Canterbury JC 11 August 2021 – R2 – Trudy Thornton
ID: RIB3689
Animal Name:
SUMMER NIGHT
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
11/08/2021
Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club
Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,
Race Number:
R2
Hearing Date:
11/08/2021
Hearing Location:
Riccarton Racecourse, Christchurch.
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Trudy Thornton is suspended for 5 National Riding Days
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of Race 2, the WEST FITZROY APARTMENTS MAIDEN, Mr Davidson filed an Information charging Mrs Thornton with a breach of Rule 638(3)(b)(ii) of excessive use of her whip, on her mount SUMMER NIGHT, prior to the 100-metre mark.
SUBMISSIONS:
Mr Davidson showed the available videos of the field approaching the home straight. He identified Mrs Thornton riding SUMMER NIGHT who was racing in 4th place in a 6 horse field. He counted Mrs Thornton strike her mount 8 times prior to the 100 metre mark.
Mrs Thornton chose not to make any comment.
REASON FOR DECISION:
Mrs Thornton admitted the breach and it is therefore found proved.
SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY:
Mr Davidson stated Mrs Thornton has had 2 previous breaches of the Rule within the last few months. The first on the 13th May at Rotorua where she was fined $300 for using her whip above the shoulder. The second offence was at Avondale 21st July where she struck her horse 10 times and incurred a 6-day suspension. As there are no aggravating features, Mr Davidson said the Stewards consider a 5-day suspension would be an appropriate penalty.
Mrs Thornton made no submissions on penalty but requested a deferment to allow her to ride at Cambridge on the 18th of August.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The Committee, in reviewing all the evidence, considered the third offence starting point Guidelines of a 2-day suspension and a $2000 fine, as not appropriate in this case. We agree with the Stewards’ assessment that a 5-day suspension was a more fitting penalty .
Mrs Thornton’s request for deferment is granted.
In calculating Mrs Thornton’s 5-day suspension we have not included the meeting at Arawa Park as this is a Jumps only day.
CONCLUSIONS:
Mrs Thornton’s licence to ride is suspended from the conclusion of racing on the 18th August up to and including racing on the 27th August 2021.
Decision Date: 11/08/2021
Publish Date: 13/08/2021