Auckland TR 28 May 2022 – R2 – Tayla Mitchell
ID: RIB9222
Animal Name:
Quiz Kid
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
28/05/2022
Race Club:
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing
Race Location:
Pukekohe Park - 222/250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe Hill, Pukekohe, 2120
Race Number:
R2
Hearing Date:
28/05/2022
Hearing Location:
Pukekohe Park, Pukekohe
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey, Tayla Mitchell, fined $250.
BACKGROUND:
Following Race 2, Roger Gill Motors 1500, the Respondent Class B Jockey, Tayla Mitchell, admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.
Apprentice Mentor, Mr Noel Harris, was present to assist.
Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that in a flat race a Rider must not:
(i) Â strike a horse with a whip more than 5 times prior to the 100-metres mark (other than in a slapping motion down the shoulder with the whip hand remaining on the reins).
EVIDENCE:
Mr Williamson showed video replays of the final 400-500 metres of the race. He pointed out QUIZ KID, ridden by the Respondent, in the lead as the field entered the final straight. He then demonstrated that the Respondent struck her mount 6 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.
Miss Mitchell and Mr Harris both accepted the alleged count of 6 strikes.
DECISION:
As the Respondent, Tayla Mitchell, admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Williamson told the Adjudicative Committee that the Respondent is a very inexperienced Rider and has one previous breach of the Whip Rules on her record – as recently as 25 May at Avondale (7 strikes prior to the 100 metres, fined $250).
He referred to the Penalty Guide which suggests a $250 fine for a second offence involving one additional strike.
Mr Harris said that Miss Mitchell had hit her horse seven times just 3 days ago. She has been riding for only a month and is still learning her trade, he said. He also referred to the fact that it is a long straight and she thought that she could win the race. He asked if the Adjudicative Committee could consider some leniency.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The Respondent’s mount had led from the 1100 metres and was only caught in the final 50 metres or so. It appeared that she did not use her whip in the final 100 metres.
The NZTR Revised Penalty Guidelines (effective 1 March 2022) provide for a penalty of a fine of $250 for a second breach of the Whip Rules involving one additional strike, as in this case. It is not appropriate for this Adjudicative Committee to depart from that penalty, except in very exceptional circumstances. In this case, there are no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors to be considered.
CONCLUSION:
Apprentice Jockey, Tayla Mitchell, is fined the sum of $250.
Decision Date: 28/05/2022
Publish Date: 31/05/2022