Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 16 November 2024 – R9 – Samantha Wynne

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 9, Vernon & Vazey Truck Parts Premier, Class A Jockey, Samantha Wynne, admitted a charge that, as the Rider of IFFIN DOUBT DANCE in the race, she “struck her mount 6 times prior to the 100 metres and another 5 times inside the final 100 metres”.

Rule 638 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) except as provided for in (iii) (A) and (iii) (B) of this sub-Rule, 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:

Chief Stipendiary Steward, John Oatham, showed a video replay of the final 200-300 metres of the race. He pointed out IFFIN DOUBT DANCE, ridden by Ms Wynne, a clear leader as the field turned into the final straight. Shortly thereafter, Ms Wynne commenced using her whip and Mr Oatham counted out that she had used her whip six times prior to the 100 metres. Running the replay on, he showed that she used her whip on a further five occasions inside the final 100 metres.

Ms Wynne said that the 6th strike was not far away from the 100 metres. Mr Oatham suggested, perhaps, three strides. She had simply lost count with her mount running about, then it got tired, she said.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said that Ms Wynne’s record shows three breaches in the last 6 months:

4 July at Ashburton – 7 strikes plus 4, 5-days suspension;

26 July at Riccarton – 6 strikes plus 5, 5-days suspension; and

10 August at Riccarton – 7 strikes plus 6, 9 days suspension.

For one additional strike, the Penalty Guide specifies a fine of $500 and a 2-days suspension, Mr Oatham said. He said that Ms Wynne would prefer just a term of suspension, to which Stewards had no objection. He submitted that a 5-days suspension would be appropriate.

Ms Wynne requested a deferment until after the meeting of South Canterbury RC on 21 November 2024.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide (March 2024) suggests, for a 4th breach involving one additional strike, a fine of $500 and a suspension for 2 National Days. Ms Wynne has asked the Adjudicative Committee to consider a suspension alone, citing financial difficulties. In arriving at a penalty of a period of suspension of 5-days, the Adjudicative Committee looked at both the penalty in the Penalty Guide for a 4th breach involving two additional strikes and a “5th and following” breach involving one additional strike. The guide specifies a “Suspension 5 National Days” for both. On that basis, the Adjudicative Committee is satisfied that an appropriate penalty in this case, rather than a fine of $500 and a 2-days suspension, is a suspension of 5 days.

CONCLUSION:

Class A Jockey, Samantha Wynne’s request for a deferment of suspension is granted. Her Licence to ride in races is suspended from after the close of racing on 21 November, up to and including 28 November 2024 – 5 National Riding Days.