Auckland TR 1 November 2022 – R5 – Tayla Mitchell

ID: RIB12117

Respondent(s):
Tayla Mitchell - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Mr J Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
A Smith (Chair), W Gendall

Persons Present:
Mr B Jones - Stipendiary Steward, Noel Harris - Apprentice Rider Mentor

Information Number:
A18124

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use of whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Tavidora

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
01/11/2022

Race Club:
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing

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

Race Number:
R5

Hearing Date:
01/11/2022

Hearing Location:
Pukekohe Park Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Tayla Mitchell suspended 8 days

Evidence

Following the running of Race 5, Tayla Mitchell admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

Apprentice Mentor N Harris 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, Chief Stipendiary Steward John Oatham demonstrated that the Respondent struck her mount 6 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.

In response, by way of explanation Miss Mitchell said that it was the long straight that caught her out.

Decision

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

Submissions For Penalty

Mr Oatham produced the Respondent (Miss Mitchell’s) record which indicated 6 previous breaches in the last 6 months. Mr Oatham said that due to Miss Mitchell’s poor whip record, she had been referred to the Rider Skills Panel. He said that a previous penalty for 6 previous breaches had incurred a period of suspension of 7 days and that he expected that this breach would be no less.

Pursuant to Rule 1106(2)(b) or Rule 1106(3)(b), the Respondent sought a  deferment to any proposed suspension until after the 9th of November in order to fulfil pending riding engagements.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is “5++ national day suspension” for 1 strike over, 5th and following breach.

Miss Mitchell’s record in regard to whip use is poor and considered an aggravating factor.

Having regard for Miss Mitchell’s record and the number of strikes, an 8 day suspension was determined as an appropriate penalty.

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted.

Conclusion

Miss Mitchell is granted an 8-day deferment. Her licence to ride in races is suspended for 8 days from close of racing on 9th of November until close of racing on the 23rd of November.

Decision Date: 01/11/2022

Publish Date: 02/11/2022