Avondale JC 4 June 2022 – R7 – Opie Bosson

ID: RIB7074

Respondent(s):
Opie Bosson - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr M Williamson – Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr G R Jones

Persons Present:
Mr Bosson, Mr Williamson, Mr Dooley

Information Number:
A16225

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive Use of Whip

Rule(s):
638(3)(g)(i) - Contravention whip rule - Excessive use of whip

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
ONEROA

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
04/06/2022

Race Club:
Avondale Jockey Club Inc

Race Location:
Avondale Racecourse - Ash Street, Avondale, Auckland, 1026

Race Number:
R7

Hearing Date:
04/06/2022

Hearing Location:
Avondale Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Class A Rider Opie Bosson fined $250

Evidence

Following the running of Race 7, the Respondent Class A Rider Opie Bosson 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); or

Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward Mr Dooley demonstrated that Mr Bosson struck his mount (ONEROA) 6 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.

Decision

As Mr Bosson admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions For Penalty

Mr Williamson produced Mr Bosson’s record which indicated one previous breach under the Rule within the 6-month reset period. This occurred on 16 February 2022 at Tauranga.

Mr Williamson submitted that a fine be imposed commensurate with the NZTR revised Penalty Guidelines (as of 1 March 2022) for a second breach involving 1 additional strike.

The Respondent said that he accepted the number of strikes (6) and had nothing further to add.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is a $250 fine.

There are no aggravating factors to consider.  Therefore, after considering the film evidence, the submissions and circumstances of the breach the Adjudicative Committee determined there are no reasons to deviate from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide. On that basis a $250 fine is imposed.

Conclusion

Mr Bosson is fined $250.

Decision Date: 04/06/2022

Publish Date: 05/06/2022