Falls, Maine.

On August 7, 2025, Rawlings was found guilty of excessively striking his horse Somepartysomewhere at Monticello Raceway. The judges ruled that he used the whip more than three times in succession without giving the horse time to respond — a direct violation of NYS Gaming Commission Rules 4117.8(D)(2) and 4117.8(H)(2). This marked Rawlings’ sixth whipping violation in just 365 days. The penalty: a $4,000 fine and 60-day suspension beginning August 18 through October 16, 2025.

But the situation quickly escalated. Only days later, on August 11, 2025, Rawlings committed yet another blatant violation while driving Icarus Falls N in Monticello’s 6th race. Once again, he ignored the rules — whipping excessively and indiscriminately. The punishment this time was far harsher: an $8,000 fine and a staggering 120-day suspension (October 17, 2025, through February 13, 2026).

This second offense within days pushed his total to seven violations in one year, triggering Rule 4117.8(H)(6). Judges have now referred Rawlings to the New York State Gaming Commission for a full review of his character and fitness to hold a racing license. In plain terms: his entire driving career in New York may now hang in the balance.

View the official full ruling click here.

From Harnesslink Media