Auckland TR 7 May 2025 – R8 – Ace Lawson-Carroll

ID: RIB54943

Respondent(s):
Ace Lawson-Carroll - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Mr A Dooley - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr M Godber

Persons Present:
Mr Dooley, Mr Ace Lawson-Carroll (Apprentice Rider) and Mr N Harris (Apprentice Mentor supporting Mr Lawson-Carroll)

Information Number:
A19226

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Using whip above shoulder height

Rule(s):
638(3)(f)(ii) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
SUAVETTA

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
07/05/2025

Race Club:
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing

Race Location:
Ellerslie Racecourse - 100 Ascot Ave, Ellerslie, Auckland, 1050

Race Number:
R8

Hearing Date:
07/05/2025

Hearing Location:
Ellerslie Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Ace Lawson-Carroll is fined $300

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 8, Senior Stipendiary Steward, Mr A Dooley presented an Information charging Mr A Lawson-Carroll with a breach of 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 SUAVETTA (which ran 4th).

Mr Lawson-Carroll admitted the charge and had with him Apprentice Mentor Mr N Harris for support.

The race films illustrated Mr Lawson-Carroll using his whip 3 times in the last 100 metres above shoulder height.

Mr Lawson-Carroll said because of his size, he sometimes has difficulty reaching back with his whip. He realised that this was not an excuse for the breach.

DECISION:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Dooley advised that Mr Lawson-Carroll has had one previous breach on 20 January 2025. In the light of that, he recommended a fine of $300. The Penalty Guide being $250 for a first offence and a $50 uplift to reflect the second offence.

Mr Lawson-Carroll advanced no penalty submissions.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee considered that as this was the second breach, it required an uplift in penalty and determined that a fine of $300 was appropriate (a $50 uplift).

CONCLUSION:

Accordingly, Mr Lawson-Carroll was fined $300.

Decision Date: 07/05/2025

Publish Date: 09/05/2025