Ashburton RC 15 October 2022 – R5 – Samantha Wynne

ID: RIB11531

Respondent(s):
Samantha Wynne - Jockey

Applicant:
Bradley Jones - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Stewart Ching (Chair), Olivia Jarvis

Persons Present:
Rebecca Haley - Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A17248

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Breach of Whip Rule

Rule(s):
638(3)(g)(i) - Contravention whip rule - Whip Rule

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
ARABIA

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
15/10/2022

Race Club:
Ashburton Racing Club

Race Location:
Ashburton Racecourse - Racecourse Road, Ashburton, 7700

Race Number:
R5

Hearing Date:
15/10/2022

Hearing Location:
Ashburton

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Samantha Wynne is fined $500

Evidence

Following the running of Race 5, the Respondent, Class A Rider, Samantha Wynne 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 Jones, with the assistance of Stipendiary Steward, Ms Rebecca Haley, demonstrated that the Respondent struck her mount 6 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.  He pointed out that the strikes were not forceful, and they were well spaced.

In response, by way of explanation, the Respondent Ms Wynne said that she had misjudged where the 100m mark was positioned.

Decision

As the Respondent Ms Wynne admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).

Submissions For Penalty

Mr Jones produced the Respondent’s record which indicated 2 previous breaches in the prior 6 month period being, 18 April 2022 at Riverton – 5 day suspension and 1 October  at Riccarton – a $300 fine.

Stewards assessed the breach as low level and submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use.

The Respondent elected to make no submissions in regard 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:

3rd offence starting point $500 fine for 1 additional strike

After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number of strikes, the Adjudicative Committee determined there are no compelling reasons to depart from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide.

On that basis the Respondent is fined $500.

Conclusion

The Respondent Ms Wynne is fined $500.

Decision Date: 15/10/2022

Publish Date: 17/10/2022