Auckland TR 25 November 2023 – R1 – Ace Lawson-Carroll

ID: RIB30081

Respondent(s):
Ace Lawson-Carroll - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Mr B Jones - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr G Jones and Mr A Smith

Persons Present:
Mr Jones, Mr Lawson-Carroll, Mr S Clotworthy (Employer assisting)

Information Number:
A18001

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive whip strikes (8 strikes)

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
WITHALLMYHEART

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
25/11/2023

Race Club:
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing

Race Location:
Pukekohe Park - 222/250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe Hill, Pukekohe, 2120

Race Number:
R1

Hearing Date:
25/11/2023

Hearing Location:
Pukekohe

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Ace Lawson-Carroll is fined $500

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 1, the Dunstan Horsefeeds Stayers Championship Qualifier 2100, Apprentice Jockey, Ace Lawson-Carroll, admitted a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i) in that, as the Rider of WITHALLMYHEART he “struck his mount eight times prior to the 100 metres”.

Mr Lawson-Carroll admitted the breach and was assisted at the hearing by his Employer, Mr S Clotworthy.

Rule 638 provide as follows:

(g) Subject to the other requirements this Rule 638(3), in a Flat Race or trial (including jump-outs and/or tests for certification purposes), a Rider must not:

(i)   except as provided for in (iii) (A) and (iii) (B) of this sub-Rule, 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).

(iii) it shall not be a contravention of (i) of this sub-Rule if:

  • a Rider strikes a horse six times prior to the 100-metre mark, provided that the Rider does not strike the horse more than four times after the 100-metre mark.

EVIDENCE:

Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr B Jones demonstrated the breach using available race films. He pointed out WITHALLMYHEART (A Lawson-Carroll), who was racing mid-field in the home straight. Mr Lawson-Carroll struck his mount eight times prior to the 100 metre mark. From the 100 metres to the finish, he did not strike his mount.

Mr Lawson-Carroll agreed with the number of strikes.  By way of explanation, he stated that he thought he had struck his mount seven times.  Mr Clotworthy added that it was simply a miscalculation.

DECISION:

The breach having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Jones submitted that Mr Lawson-Carroll has a clear record under the Whip Rules. He referred to the Penalty Guide which provides for a penalty of a fine of $500. He said the breach was at the low end and the force used was minimal.  He submitted a fine of $500 would be an appropriate penalty.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee noted the provisions of the RIB Thoroughbred Penalty Guide (February 2023), which provides for a $500 fine in circumstances of a first offence involving three additional strikes. Accordingly, a $500 fine is imposed.

CONCLUSION:

Apprentice Jockey Mr Lawson-Carroll is fined $500.

Decision Date: 25/11/2023

Publish Date: 27/11/2023