Hawkes Bay RI 15 October 2022 – R1 – Sam Spratt
ID: RIB11526
Animal Name:
Coruba Jak
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 Sam Spratt - 6 days suspension
Evidence
Following the running of Race 1, the Respondent Ms S Spratt 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 Ms Spratt struck her mount 8 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark. She finished in 3rd place.
Ms Spratt had nothing to add.
Decision
As Ms Spratt admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions For Penalty
Mr Oatham produced Ms Spratt’s record which showed this is her 3rd breach of the Whip Rule in 6 months. She was warned once in May, and in September was fined $250 for 6 strikes.
Ms Spratt advised of riding commitments through until October 22nd 2022.
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 |
This was Ms Spratt’s 3rd breach and she was 3 strikes over the allowed 5. After considering the film evidence and the submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined a 6-day suspension to be appropriate.
Ms Spratt’s request for a deferment is granted.
Conclusion
Ms Spratt’s licence to ride in races is suspended for 6 days from close of racing on October 22nd until close of racing on October 30th.
Decision Date: 15/10/2022
Publish Date: 17/10/2022