Auckland TR 12 March 2022 – R1 – Jonathan Riddell
ID: RIB7992
Animal Name:
ROCKET LAD
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
12/03/2022
Race Club:
Counties Racing Club
Race Location:
Pukekohe Park - 222/250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe Hill, Pukekohe, 2120
Race Number:
R1
Hearing Date:
12/03/2022
Hearing Location:
Pukekohe Park
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Jonathan Riddell fined $500
Evidence
Following the running of Race 1, the Respondent Mr Riddell 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);
Using the available race films Mrs Selvakumaran demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 6 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.
In response Mr Riddell said that while he acknowledged he was in excess of the permitted number of strikes, he felt that his whip use wasn’t actually “excessive”, and his horse had a tendency to get a little lost.
Decision
As the Respondent Mr Riddell admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).
Submissions For Penalty
Mrs Selvakumaran produced Mr Riddell’s record which indicated 2 previous breaches within the 6 month reset period.
Stewards assessed the breach as low and submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use (as of 1 March 2022).
The Respondent Mr Riddell expressed some frustration around the Whip Rules but accepted that he would be penalised for the breach.
Reasons For Penalty
The Penalty Guide starting point for a 3rd breach, one strike over the permissible allowance is $500.
After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number and frequency of strikes and 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
The Respondent Mr Riddell is fined $500.
Decision Date: 12/03/2022
Publish Date: 14/03/2022