Beaumont RC 21 March 2022 – R4 – Shankar Muniandy

ID: RIB8160

Respondent(s):
Shankar Muniandy - Jockey

Applicant:
Mark Davidson, Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall

Persons Present:
Ms Algar, Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A15896

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use of the whip

Rule(s):
638(3)(g)(ii) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Admitted

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
21/03/2022

Race Club:
Beaumont Racing Club

Race Location:
Wingatui Racecourse - 285 Gladstone Road North, Mosgiel, Dunedin,

Race Number:
R4

Hearing Date:
21/03/2022

Hearing Location:
Dunedin

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Shankar Muniandy is fined $150

Summary of facts

Mr Davidson alleged that in Race 4 Mr Muniandy struck his mount on 2 consecutive strides.

Ms Algar, Stipendiary Steward, demonstrated on the films that Mr Muniandy was at the front of the field nearing the 100 metres when he struck his horse on consecutive strides.

Mr Muniandy said it was clear on the video. He had not realised he had breached the Rule at the time. He added that his mount was wanting to pull herself up once she had got to the lead and he believed this had contributed to his actions.

Decision as to breach

As Mr Muniandy has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions as to penalty

Mr Davidson said Mr Muniandy had received a warning on 5 February, hence the charge today. This was the Respondent’s first breach of this aspect of the Whip Rule, and the starting point was a $150 fine. He said the Adjudicative Committee might want to take into account that Mr Muniandy had gone on to win the race.

Mr Muniandy said he had miscounted, and the strikes were just too quick.

Decision as to penalty

The breach is low range in that there are two consecutive strikes before the 100 metres and from that time to the end of the race Mr Muniandy encourages the horse with the whip only twice. In these circumstances it is not apparent that the breach of the Consecutive Stride Rule led to the horse winning the race. The winning margin was 1/2 a length.

The starting point for a first breach is a fine of $150 and a penalty at this level is the appropriate one on this occasion.

Mr Muniandy is fined the sum of $150.

Decision Date: 21/03/2022

Publish Date: 22/03/2022