Woodville-Pahiatua RC 2 October 2022 – R7 – Hamish McNeill

ID: RIB11290

Respondent(s):
Hamish McNeill - Jockey

Applicant:
Keith Coppins - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Tom Castles

Persons Present:
K Coppins, H McNeill

Information Number:
A15572

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
In that he made a celebratory gesture prior to the finish

Rule(s):
638(2) - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Aongatete Express

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
02/10/2022

Race Club:
Woodville-Pahiatua

Race Location:
Woodville Racecourse - 1032 McLean Street, Woodville, 4920

Race Number:
R7

Hearing Date:
02/10/2022

Hearing Location:
Woodville

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Hamish McNeill was fined $150

Evidence:

The film of the incident was shown and Jockey H McNeill confirmed that a gesture just prior to the winning post was made. He did take one hand off the reins and wave his whip. He and Stipendiary Steward K Coppins agreed his arm was not extended and it was a small wave.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions on penalty:

Jockey H McNeill indicated he was aware of the Rule and the reasons for it. He reiterated it was a slight wave and as a Class D Jockey, he was celebrating a win on the last jumps day of the season.

Stipendiary Steward K Coppins indicated the gesture was slight and any penalty imposed should reflect that.

Reasons for penalty:

The Guidelines indicated a fine in the vicinity of $300 should be imposed. However the Adjudicative Committee was of the belief that a reduction of that figure was appropriate because of the charge being admitted, it being his first breach, and the fact the gesture was a slight wave.

Conclusion:

A fine of $150 was imposed.

Decision Date: 02/10/2022

Publish Date: 03/10/2022