Cambridge JC 2 September 2021 – R5 – Trudy Thornton

ID: RIB4431

Respondent(s):
Trudy Thornton - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr Brady Jones - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr Noel McCutcheon

Persons Present:
Mr Jones, Ms Algar, Ms Thornton

Information Number:
A15921

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Used whip above shoulder height

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

Plea:
Admitted

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
02/09/2021

Race Club:
Cambridge Jockey Club

Race Location:
Cambridge Raceway - 1 Taylor Street, Cambridge, 3434

Race Number:
R5

Hearing Date:
02/09/2021

Hearing Location:
Cambridge

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Trudy Thornton is suspended for 5 days and fined $150

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following Race 5 (Manning Investments Ltd 1300) Jockey Trudy Thornton was charged with using her whip above shoulder height.

EVIDENCE:

Mr Jones showed the film replays and identified where Ms Thornton had used her whip above shoulder height.  The film evidence was very clear that Ms Thornton had used her whip 3 times above shoulder height in the run down the home straight.

Ms Thornton did not comment.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Jones said that Ms Thornton had 3 prior breaches of the Whip Rule in the last 6 months.  Those being on 15.05.21 – fine of $300 imposed, 21.07.21 – suspension of 6 days imposed, 11.08.21 – suspension of 5 days imposed.  He submitted that the new Penalty Guidelines for a 4th offence in 6 months would be an appropriate penalty.

Ms Thornton did not comment after the Adjudicator outlined the Penalty Guidelines of 5 days suspension and a fine of 50% of her share of the prizemoney was the starting point.

Ms Thornton’s mount DEAR OH DEAR won the race.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

Ms Thornton’s record with respect to the Whip Rule is most unenviable, with a suspension and a fine considered to be a condign penalty.  In reaching quantum of penalty the Applicant’s submissions were given due consideration.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ms Thornton’s Jockey’s License was suspended following racing on 8 September up to and including racing on 16 September 2021 (5 days) and a $150 fine imposed.

Decision Date: 02/09/2021

Publish Date: 06/09/2021