Auckland TR 25 June 2025 – R2 – Ace Lawson-Carroll

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 2, Senior Stipendiary Steward, Mr B Jones lodged an Information alleging Apprentice Rider Mr A Lawson-Carroll breached Whip Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) in that he used his whip with arm raised above shoulder height in the final straight on his mount TACO.

Mr Lawson-Carroll admitted the breach and was assisted at the hearing by his Employer, Trainer Mr Shaun Clotworthy.

Using the race films, Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Jones demonstrated the breach. He pointed out that on two occasions in the home straight, Mr Lawson-Carroll struck his mount twice, using an action that included raising his whip above shoulder height. He added that remaining strikes were compliant.

Mr Lawson-Carroll’s mount (TACO) finished in second place.

In response, Mr Lawson-Carroll agreed with the Stewards’ interpretation of the breach and had nothing further to add.

DECISION:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed to be proven.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Jones advised that Mr Lawson-Carroll has had two previous breaches of this Rule. The most recent occurred on 7 May 2025 at Auckland TR. He said this involved three strikes above shoulder height, resulting in a $300 fine.

Mr Jones advised that the Penalty Guide provides for a $250 fine for a first offence. This being Mr Lawson-Carroll’s third breach, his record is not a good.

Mr Lawson-Carroll had nothing further to add concerning penalty.

Mr Clothworthy stated that the breach appeared more severe than it actually was, due to several contributing factors. Firstly, he referred to Mr Lawson-Carroll’s small stature, which placed him at a disadvantage because he had to reach back further, increasing the risk of hitting his mount on the flank. Secondly, his mount, TACO, was a large horse that tended to move sideways, when struck with the whip. Thirdly, Mr Clotworthy mentioned that he has been working with Mr Lawson-Carroll over the last 12 months, to improve his whip use.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee considered both the Stewards’ and Mr Clotworthy’s submissions and determined this matter can be dealt with by way of a fine.

This is Mr Lawson-Carroll’s third breach of the Rule within the 6-month reset period. His previous breach on 7 May 2025 resulted in a $300 fine. This breach involved two strikes above should height. The one further breach occurred on 20 January 2025; this involved one strike and resulted in a $250 fine.

From a $250 starting point, the Adjudicative Committee applied a $150 uplift to reflect Mr Lawson-Carroll’s record (his third breach) and for the one additional strike.

Mr Lawson-Carroll was advised that a further breach within the 6-month reset period, may result in a suspension being imposed. In the meantime, he is encouraged to keep working with Mr Clotworthy on his whip use/style (as it relates to use above shoulder height).

CONCLUSION:

Accordingly, Mr Lawson-Carroll was fined $400.