Canterbury JC 1 September 2022 – R5 – Tanya Jonker

Evidence

Following the running of Race 5, the Respondent Tanya Jonker admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not:

(i) 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); 

Using the available race films Stipendiary Steward Ms Algar demonstrated that the Respondent struck her mount 6 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.

The Respondent Ms Yonker elected to make no submissions in regard to the incident.

Decision

As the Respondent Ms Yonker admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).

Submissions For Penalty

Ms Algar produced the Respondent’s record which indicated 1 previous breach being on 17 March 2022 at Ashburton – 7 strikes ($300 fine).

Stewards assessed the breach as low and submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use.

The Respondent elected to make no submissions on penalty.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is set out below.

For breaches of the Whip Rule prior to the 100m mark where there is 1 additional strike:

2nd offence starting point $250

After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number of strikes, the Adjudicative Committee determined there were no compelling reasons to depart from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide.

On that basis the Respondent is fined $250.

Conclusion

The Respondent Ms Yonker is fined $250.