Auckland TR 21 June 2023 – R3 – Niranjan Parmar

Evidence

Following the running of Race 3, the Respondent, Apprentice Jockey Niranjan Parmar admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use on his mount MALBOROUGH BAY prior to the 100 metres.

Apprentice Mentor Mr N Harris was present at the hearing and assisted Mr Parmar.

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, Mrs Selvakumaran demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 6 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.

On behalf of Mr Parmar, Mr Harris submitted that Pukekohe has a long straight and “it often catches Riders out.”

Mr Parmar had nothing further to add.

Decision

As Mr Parmar admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions For Penalty

Mrs Selvakumaran said this was the Respondent’s seventh breach of this Whip Rule since 4 March 2023, namely:

4/3/2023   $300 fine

4/3/2023   $500 fine

4/3/2023   $800 fine and 2-day suspension

11/3/2023  6-day suspension

11/3/2023  8-day suspension

17/6/2023  8-day suspension

Mrs Selvakumaran said that the Respondent’s previous breach, on 17 June 2023, related to a charge involving 8 strikes. She submitted that this matter relates to 6 strikes and the Penalty Guide provides for a suspension of 5 plus days. She advised that Stewards intend to refer Mr Parmar to the Rider Skills Review Panel.

Mrs Selvakumaran added that Mr Parmar’s 8-day suspension, incurred on 17 June 2023, concludes after racing on 5 July 2023.

Mr Parmar offered no submissions as to penalty.

Mr Harris submitted that Mr Parmar met with the Rider Skills Review Panel yesterday (20 June 2023), and the panel intends to work with him on an ongoing basis.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide provides for a 5 plus day suspension as the starting point. This is Mr Parmar’s seventh breach of the Rule since March 2023. Of concern is the fact that he incurred an 8-day suspension on 17 June 2023, which does not appear to have been a deterrent. His record, by any measure, is poor and must be treated as an aggravating factor. On that basis, a two-day uplift is applied.

After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number of strikes and the Respondent’s poor record, a 7-day suspension is imposed.

It should be noted that in tandem with this hearing, a further similar charge has been filed in relation to Race 4. For the purpose of penalty setting, both matters have been judged separately.

Conclusion

Mr Parmar’s License to ride in races is suspended from 6 July 2023, until after racing on 15 July 2023 (7 national days).