Auckland TR 23 March 2022 – R5 – Bridget Grylls

ID: RIB8225

Respondent(s):
Bridget Grylls - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr Brady Jones - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Adam Smith

Persons Present:
Matthew Williamson - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A17188

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive Whip Use

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
SHAMBLES

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
23/03/2022

Race Club:
Counties Racing Club

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

Race Number:
R5

Hearing Date:
23/03/2022

Hearing Location:
Pukekohe Park

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Bridget Grylls fined $500

Evidence

Following the running of Race 5, the Respondent Bridget Grylls 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 Jones demonstrated that Miss Grylls struck her mount 6 times in the straight prior to the 100m.

In response Miss Grylls agreed with the number of strikes.

Decision

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

Submissions For Penalty

Mr Jones produced Miss Grylls’ record which indicated 2 previous breaches within the 6 month reset period.

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

When asked for comment Miss Grylls had nothing to add.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is set out below.

3rd breach, 1 additional strike  – $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 that there was no compelling reason to deviate from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide.

Conclusion

The Respondent Miss Grylls is fined $500.

Decision Date: 23/03/2022

Publish Date: 24/03/2022