Ashburton RC 8 July 2021 – R 6 – Lisa Allpress

EVIDENCE:

Mrs Allpress was charged with using her whip in an excessive manner prior to the 100 metres when riding ARKLOW.

Mr Davidson had Chief Stipendiary Steward, Mr Oatham, show a video replay of the final 200-300 metres of the Race. Mr Oatham pointed out ARKLOW, ridden by Mrs Allpress, racing in 5^th position, and being urged along, as the field turned into the home straight. Shortly thereafter, Mrs Allpress took a run between other runners and commenced using her whip. From that point, Mrs Allpress used her whip on eight occasions to the 100 metres, Mr Davidson alleged.

When asked by the Committee, Mrs Allpress said that she accepted the alleged count of eight strikes.

Mrs Allpress said that it was frustrating, thinking that her mount was just going to get there. It finished 3^rd she said (the Committee noted the margins of a long head and ¾ length).

REASON FOR DECISION:

Mrs Allpress had admitted the charge.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson said that Mrs Allpress has two previous breaches on her record in the last 6 months – at Wellington on 30 January (6 days, 9 strikes in a Group 3, finishing 5^th) and at Otaki on 26 June (fined $500). This present breach being her 3^rd breach in the last 6 months, the Penalty Guide suggests a starting point of a $2,000 fine and a 2-day suspension. Stewards believed that such a penalty is excessive to any rider in New Zealand, Mr Davidson said. The Penalty Guide starting point for a fourth breach is a 5-day suspension and, Stewards believed, that would be a more appropriate penalty in this instance, Mr Davidson said. He added that there were no aggravating factors.

Mrs Allpress told the Committee that she would accept a 5-day suspension rather than incur a heavy fine. She has declared rides at Awapuni on 10 July and would wish to commence any term of suspension after that meeting.

Mr Davidson said that a 5-day suspension would impact Mrs Allpress more than most, as she rides in both the North and South Islands.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

The starting point in the Penalty Guide for a third breach, referred to by Mr Davidson in his penalty submissions, is harsh and this Committee would not impose such a harsh penalty for this breach, even though it is Mrs Allpress’ third. It seems illogical that the starting point for a fourth breach would, in most instances, be less harsh and we are inclined to, and do, impose that penalty of a 5-day suspension. There are no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors, as we see it, calling for a departure from that.

It is noted that the meeting of Racing Te Aroha on 11 July has been excluded, being a meeting restricted to Jumps, Highweight and Amateur Riders, who have been declared.

CONCLUSIONS:

Suspension deferred until after 10 July. Suspended from 11 July 2021 to 21 July 2021 both dates inclusive – 5 national riding days.