Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 15 June 2023 – R7 – Brandon May
ID: RIB23465
Animal Name:
CAITLYN JAY
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
15/06/2023
Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club
Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
15/06/2023
Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Brandon May is suspended for 7 Days
Evidence
Following the running of Race 7, the Respondent Brandon May, Class A Rider, 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, Stipendiary Steward Ms Algar, demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 6 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.
In response, by way of explanation, the Respondent stated that his whip action had improved and it was only 1 strike over the minimum number of strikes allowable.
Decision
As the Respondent 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 5 previous breaches of this Rule being: 26 December 2022 at Otago – $250 fine, 21 January 2023 at Gore – $550 fine, 28 January 2023 at Riccarton – 7 day suspension, 4 February 2023 at Otago – $550 fine and 4 March 2023 at Otago – an 8 day suspension.
Stewards assessed the breach as low and submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use.
Ms Algar added that Mr May had been referred to the NZTR Rider Skills Panel after his breach in March 2023.
The Respondent stated that he had improved his whip action after assistance with the Rider Skills Panel, but has misjudged the 100m mark today.
He added that he did not seek a deferment of 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:
5th and following breaches for 1 additional strike – 5 day starting point
The aggravating factor is Mr May’s poor record and due to this being his 6th offence in the prior 12 months, an uplift was warranted, which was set at 2 days.
On that basis, the Respondent is suspended for 7 National Days.
Conclusion
The Respondent’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 7 days from close of racing today, 15 June 2023, until close of racing on 28 June 2023.
Decision Date: 15/06/2023
Publish Date: 16/06/2023