Canterbury JC 13 September 2023 – R1 – Mahipal Singh

ID: RIB27290

Respondent(s):
Mahipal Singh - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
John Oatham, Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Russell McKenzie

Information Number:
A21160

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Using Whip with arm raised above shoulder height

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Henriqui

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
13/09/2023

Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club

Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,

Race Number:
R1

Hearing Date:
13/09/2023

Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park, Christchurch

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey, Mahipal Singh, fined $250

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 1, Speight’s Summit Ultra On Tap Maiden, Class B Jockey, Mahipal Singh, as the Rider of HENRIQUI in the race, admitted a breach of the Whip Rules in that he “used an action that raised his arm above shoulder height”.

He was assisted at the hearing by Stable Foreman, Varma Ramhit.

Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) provides:

(f)      Without limiting the generality of subrule 638(3)(e), in a Flat Race or Jumping Race, a trial (including jump-outs and/or tests for certification purposes) a Rider must not use his or her whip:

(ii) using an action that raises the Rider’s arm above shoulder height.

EVIDENCE:

Chief Stipendiary Steward, John Oatham, showed a video replay of the relevant part of the race. He pointed out, HENRIQUI, ridden by the Respondent, racing close to the running rail at the rear of the five-horse field as the field turned into the final straight.

Mr Oatham showed that the Respondent then used his whip on one occasion that was just above shoulder height, but he then showed the Respondent use his whip on a further occasion, clearly above shoulder height, which was the one resulting in the charge, he said. There followed two other instances of using the whip with the arm marginally raised above shoulder height, but these were not of concern to the Stewards, Mr Oatham said.

The Respondent did not wish to comment.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said that this was the Respondent’s first raceday ride in the South Island, having had 26 rides for Central Districts Trainer, Fraser Auret.

This was his first charge under this section of the Whip Rules, after previously having received a warning in the Central Districts for using his whip with his arm raised above shoulder height.

The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a $250 fine for a first breach, Mr Oatham said. The breach was low-level, he said, with only one use of the whip with the arm raised above shoulder height, although clear.

The Respondent declined the opportunity to comment.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The breach involved two or three uses of the whip with the arm marginally raised above shoulder height, but only one that concerned the Stewards. It is fair to say that, on that basis, the breach is low-level.

The RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide (February 2023) provides for a starting point for a first offence of a $250 fine. There are no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors to consider.

Accordingly, a fine of $250 is an appropriate penalty for this particular breach.

CONCLUSION:

Class B Jockey, Mahipal Singh, is fined $250.

Decision Date: 13/09/2023

Publish Date: 14/09/2023