Auckland TR 9 December 2023 – R7 – Jessica Allen
ID: RIB30605
Animal Name:
PICK OF THE LITTER
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
09/12/2023
Race Club:
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing
Race Location:
Pukekohe Park - 222/250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe Hill, Pukekohe, 2120
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
09/12/2023
Hearing Location:
Pukekohe Park Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Jessica Allen is suspended 6 days
Evidence
Following the running of Race 7, the Respondent Jessica Allen, Apprentice Rider, admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.
Apprentice Mentor Noel Harris was present to assist.
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, Senior Stipendiary Steward, Mr Jones, demonstrated that the Respondent struck her mount 8 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.
Rider Jessica Allen offered no comment.
Apprentice Mentor N Harris suggested that the long Pukekohe straight could catch inexperienced Riders out.
Decision
As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).
Submissions for Penalty
Mr Jones produced Jessica Allen’s record which indicated 2 previous breaches of the Whip Rule.
01/07/23            9 strikes              5 day suspension
28/10/23            12 strikes            7 day suspension
Stewards submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use (as of 1 March 2022).
Pursuant to Rule 1106(2)(b) or Rule 1106(3)(b), the Respondent sought a 7 day deferment to any proposed suspension in order to fulfil pending riding engagements.
Reasons for Penalty
The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this Rule records a suspension of the Jockey’s License to ride in races for 5+ days.
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 there are no compelling reasons to depart from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide.
On that basis, the Respondent is suspended for 6 riding days.
The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted.
Conclusion
Jessica Allen is granted a 7-day deferment. Her Licence to ride in races is suspended for 6 days, from close of racing on 16/12/23 until close of racing on 26/12/23.
Decision Date: 09/12/2023
Publish Date: 11/12/2023