Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 3 August 2024 – R7 – Tanya Jonker

Evidence

Following the running of Race 7, the Respondent Class A Rider Tanya Jonker admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres “in that as the rider of FIVE PRINCES she struck her mount 7 times prior to the 100m with another 4 strikes inside the final 100m.”

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 John Oatham, with the assistance of Stipendiary Steward Mark Davidson, demonstrated that the Respondent struck her mount 7 times from near the home turn to the 100-metre mark, with a further 4 strikes inside the final 100m.

Ms Jonker concurred that she was in breach of the Rules and did not dispute the number of strikes.

Decision

As the Respondent Ms Jonker admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Oatham produced the Respondent Ms Jonker’s record, which indicated a clear record.

He stated the Penalty Guide provided a starting point for excessive whip use for 1 additional strike and a first offence, a fine of $250.

Ms Jonker elected to make no submissions in regard to penalty.

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:

1st offence starting point $250 fine

There were no aggravating factors to consider, therefore no uplift in penalty was warranted.

It was therefore determined, that a $250 fine was an appropriate penalty.

Conclusion

The Respondent Ms Jonker is fined the sum of $250.