Canterbury JC 14 August 2021 – R8 – Temyia Taiaroa

ID: RIB4136

Respondent(s):
Temyia Taiaroa - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
John Oatham, Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Russell McKenzie (Chair) and Dave Anderson

Persons Present:
David Walsh, Apprentice Jockey Mentor

Information Number:
A16560

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive Use of Whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Chosen Peak

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
14/08/2021

Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club

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

Race Number:
R8

Hearing Date:
14/08/2021

Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park, Christchurch

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Temyia Taiaroa is fined $300

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Miss Taiaroa was charged that, as the Rider of CHOSEN PEAK in Race 8, Heatstore Open Handicap, she used her whip in an excessive manner prior to the 100 metres.

SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Oatham showed video replays of the final 400 metres of the race. He pointed out CHOSEN PEAK, ridden by Miss Taiaroa, racing in midfield and amongst runners as the field turned into the home straight. He alleged that Miss Taiaroa had used her whip on 8 occasions prior to the 100 metres. Some of the strikes were little more than slaps on the neck and none involved any significant force. However, the number was well above the five permitted, he said.

Mr Walsh said that the alleged count was accepted but he submitted that three or four were only little taps on the shoulder and not really effective.

REASON FOR DECISION:

Miss Taiaroa has admitted the charge which is found proved accordingly.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said that Miss Taiaroa has an excellent record under the Rule. She has had no previous breaches in her career to date and, prior to today, she had had 529 raceday rides. It was a shame to spoil that record today, he said. The breach itself was very much low-level, he added. The Penalty Guidelines provide for a fine of $300 for a first offence and he submitted that that was the appropriate penalty.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

The Committee noted the starting point under the Penalty Guidelines. We agreed with Mr Oatham’s assessment of Miss Taiaroa’s record as excellent, in fact it is exceptional and we agreed that the breach was low-level. However, we are unable to give her any discount for those factors. There are no aggravating factors.

CONCLUSION:

Miss Taiaroa is fined the sum of $300.

Decision Date: 14/08/2021

Publish Date: 16/08/2021