Auckland TR 23 February 2022 – R2 – Niranjan Parmar
ID: RIB7536
Animal Name:
PEPPERELLO
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
23/02/2022
Race Club:
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing
Race Location:
Pukekohe Park - 222/250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe Hill, Pukekohe, 2120
Race Number:
R2
Hearing Date:
23/02/2022
Hearing Location:
Pukekohe Park
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Niranjan Parmar is suspended 5 National Days
Evidence
Following the running of Race 2, the Respondent, Class B Apprentice Rider Niranjan Parmar admitted a charge alleging excessive whip prior to the 100-metres.
Apprentice Mentor Mr 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 Stipendiary Steward Mr Jones identified PEPPERELLO ridden by the Respondent who was racing outside the leader as the field entered the home straight. He demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 7 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark. PEPPERELLO finished in second place.
In response, on behalf of the Respondent Mr Harris said that he agreed with the Stewards’ interpretation of the breach. Mr Parmar had nothing further to add.
Decision
As Mr Parmar admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions For Penalty
Mrs Selvakumaran said this was the Respondent’s third breach of the Whip Rule within the 6-month reset period. She said the previous breaches occurred on:
18/12/21 – at Waikato $300 fine
23/12/22 – at Matamata $500 fine
Mrs Selvakumaran submitted that a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use (as of 1 September 2021) would be appropriate.
The Respondent’s mount, PEPPERELLO finished second and his share of the stake was $135, with half ($67) payable to him due to his Apprentice status.
Mr Harris submitted that the strikes were not aggressive. He also pointed out that due to Covid-19 restrictions he has not been able to conduct regular Apprentice School sessions, where ordinarily use of whip lessons/ training would be conducted as part of the agenda.
On the advice of his employer, Mr J Richards, Mr Parmar sought a 10-day deferment to any proposed suspension.
Reasons For Penalty
The NZTR Penalty Guide starting point for a third breach is a 5 National Day suspension plus 50% of the Rider’s share of the stake.
After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number and frequency of strikes, the Adjudicative Committee determined a 5 National Day suspension to be appropriate in this case. There were no aggravating factors to be considered.
The Respondent’s request for a 10-day deferment is granted.
Conclusion
Mr Parmar’s licence is suspended for 5 National Days commencing after racing on 5 March 2022 and concluding after racing on 13 March 2022.
Decision Date: 23/02/2022
Publish Date: 24/02/2022