Ashburton RC 4 July 2024 – R8 – Samantha Wynne

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 8, Class A Jockey, Samantha Wynne, admitted a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i) in that, as the Rider of TAVERNIA in the race, she “struck her mount seven times prior to the 100 metres with a further four inside the 100 metres”.

Rule 638 provide as follows:

(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).

(iii) it shall not be a contravention of (i) of this sub-Rule if:

• a Rider strikes a horse six times prior to the 100-metre mark, provided that the Rider does not strike the horse more than four times after the 100-metre mark.

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward, Mark Davidson, showed a video replay of the final 300 metres of the race. He pointed out TAVERNIA, ridden by the Respondent, racing widest on the  track as the field turned into the final straight. He then showed that the Respondent struck her mount with the whip seven times from that point to the 100 metres, and a further four times inside the final 100 metres of the race (a total of 11 strikes).

The Respondent accepted the number of strikes and explained that she had difficulty seeing where the 100m mark on the rail was. She added that it would be helpful to Riders if the rail was painted red as at most other tracks.

DECISION:

The breach having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson said that the Respondent has two previous breaches of the Whip Rule on her record, both involving eight strikes prior to the 100 metres – at Riccarton on 13 April 2024 – 7 day suspension and at Riverton on 10 May 2024 – 7 day suspension.

Mr Davidson referred to the Penalty Guide, which provides for a penalty of a 5 day suspension for a third breach involving two additional strikes. There were no aggravating features, he said, and a suspension commensurate with the Penalty Guide be considered as penalty.

Miss Wynne requested a deferment of penalty until after racing on 12 July 2024 at Riccarton.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee noted the provisions of the Penalty Guide which provides a starting point for a third breach of seven strikes prior to the 100 metres, of a 5 day suspension. There are no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors to be considered.

It was therefore determined that a 5 day suspension was an appropriate penalty in this case.

Miss Wynne’s application for a deferment until after racing on 12 July 2024 is granted.

CONCLUSION:

Accordingly, Miss Wynne is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 12 July, up to and including 21 July 2024.