Auckland TR 26 December 2022 – R9 – Jonathan Riddell

ID: RIB14215

Respondent(s):
Jonathan Riddell - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr J Oatham – Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr G Jones (Chair), Mr D Anderson

Persons Present:
Mr J Oatham, Mr J Riddell

Information Number:
A18073

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
CHASE

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
26/12/2022

Race Club:
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing

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

Race Number:
R9

Hearing Date:
26/12/2022

Hearing Location:
Pukekohe Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey, Jonathan Riddell fined $250

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 9, Information A18073 was lodged alleging the Respondent, Class A Rider Mr J Riddell, struck his mount, CHASE, six (6) times prior to the 100-metre mark.

Mr Riddell confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that he admitted the breach.

Rule 639(3)(g)(i) provides that a rider must not:

“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 available Race film Chief Stipendiary Steward, Mr Oatham identified CHASE (J Riddell) in the run up the home straight.  He pointed out that from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark Mr Riddell struck his mount six times.

Mr Riddell agreed with the number of strikes and had nothing further to add.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Oatham advised that this is Mr Riddell’s second breach of the Rule within the reset period.  The previous having occurred on 13 November 2022. He added that the breach occurred in a Black Type (G1) race and Mr Riddell’s mount finished in 6th place, earning a $4800 stake.  Mr Riddell’s share of the stake money is $220.

Reasons for Penalty:

Current Penalty Guidelines provide for a fine of $250 for a second breach in circumstances of one additional strike.

The Guidelines also recommends that:

In all breaches of the whip Rules in any Black-Type race, the starting point for a fine will be an amount equal to 50% of the Jockey’s share of the stake earned by their mount or the starting point on the whip penalty table, whichever is greater….

On this occasion 50% of Mr Riddell’s share of the stake earned equates to $110.  Accordingly, the Adjudicative Committee determined there are no compelling reasons to deviate from the Penalty Guide and a $250 fine is imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent, Mr Riddell is fined $250.

 

Decision Date: 26/12/2022

Publish Date: 16/01/2023