Auckland TR 1 June 2024 – R7 – Sam Weatherley

ID: RIB42770

Respondent(s):
Sam Ronald Frederick Weatherley - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr B Jones - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr A Smith (Chair), Mr L Ryan

Information Number:
A18045

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use of whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
BASSOROC

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
01/06/2024

Race Club:
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing

Race Location:
Pukekohe Park - 222/250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe Hill, Pukekohe, 2120

Race Number:
R7

Hearing Date:
01/06/2024

Hearing Location:
Pukekohe Park

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Sam Weatherley is fined $500

Evidence

Following the running of Race 7, the Respondent Sam Weatherley 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, Mr Jones demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 7 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark and a further 4 times inside the last 100m.

Mr Weatherley did not contest the number of strikes and said he made an error.

Decision

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

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Jones produced Mr Weatherley’s record, which indicated 1 previous breach within the rest period.

Mr Weatherley made no comment in relation to penalty.

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for 2 strikes over the 5 strike limit, 2nd breach is a $500 fine.

The Adjudicative Committee does not see any reason to deviate from the Guidelines and imposed a fine of $500.

Conclusion

Mr Weatherley is fined $500.

Decision Date: 01/06/2024

Publish Date: 04/06/2024