Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 13 August 2022 – R2 – Temyia Taiaroa

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 2, Cup Week Tickets on Sale 1 September Rating 75, Apprentice Jockey, Temyia Taiaroa admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres in that, as the Rider of RADIANT ROSIE in the Race, she struck her mount 7 times prior to the 100 metres.

Apprentice Jockey Mentor, David Walsh, was present to assist.

Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not “strike a horse with a whip more than 5 times prior to the 100-metre mark (other than in a slapping motion down the shoulder with the whip hand remaining on the reins”.

EVIDENCE:

Chief Stipendiary Steward, John Oatham, pointed out on video replays RADIANT ROSIE, ridden by the Respondent, racing towards the rear of the 9-horse field and near the rail as the field entered the home straight. He then showed that the Respondent commenced using her whip and, from that point, used it on a total of  7 times prior to the 100 metres. The first three strikes were in quite quick succession, before a break prior to the remaining 4 strikes.

Mr Walsh said that this was another case of the long straight catching riders out, Apprentices in particular.

DECISION:

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Committee finds the breach proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said that this offence was the Respondent’s 4th breach of the Rule in the last 6 months. She received a warning on 16 April at Hastings. The 2nd breach was on 18 June at Trentham (6 times prior to the 100 metres – fined $200) and the 3rd, also at Trentham, on 16 July (6 strikes prior to the 100 metres – fined $500).

Mr Oatham then referred to the Penalty Guide starting point, for a 4th breach involving 2 additional strikes, of a 5+ national riding days suspension. Stewards saw a 6-day suspension as being the appropriate penalty, he said.

The Respondent sought a deferment for 7 days to enable her to ride at New Plymouth on 20 August.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The NZTR Revised Penalty Guidelines prescribe a starting point of 5+ national riding days for a 4th breach involving 2 additional strikes. In this case, there are no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors. On that basis, the Committee has decided that the appropriate penalty is a 6-day suspension.

CONCLUSION – PENALTY:

The Respondent is granted a 7 days deferment. Her Apprentice Jockey’s Licence is suspended for 6 national riding days from 21 August 2022 to 31 August 2022, both dates inclusive.