Otago RC 18 October 2024 – R2 – Sam Weatherley
ID: RIB47447
Animal Name:
YOO HOO JOY
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
18/10/2024
Race Club:
Otago Racing Club
Race Location:
Wingatui Racecourse - 285 Gladstone Road North, Mosgiel, Dunedin,
Race Number:
R2
Hearing Date:
18/10/2024
Hearing Location:
Dunedin
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Sam Weatherley is suspended for 5 days
Miss Haley alleged that in Race 2, Mr Weatherley struck his mount YOO HOO JOY 7 times prior to the 100 metres, with a further 5 strikes inside the final 100 metres.
Mr Davidson demonstrated on the videos that Mr Weatherley, who was racing in the centre of the track, hit the front early in the home straight. He counted on the video 7 strikes with the whip before the 100 metres and then 5 inside the 100 metres.
Mr Weatherley said it was an honest mistake. He had got to the front and had given the horse 3 or 4 strikes very quickly. The horse had “got a bit tired” and the additional strikes were to keep it going. On reflection, he realised he had been trying too hard.
Decision
As Mr Weatherley has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submissions as to Penalty
Miss Haley produced the Respondent’s record, which showed 2 breaches of this Rule in the past 6 months (the reset period): 7 strikes at Auckland on 1 June when he fined $500, and 7 at Waikato on 12 October when he was again fined $500. She submitted a suspension in accordance with the Penalty Guide was appropriate.
Mr Weatherley accepted Miss Haley’s submissions and stated he wished the suspension to start after racing at Hamilton on 28 October.
Reasons for Penalty
The Penalty Guide provides a 5-day starting point for a third breach where there are 2 strikes over the 5-strike limit. There is no reason to deviate from this starting point.
Conclusion
Mr Weatherley is suspended from the end of racing on 28 October, up to and including 6 November 2024. This is 5 National Days.
Decision Date: 18/10/2024
Publish Date: 21/10/2024