Avondale JC 25 May 2022 – R6 – Jonathan Riddell

Evidence

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

Mr Riddell indicated on the Information that he admitted the breach and he confirmed his plea to the Adjudicative Committee.

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, Mrs Selvakumaran demonstrated that Mr Riddell (CARAMELLA) struck his mount 6 times from the straight entrance to 100-metre mark.

Mr Riddell had nothing to say about the breach.

Decision

As Mr Riddell admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions For Penalty

Mrs Selvakumaran advised that Mr Riddell has three previous breaches of this Rule; namely:

12/2/22 fined $500 (6 strikes)

12/3/22 fined $500 (6 strikes)

30/4/22 fined $500 (6 strikes)

Mrs Selvakumaran said that this charge represents Mr Riddell’s fourth breach within 6 months and the Guidelines which came into force on 1 March 2022 provide for a $500 fine and 2-day suspension. She added that there are no aggravating factors.

Mr Riddell advised that he is due to commence a 5-day suspension after racing today and it concludes after racing on 2 June 2022.  He sought a 10-day deferment to any proposed suspension.  A 10-day deferment would expire after racing on 4 June 2022.  In effect he was asking that he return to race riding after 2 June 2022 and then commence a suspension after racing on 4 June 2022 (if a 2-day suspension was to be imposed). In support of this request, he identified other riders (i.e., S Weatherley) who have been granted such a deferment.   Mr Riddell added that he has a firm riding commitment at Wanganui on 4 June 20022 (which is within the 10-day deferment period).  Stewards confirmed that Mr Weatherley was permitted to defer a suspension when he already had one pending (September 2021).  They advised of one other rider (S Wynne) who has been granted permission to defer and pointed out that the Rules do not specifically negate a request of this nature.  Stewards had no objections to Mr Riddell’s request.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a fourth breach (6 strikes) is a 2-day suspension and $500 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 2-day suspension and $500 fine is imposed.

Mr Riddell’s request to defer his suspension for 10 days is granted.

Conclusion

Mr Riddell is suspended for 2 days commencing after racing on 4 June 2022 and concluding after racing on 6 June 2022.  In addition, he is fined $500.