Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 13 April 2024 – R8 – Samantha Wynne

ID: RIB41015

Respondent(s):
Samantha Louise Wynne - Jockey

Applicant:
John Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Stewart Ching (Chair), Russell McKenzie

Persons Present:
Samantha Wynne, John Oatham

Information Number:
A21195

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Breach of Whip Rule

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
MISS PEARL

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
13/04/2024

Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club

Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,

Race Number:
R8

Hearing Date:
13/04/2024

Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Samantha Wynne is suspended for 7 days

Evidence

Following the running of Race 8, the Respondent, Samantha Wynne, 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, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Oatham demonstrated that the Respondent struck her mount 8 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.

Miss Wynne elected to make no submissions in regard to the incident.

Decision

As the Respondent Miss Wynne admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Oatham produced the Respondent’s record which indicated 4 previous breaches being, 19 October 2023 at Wingatui – $250 fine, 22 October 2023 at Ashburton – $500 fine, Riccarton on 18 November 2023 – $500 fine and 20 December 2023 at Ashburton, a 6 day suspension.

Mr Oatham stated that this was not a Black Type, Listed or Group Race, but did have a stake of $350,000. He added that Miss Wynne’s mount finished in 5th place, with a stake payable of $8,750. He submitted that the Penalty Guide starting point for a 5th breach was 5 plus National days, with consideration being given to an uplift in penalty. Mr Oatham submitted that a minimum suspension of 6 days be considered as penalty.

The Respondent Miss Wynne said she had be trying hard to correct her whip action to comply with the Rules. She also made application for a deferment of penalty until after racing on 20 April 2024 at Riccarton.

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 offence with 3 additional strikes-a 5 plus day suspension.

In adopting the Penalty Guide 5 day suspension starting point, this Adjudicative Committee determined that an uplift was warranted. This uplift it set at 2 days.

The Adjudicative Committee therefore determined that a 7 day suspension was an appropriate penalty in this case.

Conclusion

Miss Wynne is granted a deferment until after racing at Riccarton on 20 April 2024. Her Licence to ride in races is suspended for 7 National Days, from close of racing on 20 April 2024, until close of racing on 1 May 2024.

Decision Date: 13/04/2024

Publish Date: 15/04/2024