Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 20 April 2024 – R4 – Lily Sutherland

ID: RIB41185

Respondent(s):
Lily Sutherland - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Mark Davidson - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
O K Jarvis / D Anderson

Persons Present:
Lily Sutherland, Jason Laking, Mark Davidson and Veronica Algar

Information Number:
A21196

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use of whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
BLUE VEIN

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
20/04/2024

Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club

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

Race Number:
R4

Hearing Date:
20/04/2024

Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Lily Sutherland is suspended for 6 days

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 4, Lily Sutherland, admitted a charge of excessive whip use on her mount, BLUE VEIN, prior to the 100 metres, in that she struck her mount 8 times.

Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that “in a Flat Race, a Rider must not 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)”.

SUBMISSIONS:

Stipendiary Steward, Mark Davidson, showed Ms Sutherland in the run home, strike her mount 8 times. Mr Davidson submitted that the ninth strike was close to the 100 metre mark.

Ms Sutherland accepted there were eight clear strikes.

DECISION:

As the breach was admitted, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson, said that Ms Sutherland had two prior breaches under this Rule.

  • 27 October 2023 at Taranaki for six strikes prior to the 100 metre mark and she was fined $250.
  • 13 January 2024 at Wellington in a Group 3 where she won, she was fined $1,725 for 7 strikes prior to the 100 metre mark.

Mr Davidson submitted that the appropriate starting point was a five plus National Riding Day suspension in reference to the Penalty Guide. Mr Davidson said there were no further aggravating factors.

Ms Sutherland said that she enjoyed riding, but accepted this was a clear breach. She sought a seven day deferment.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee found that a starting point of six days was appropriate as per the Penalty Guide. There were no aggravating or mitigating circumstances present which would justify an uplift or discount. Accordingly, the appropriate penalty is a six day suspension.

CONCLUSION:

Ms Sutherland is suspended for six days. Her deferment is granted.

She is suspended after the conclusion of racing on 27 April, up to and including 5 May 2024.

Decision Date: 20/04/2024

Publish Date: 22/04/2024