Hawkes Bay RI 7 December 2022 – R6 – Joe Doyle

ID: RIB14440

Respondent(s):
Joe Doyle - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr B Jones - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr T Castles

Persons Present:
B Jones, J Doyle

Information Number:
A18064

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use of the whip

Rule(s):
638(3)(g)(i) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
TIMING

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
07/12/2022

Race Club:
Hawkes Bay Race Club

Race Location:
Hastings Racecourse - 200 Prospect Road, Hastings, 4122

Race Number:
R6

Hearing Date:
07/12/2022

Hearing Location:
Hastings Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Joe Doyle is fined $350

Facts:

Jockey J Doyle admitted a charge that he struck his mount six times prior to the 100-metre mark.

The films of the incident were shown, and the strikes counted by all parties and agreed upon. Stipendiary Steward B Jones added that he believed that excessive force was used by Jockey J Doyle on at least three occasions.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Jockey J Doyle explained that his mount was labouring and that he felt excessive force was not used. He was a recent arrival to the Jockey ranks having come from Ireland and has had to adjust to a new whip style. He has had 37 rides over a 3-week period since his arrival and he has undertaken whip tutoring with a number of racing identities, including Riding Master Noel Harris.

Stipendiary Steward B Jones agreed that he was making genuine attempts to change his style and adjust. He had been fined $250 on 15 November 2022 under this Rule but asked for an uplift on this figure because he believed excessive force was used on at least three occasions. He asked for a fine of $500.

Reasons for Penalty:

While concurring the number of strikes Rule was breached, the Adjudicative Committee was not totally convinced excessive force was used on the three occasions. It was pointed out to Jockey J Doyle that whip use is an animal welfare issue and one that is treated seriously as it attracts a lot of attention. It was determined that an uplift of penalty to $500 was not appropriate on this occasion, because of Jockey J Doyle’s genuine attempts to adjust his whip use to New Zealand conditions.

Conclusion: 

In fining him the sum of $350, Jockey J Doyle was warned of the uplift in penalty that would be applied for any further breach.

Decision Date: 07/12/2022

Publish Date: 17/01/2023