Avondale JC 2 April 2022 – R8 – Trudy Thornton
ID: RIB8417
Animal Name:
ROCHMIE RAY
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
02/04/2022
Race Club:
Avondale Jockey Club Inc
Race Location:
Avondale Racecourse - Ash Street, Avondale, Auckland, 1026
Race Number:
R8
Hearing Date:
02/04/2022
Hearing Location:
Avondale Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Trudy Thornton is fined $250
Evidence
Following the running of Race 8, the Respondent Trudy Thornton admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use 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);
Ms Thornton endorsed the Information “I do admit the breach of the rule” and “I do not wish to be present at the hearing of this Information”.
Using the available race films Stipendiary Steward Mr B Jones demonstrated that Ms Thornton struck her mount 6 times in the straight prior to the 100m. Mr Jones said that there were no particular mitigating or aggravating factors associated with the breach.
Decision
As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions For Penalty
Mr Williamson produced Ms Thornton’s record which indicated one previous breach of this category of the Whip Rule(s) within the 6-month reset period. Mr Williamson submitted a penalty of $250 which is commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use (as of 1 March 2022).
Reasons For Penalty
The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is a $250 fine.
After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number and frequency of strikes, the Adjudicative Committee determined there are no compelling reasons to depart from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide. On that basis a $250 fine is imposed.
Conclusion
Ms Thornton is fined $250.
Decision Date: 02/04/2022
Publish Date: 04/04/2022