Waikato TR 24 August 2024 – R9 – Ciel Butler
ID: RIB45558
Animal Name:
MISTER ROQUETTE
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
24/08/2024
Race Club:
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing
Race Location:
Te Rapa Racecourse - Te Rapa Road, Hamilton, 3200
Race Number:
R9
Hearing Date:
24/08/2024
Hearing Location:
Te Rapa Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Ciel Butler is suspended for 6 days
Following the running of Race 9, the Respondent Class B Rider Ms Ciel Butler admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.
The Information alleged that Ms Butler struck her mount (MISTER ROQUETTE) 8 times prior to the 100 metres.
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);
Ms Butler was assisted in the hearing by Mr C Grylls.
Using the available race films, Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr J Oatham identified MISTER ROQUETTE (C Butler). He said shortly after entering the home straight, MISTER ROQUETTE challenged for the lead. From this point, Rider C Butler, struck her mount 8 times up to the 100m.
Ms Butler said the evidence was clear.
Decision
As Ms Butler admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions for Penalty
Mr Oatham advised that Ms Butler has had 2 breaches in the previous 6 months. These occurred on 14/4/24 and 17/8/24, resulting in an 8 day suspension and a $250 fine.
Mr Oatham submitted that the Penalty Guide provides for a 5+ day suspension for a breach of this nature.
Ms Butler said she had commitments up until 31/8/24 and would take any proposed suspension after that date.
Reasons for Penalty
The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature, is a 5+ day suspension.
Having considered the circumstances of the breach, number of strikes and force used, the Adjudicative Committee saw no reason to deviate from the Penalty Guidelines.
Conclusion
Class B Rider C Butler is suspended for 6 days.
The suspension commences after racing on 31/8/24 and concludes after racing on 14/9/24.
Decision Date: 24/08/2024
Publish Date: 26/08/2024