Canterbury JC 7 August 2021 – R7 – Hazel Schofer

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following Race 7, Winning Edge Presentations 124th Winter Cup (Group 3), Jockey Hazel Schofer was charged that she used her whip in an excessive manner prior to the 100 metres when riding JUSTASKME.

Ms Schofer had signed the Statement by the Respondent on the Information form indicating that she admitted the breach. The Committee was informed that Ms Schofer had been granted permission by Stewards to leave the course to catch a flight home. Apprentice Jockey Mentor, Mr D M Walsh, was present at the hearing and told the Committee that Ms Schofer had instructed him to represent her at the hearing.

EVIDENCE:

Mr  Oatham showed video replays of the final 500 metres of the race. He pointed out JUSTASKME, ridden by Ms Schofer, racing towards the rear of the field before taking a run between runners after entering the home straight. He then showed Ms Schofer commence using her whip and continue to use it on a total of seven occasions.

Mr Walsh agreed that there had been seven clear strikes but none consecutive, he said.

REASON FOR DECISION:

Ms Schofer has admitted the breach and it is found proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said the race was a Group 3 Race for a stake of  $100,000. Ms Schofer’s mount had finished in 2nd placing in the race, Mr Oatham said.

Ms Schofer has a clear record under the Rule, Mr Oatham said. The Penalty Guidelines provide for a fine of $300 for a first offence but he submitted that there should be an uplift for the status of the race and the stake payable and the fact that Ms Schofer’s mount had finished 2nd. However, Stewards were seeking only a monetary penalty, he said.

Mr Walsh said that Ms Schofer would prefer a fine to a suspension and, in that regard, asked the Committee to take into account her clear record and admission of the breach.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a starting point of a $300 fine for a first offence. That is the appropriate starting point for this breach which is no worse than mid-level. However, some uplift from that starting point is required for the status of the race and the stake payable. That uplift we fix at $100. The Committee has not applied an uplift for Ms Schofer’s mount finishing 2nd in the race. There are no relevant mitigating factors to consider.

CONCLUSIONS:

Apprentice Jockey Hazel Schofer was fined the sum of $400.