Canterbury JC 14 November 2022 – R8 – Darryl Bradley

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 8, Martin Collins 159th New Zealand Cup, the Respondent Jockey, Darryl Bradley, admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres. It was alleged that, as the Rider of DAYTONA RED in the Race, he struck his mount 6 times prior to the 100 metres.

Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not “strike a horse with a whip more than 5 times prior to the 100-metre mark (other than in a slapping motion down the shoulder with the whip hand remaining on the reins)”.

EVIDENCE:

Chief Stipendiary Steward, John Oatham, showed video replays of the final 400 metres of the Race. He demonstrated that the Respondent, from shortly after turning for home, had struck his mount 6 times prior to the 100 metres.

The Respondent said that it was a long straight and he had not ridden at the track for a long time.  He had misjudged, he said.

DECISION:

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said that the Respondent has one previous breach of the Rule on his record – on 26 May at Hastings (suspended 5 days for 10 strikes prior to the 100 metres). The breach was a second offence at that time.

Mr Oatham referred to the starting point in the Penalty Guide for a second offence involving 1 additional strike (a $250 fine). This Race was a black type Race and this factor should be taken into account by the Adjudicative Committee. Mr Bradley’s mount was unplaced (10th),  although there was prize money of $4,500 for the 6th to 10th placed runners. The Respondent’s share of the stake would be less than a fine of $250, Mr Oatham said.

Mr Bradley said that he does not get many rides these days and he had come to Christchurch for one ride for the entire week. Unfortunately, the race had been held over from Saturday until today, requiring him to have to make accommodation and flight changes, he said.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The NZTR Revised Penalty Guide provides for a starting point of a $250 fine for a second offence involving 1 additional strike. Mr Oatham has submitted that there should be an uplift to the starting point for the status of the Race (Group 3, total stake $300,000). The Adjudicative Committee has decided that only a modest uplift is appropriate. Some consideration needs to be given to and we have some sympathy for, Mr Bradley’s situation, as he outlined it to the Adjudicative Committee. We have, in the end, decided on an uplift of $50 from the Penalty Guide starting point.

CONCLUSION:

The Respondent Jockey, Darryl Bradley, is fined $300.