Auckland TR 22 February 2025 – R5 – Masa Hashizume

Evidence

Following the running of Race 5, the Group 2 Eagle Technology Avondale Guineas ($250,000), the Respondent Class A Rider Mr M Hashizume admitted a charge alleging he struck his mount WILLYDOIT with the whip forward of his saddle, whilst his whip was held in the forehand position.

Rule 638(3)(f)(xi) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not apply his or her whip:

forward of the Rider’s saddle whilst the whip is held in the forehand position

Using the available race films, Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Jones identified WILLYDOIT, ridden by Mr Hashizume, racing back and wide early in the home straight. He pointed out that Mr Hashizume changed his whip hand and struck his mount forward of the saddle, whilst his whip was held in the forehand position.  There was only one strike applied.

Mr Jones added that this is a new Rule and because the breach occurred in a Black Type Race, no warning can be given.

In response, Mr Hashizume said that he didn’t realise that he struck his mount down the shoulder with his forehand.  He said that due to this being a new Rule, it would have been helpful if Riders were given a couple of weeks to adjust.

Decision

As Mr Hashizume admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Jones advised that Mr Hashizume has a clear record under the Rule.  He said the starting point penalty is a $300 fine, but an uplift is required, due to the breach having occurred in a Group 2 Race, with stake money of $250,000. He added that WILLYDOIT finished in 10th place and Mr Hashizume’s share of the stake is $182.

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is a $300 fine.  In imposing a penalty, the Adjudicative Committee may have regard to such matters as it considers appropriate, including the status of the Race and the stake payable.  Therefore, due to the breach having occurred in a Group 2 with a $250,000 stake, a $100 uplift is applied to the starting point. The Adjudicative Committee was also mindful that this is a newly introduced Rule and Riders will need to adjust quickly.

Conclusion

Accordingly, after considering the circumstances of the breach; the fact that this is a new Rule, and Mr Hashizume’s clear record, a $400 fine is imposed.