Auckland TR 7 November 2024 – R6 – Sam Spratt

Evidence

Following the running of Race 6, the Respondent Class A Rider Ms Sam Spratt admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

The Information alleged that Ms Spratt struck her mount GAMEPLAY 9 times 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 Dooley identified GAMEPLAY ridden by Ms Spratt, racing two from the outside, as the field entered the home straight.  He demonstrated that Ms Spratt struck her mount 9 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.

Ms Spratt agreed with the Stewards’ interpretation of the breach and had nothing further to add.

Decision

As Ms Spratt admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Dooley advised that Ms Spratt has had one previous breach of the Whip Rule.  This occurred on 13 July 2024 and resulted in a $500 fine (8 strikes).  He submitted that the Penalty Guide provides for a 5 plus day suspension and recommended that a 6 day suspension would be appropriate.

Mr Dooley added that Ms Spratt’s mount won the race, but he submitted that her whip use was not a factor in the result.

Ms Spratt sought a deferment to any proposed suspension, until after racing on 16 November 2024. She had nothing further to add.

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is a 5 plus day suspension. Ms Spratt’s mount won the race, but having considered the film evidence, it cannot be said that her whip use was a determinative factor in the result.

Ms Spratt is a very busy Northern Rider, who has maintained a good record with regards to whip breaches during the past 12 months, this being her second breach from 662 race rides. Accordingly, after considering the circumstances of the breach and the submissions, a 6 day suspension is imposed.

Conclusion

Ms Spratt’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 6 days, commencing after racing on 16 November 2024 and concluding after racing on 24 November 2024.