Avondale JC 12 October 2022 – R5 – Rahul Beemud

Evidence

Following the running of Race 5, Information No. A17244 was filed alleging a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i) in that Apprentice Rider Mr R Beemud struck his mount (GOLDEN HUE) nine (9) times prior to the 100-metre mark.

At the commencement of the hearing Mr Beemud indicated that he admitted the charge. He was assisted at the hearing by Mr N Harris (Rider Mentor).

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, Stipendiary Steward Mr Jones identified GOLDEN HUE (R Beemud), which was racing one-off the running rail after leading into the home straight. He demonstrated that Mr Beemud struck his mount nine times from the straight entrance to prior to the 100-metre mark.

Neither Mr Beemud nor Mr Harris had anything further to add.

Decision

As the Respondent admitted the charge, the Adjudicative Committee finds the charge proved.

Penalty Submissions

Mr Jones submitted that Mr Beemud has had one previous breach of this Rule in the past 6 months, namely on 30 April 2022 – 7 strikes, resulting in 10 days suspension.  Mr Jones said that the reason for the lengthy suspension on that occasion was because Mr Beemud had amassed a poor record over the prior 6 months (6 breaches).

Mr Jones submitted that the Penalty Guide provides for a 5-day (plus) suspension for a second breach where there are 4 or more additional strikes.

In response, Mr Harris described the strikes as being “wasted effort and unnecessary strikes”.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide provides for a suspension of 5 plus days. There are no mitigating factors.

Although this is Mr Beemud’s second breach in the past 6 months, when his overall record is considered for the past 12 months, from 113 race rides he has breached this Whip Rule 7 times. His record is therefore extremely poor and given his relative inexperience, he needs remedial training / coaching.

From the starting point of 5 national days, a 2-day uplift is applied.  Accordingly, a 7-day suspension is imposed. In addition, it is recommended that Mr Beemud is referred to the Rider Skills Panel pursuant to Rule 343.

Conclusion

Mr Beemud’s license to ride in races is suspended from after racing on 21 October 2022 until after racing on 30 October 2022 (7 days).