Auckland TR 11 March 2023 – R8 – Joe Doyle

ID: RIB17203

Respondent(s):
Joe Doyle - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr J Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
G Jones (Chair), A Smith

Information Number:
A18098

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use of whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
ASTERIX

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
11/03/2023

Race Club:
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing

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

Race Number:
R8

Hearing Date:
11/03/2023

Hearing Location:
Pukekohe Park Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Joe Doyle is fined $500

Evidence

Following the running of Race 8, the Respondent, Jockey J Doyle 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 Oatham (Chief Stipendiary Steward) demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 6 times in the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.  He said all strikes occurred well before the 100m.

Mr Doyle said it was a dramatic finish with a lot happening in front of him and he simply lost count.

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’s record which indicated two previous breaches in the preceding 6 months.

Stewards submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use (as of 1 March 2022).

The Respondent provided no submissions on penalty.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is;

For any black type race, a 3rd breach, 1 strike over, the greater of 50% of Jockey’s stake earnings or $500.

Mr Doyle’s mount earned $16,000 (Jockey’s percentage $800).

After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number and frequency of strikes; the force used; 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

J Doyle is fined $500.

Decision Date: 11/03/2023

Publish Date: 14/03/2023