Waikato RC 12 February 2022 – R7 – Dylan Turner

Evidence

Following the running of Race 7, the Herbie Dyke Stakes (Group 1), the Respondent Class A Rider Dylan Turner admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

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 Stipendiary Steward Mr B Jones demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 6 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.  He added that a seventh strike occurred just on the 100-metre mark.

In response Mr Turner said that the films cleared showed the breach and he agreed with the number of strikes. He had nothing further to add.

Decision

As the Respondent admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions For Penalty

Mr Jones produced the Respondent’s record which indicates two previous breaches of the Rule, namely:

31/12/2021 at Hawkes Bay $500 fine.

20/11/2021 at Rangitikei $250 fine.

Mr Jones said that the Respondent’s mount LLANCORD finished in 6th place and its share of the stake was $6000. He added that as this breach occurred in a Group 1 race with a $400,000 an appropriate uplift should be applied.

The Respondent did not seek a deferment to any proposed suspension and offered no submission as to penalty.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide provides for a 3rd offence starting point 5 national day suspension plus 50% of jockey share of stake.

After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number and frequency of strikes; the Respondent’s share of stake and the status of the race the Adjudicative Committee determined a 5-day suspension and $200 as the starting point.

Pursuant to Rule 920 (2) due to the fact that this breach occurred in a Group 1 race an uplift of 2 days suspension was applied to the starting point, resulting in a 7-day suspension and $200 fine (being a $50 uplift on the Respondent’s ($150) 50% share of the stake for finishing in 6^th place).

Conclusion

The Respondent Dylan Turner’s licence to ride in races is suspended for 7 days from close of racing on 19 February 2022 until close of racing on 25 February 2022.

In addition, a fine of $200 is imposed.