Canterbury JC 18 September 2021 – R1 – Tina Comignaghi
ID: RIB4655
Animal Name:
Thistle
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
18/09/2021
Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club
Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,
Race Number:
R1
Hearing Date:
18/09/2021
Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park, Christchurch
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Tina Comignaghi fined $250
SUMMARY OF FACTS:
Following Race 1, Tina Comignaghi was charged that, as the Rider of THISTLE in the race, she stuck her mount six times prior to the 100 metres.
The Rule provides that a Rider in a race must not strike a horse with a whip more than 5 times prior to the 100-metre mark.
SUBMISSIONS:
Mr Davidson had Stipendiary Steward, Veronica Algar, point out Ms Comignaghi’s mount, THISTLE, racing towards the rear of the field and wide as the field entered the home straight. Shortly thereafter, Ms Comignaghi commenced using her whip and used it, Mr Davidson alleged, 6 times prior to the 100 metres. A 7th strike was right on the 100 metres but was not part of the charge, he said. Ms  Comignaghi confirmed that she accepted the alleged count of 6 strikes.
DECISION:
Ms Comignaghi has admitted the breach which is found proved.
SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:
Mr Davidson said that Ms Comignaghi had a previous breach of the Whip Rule on 1 January 2021 at Riverton, but that is to be disregarded as far as penalty is concerned, being more than 6 months ago, he said. Mr Davidson sought a fine of $250 in terms of the NZTR Revised Guidelines being the greater of that amount and 50% of the Jockey’s share of the stake ($210). Ms Comignaghi’s mount won the race.
Miss Comignaghi said that it was clear that she had used her whip 6 times but her horse had been running on. In addition, she said, the rail was out quite a bit (10 metres) which made the straight seem a lot longer.
REASON FOR PENALTY:
The Penalty Gidelines prescribe a fine of $250 in this case for a first offence, which this is deemed to be. There are no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors
CONCLUSIONS:
Ms Comignaghi is fined the sum of $250.
Decision Date: 18/09/2021
Publish Date: 20/09/2021