Canterbury JC – 20 January 2022 – R2 – BB Hong

ID: RIB7050

Respondent(s):
BB Hong - Jockey

Applicant:
John Oatham, Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Russell McKenzie

Persons Present:
Mr Oatham, Mr Hong

Information Number:
A16586

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Using whip more than 5 times prior to 100 metres

Rule(s):
638(3)(g)(i) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Zaweela

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
20/01/2022

Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club

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

Race Number:
R2

Hearing Date:
20/01/2022

Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park, Christchurch

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey, B B Hong suspended 6 days

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 2, Punters Challenge 9 April Maiden, Rider BB Hong, admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not:

(ii) 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).

Using the available video replays, Chief Stipendiary Steward, John Oatham, demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 10 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark. He added that there were “a few waves”, but there were at least 10 strikes, he alleged.

In response, by way of explanation, the Respondent said that he accepted the alleged count of 10 strikes. It was totally his fault, he said.

DECISION:

As the Respondent, Jockey BB Hong has admitted the breach, the Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham produced the Respondent, Mr Hong’s record under the whip Rule which indicated no offences in the past 12 months.

Mr Oatham said that, under the previous Penalty guidelines, there was a provision, which still applies, that in the case of 10 strikes or more the starting point is to be a 6-day suspension.

Stewards were submitting that a penalty commensurate with that provision was appropriate.

Mr Hong said that he had a declared ride at the Gore meeting on 22 January, but he did not seek a deferment of any proposed suspension beyond that date.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The NZTR Revised Whip Guidelines, which came into effect on 1 October 2019, contained a provision that if the number of strikes (prior to the 100 metres) is 10 or more, then a 6-day suspension is the starting point. The Committee agrees with Mr Oatham that such provision was not repealed by the subsequent Whip Penalty Guidelines which came into force from 1 September 2021 and, therefore, still applies.

After considering the video evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number of strikes, which it was agreed was 10, the Committee determined that there are no compelling reasons to depart from the starting point referred to of a 6-day suspension. It is acknowledged that the Respondent has a clear record and has admitted the breach. It is further noted that the Respondent has only had 19 rides to date in the current season.

CONCLUSION:

The Respondent’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 6 national riding days – from close of racing on 22 January 2022 until close of racing on 5 February 2022.

 

Decision Date: 20/01/2022

Publish Date: 24/01/2022