Auckland TR 21 June 2023 – R4 – Niranjan Parmar

Evidence

Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent, Apprentice Jockey Niranjan Parmar admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use on his mount FINAL PURCHASE prior to the 100 metres.

Apprentice Mentor Mr N Harris was present at the hearing, and he 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.

In response, neither Mr Parmar nor Mr Harris had anything further to add.

Decision

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

Submissions For Penalty

Mrs Selvakumaran said this was the Respondent’s eighth 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

21/6/2023  7-day suspension

Mrs Selvakumaran said that the Respondent is facing two back-to-back suspensions and that any proposed suspension arising from this charge, will need to commence after racing on 15 July 2023. She submitted that the Penalty Guide for a breach of this nature provides for a suspension of 5 plus days. She confirmed that Mr Parmar will be referred back to the Rider Skills Review Panel specifically in relation to his whip use, as his previous referral related to repeat careless riding breaches. In addition, Mrs Selvakumaran advised that Mr Parmar will require a medical clearance prior to resuming race riding, following issues he raised during the investigation and hearing.

When asked for an explanation, Mr Parmar said that he had miscounted the number of strikes.

Mr Harris submitted that Mr Parmar has stood himself down for the remainder of races, as he is currently dealing with issues outside of racing.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide provides for a 5 plus day suspension as the starting point. This is Mr Parmar’s eighth breach of the Rule since March 2023. Moreover, this is his third breach in his last six race rides. Unfortunately, suspensions nor other advice given to him, are having no apparent effect. He must be penalised for his offending, but also, he is in urgent need of further training which should not be seen as a penalty, but rather as a means of upskilling him.

After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for Mr Parmar’s very poor record, a 9-day suspension is imposed.

Pursuant to Rule 343, the Adjudicative Committee recommends that Mr Parmar is referred back to the Rider Skills Review Panel for further remedial training. The Adjudicative Committee also notes that given the issues that were raised during the hearing, the Adjudicative Committee further recommended that Mr Parmar will require medical clearance prior to resuming race riding.

Conclusion

Mr Parmar’s License to ride in races is suspended from 16 July 2023, until after racing on 2 August 2023.