Waikato TR 6 July 2024 – R9 – Tegan Newman

ID: RIB44188

Respondent(s):
Tegan Lee Newman - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr J Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr G Jones and Mr L Ryan

Persons Present:
Mr Oatham and Ms Newman

Information Number:
A18764

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive whip strikes (6 strikes)

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
PENURIOUS

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
06/07/2024

Race Club:
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing

Race Location:
Te Rapa Racecourse - Te Rapa Road, Hamilton, 3200

Race Number:
R9

Hearing Date:
06/07/2024

Hearing Location:
Te Rapa

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Tegan Newman is fined $250

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 9, the Respondent, Class A Jockey Tegan Newman, admitted a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i) in that, as the Rider of PENURIOUS, she struck her mount 6 times prior to the 100 metres.

This charge was heard after Race 10.

During Race 10, Ms Newman breached the same Whip Rule.  That charge was dealt with separately, as the breach was detected after this charge had been dealt with.

Rule 638(3) provides:

(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) 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.

EVIDENCE:

Using the available race films, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Oatham demonstrated the concluding stages of the race from the straight entrance.  He pointed out that Ms Newman struck her mount (PENURIOUS) 6 times prior to the 100 metres, and a further 5 strikes inside the final 100 metres.

In response, Ms Newman accepted the breach adding “the Rules are the Rules.”

DECISION:

The charge is admitted and is therefore deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said that this is Ms Newman’s second breach within the past 6 months.  Her previous having occurred on 16 March 2024 at the Wellington RC Meeting.

Mr Oatham advised the Penalty Guide starting point for a 2nd breach is a fine of $250 and recommended that this would be an appropriate penalty under the circumstances.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guide provides for a $250 fine as the starting point for penalty. The Adjudicative Committee noted that there is a defence to a charge involving 6 strikes, but for this to apply, a Rider must not strike their mount more than 4 times in the final 100 metres.  On this occasion, Ms Newman struck her mount 5 times over the concluding 100 metres and on that basis, the defence does not apply.

The are no aggravating factors to consider.  Accordingly, a $250 is imposed.

CONCLUSION:

The Respondent, Jockey Tegan Newman, is fined $250.

Decision Date: 06/07/2024

Publish Date: 08/07/2024