Otaki-Maori RC 26 February 2022 – R6 – Niranjan Parmar
ID: RIB7577
Animal Name:
NOD
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
26/02/2022
Race Club:
Otaki-Maori Racing Club
Race Location:
Otaki Racecourse - Te Roto Road, Otaki, 5512
Race Number:
R6
Hearing Date:
26/02/2022
Hearing Location:
Otaki Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey - Niranjan Parmar - 6 days suspension
Evidence
Following the running of Race 6, the Respondent N Parmar admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.
Apprentice Mentor Ms K Clapperton was present to assist.
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 Ms Selvakumaran demonstrated that Mr Parmar struck his mount 6 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.
In response, by way of explanation Mr Parmar said he was still having trouble counting the number of times he used his whip. Ms Clapperton said Mr Parmar was trying to do his best for the horse and was probably trying too hard.
Decision
As Mr Parmar admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions For Penalty
Ms Selvakumaran produced Mr Parmar’s record which indicated three previous breaches within the last 6 months:
18/12/21   6 strikes    $300 fine
23/12/21  6 strikes    $500 fine
23/2/22   7 strikes    5 day suspension
Stewards submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use (as of 1 September 2021). Ms Selvakumaran explained that Mr Parmar was about to commence a period of suspension for a breach of the same Rule on February 23rd.
Mr Parmar had no submissions to make in regards to penalty.
Reasons For Penalty
The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is set out below.
For breaches of the Whip Rule prior to the 100m mark:
1st offence starting point Greater of $250 fine or 50% of jockey share of stake.
2nd offence starting point Greater of $500 fine or 50% of jockey share of stake.
3rd offence starting point 5 national day suspension plus 50% of jockey share of stake.
4th 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 Adjudicative Committee determined that a suspension of 6 days was an appropriate penalty.
Conclusion
Mr Parmar’s licence to ride in races is suspended for 6 days from close of racing on Sunday March 13th until close of racing on Friday March 25th.
Decision Date: 26/02/2022
Publish Date: 28/02/2022