Hawkes Bay RI 15 October 2022 – R1 – Craig Grylls
ID: RIB11522
Animal Name:
Margaret Jean
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
15/10/2022
Race Club:
Hawkes Bay Race Club
Race Location:
Hastings Racecourse - 200 Prospect Road, Hastings, 4122
Race Number:
R1
Hearing Date:
15/10/2022
Hearing Location:
Hastings Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Craig Grylls - 5 days suspension + $400 fine
Evidence
Following the running of Race 1, the Respondent Mr C Grylls 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); or
Using the available race films, Mr Oatham demonstrated that Mr Grylls struck his mount 7 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.
In response, Mr Grylls said he is normally conscious of the Whip Rules, however in the heavy ground today, the 100m mark took longer to come up and he simply misjudged the number of strikes.
Decision
As Mr Grylls admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions For Penalty
Mr Oatham produced Mr Grylls’ record which showed this is his 3rd breach of the Whip Rule in 6 months. He was warned once in June, and in September was fined $250 for 6 strikes.
Stewards submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Penalty Guide for excessive whip use. In addition Mr Oatham also asked the Adjudicative Committee to take into account that Mr Grylls won the race with his share of the stake being $1725. He also noted that the Rider who finished 2nd to Mr Grylls, had also used the whip excessively.
Mr Grylls’ was of the opinion that a suspension and a fine was excessive. He advised of riding commitments through until October 23rd at Trentham.
Reasons For Penalty
The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is set out below.
Whip – For breaches of Rule 638(3)(g)(i), 5 times prior to the 100m mark:
| Offence | 1 additional strike | 2 additional strikes | 3 additional strikes | 4 or more additional strikes |
| 1st | Warning | $250 | $500 | Suspension 5 National Days |
| 2nd | $250 | $500 | Suspension 5 National Days | Suspension 5+ National Days |
| 3rd | $500 | Suspension 5 National Days | Suspension 5+ National Days | Suspension 5+ National Days |
| 4th | $500 + Suspension 2 National Days | Suspension 5+ National Days | Suspension 5+ National Days | Suspension 5+ National Days |
| 5th and following | Suspension 5+ National Days | Suspension 5+ National Days | Suspension 5+ National Days | Suspension 5+ National Days |
After considering the film evidence and the submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined a 5-day suspension to be appropriate. In addition, the fact that Mr Grylls’ went on to win the race, a $400 fine was also imposed.
Mr Grylls’ request for a deferment is granted.
Conclusion
Mr Grylls’ licence to ride in races is suspended for 5 days from close of racing on October 23rd until close of racing on October 30th.
In addition, a fine of $400 is imposed.
Decision Date: 15/10/2022
Publish Date: 17/10/2022