Otaki-Maori RC 16 September 2021 – R6 – Callum Jones

ID: RIB4643

Respondent(s):
Callum Jones - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Mr Keith Coppins - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Hon J W Gendall QC

Persons Present:
Mr K Coppins, Mr N Goodwin (Stipendiary Steward), Mr C Jones, Ms K Clapperton (assisting Mr C Jones)

Information Number:
A14586

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use of whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
16/09/2021

Race Club:
Otaki-Maori Racing Club

Race Location:
Otaki Racecourse - Te Roto Road, Otaki, 5512

Race Number:
R6

Hearing Date:
16/09/2021

Hearing Location:
Otaki Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Callum Jones is suspended for 5 National Riding Days

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 6, the Norwood Manawatu Handicap 1400, Mr K Coppins presented an Information charging Apprentice Jockey, Mr C Jones with a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i) in that he struck his mount SECRET SQUIRREL, to an extent that was excessive prior to the 100 metre mark.  The maximum permitted strikes is 5.

SUBMISSIONS:

The race film illustrated that Mr Jones struck his mount 6 times before the 100 metre mark.  SECRET SQUIRREL was only battling and finished 5th in the field of 7.

Mr Jones is familiar with the Rule having earlier (in Race 4) been fined $500 for a similar breach.

REASON FOR DECISION:

As Mr Jones admitted the charge, it was deemed proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Goodwin referred to the revised Guideline starting point applicable since 1 September 2021.  As this breach was Mr Jones’ third since 27 May 2021, and his second today, the starting point is 5 National Riding Days plus 50% of the Jockey’s share of any stake.  SECRET SQUIRREL did not earn a stake by finishing  5th.

Ms Clapperton, on behalf of Mr Jones, accepted that a suspension had to follow and said that he was a promising young Rider (indeed he won two of the six races today) but was trying “too hard”.  After conferring with Mr Jones’ employer, she advised that he had no committed riding engagements pending.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

Although an “appearance payment” arises for those who finished 5th, 6th, 7th, that is not in my view a stake earned and in any event , Mr Jones’ percentage as an Apprentice Jockey would be only $6, and that is de minimus and is not imposed, given the suspension that follows.

CONCLUSIONS:

Accordingly, Mr Jones’ Licence is suspended for 5 National Riding Days from the completion of racing on 22 September 2021 until the completion of racing on 29 September 2021.

Decision Date: 16/09/2021

Publish Date: 17/09/2021