Canterbury JC 9 April 2022 – R6 (heard 16 April 2022 at Riverton) – Brett Murray

ID: RIB8590

Respondent(s):
Brett Murray - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr M Davidson - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr N Skelt

Persons Present:
Mr V Munro - Stipendiary Steward, Miss R Haley - Remote Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A12573

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Using the whip more than 5 times before the 100 metres

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
UNUSUAL COUNTESS

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
09/04/2022

Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club

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

Race Number:
R6

Hearing Date:
16/04/2022

Hearing Location:
Riverton Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Brett Murray was fined the sum of $500

Evidence:

This Information is a result of an Adjourned Hearing from the Canterbury Jockey Club, 09/04/2022, where Jockey Mr Brett Murray was charged under Rule 638(3)(g)(i) in that he struck his mount UNUSUAL COUNTESS 7 times prior to the 100m mark.

The Rule provides that:  A Rider must not strike a horse with a whip more than 5 times prior to the 100m.

Submissions:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson showed a video replay of the final 400m of the race. He pointed out UNUSUAL COUNTESS ridden by Mr Murray had lead into the straight and Mr Murray used his whip on the first occasion about the 400m mark and a further 6 times up to the 100m mark.

Mr Murray said that he accepted the alleged count of 7 strikes and that he had simply made an error of judgement.

Decision:

Mr Murray has admitted the breach which is found proved accordingly.

Submissions For Penalty:

Mr Davidson stated that Mr Murray has one previous breach of this Rule on record on 28/12/2021 at the South Canterbury Racing Club in a stakes listed race. He was suspended for 6 days and fined $800.

Mr Davidson stated that UNUSUAL COUNTESS finished second in the NZB Insurance Stakes, a stakes listed race.

The NZTR Penalty Guide as of 1st March 2022 recommends for a second offence and two additional strikes a fine of $500 allocated.

Mr Murray had no further submissions on penalty.

Reasons For Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee noted that the race was a listed race and that Mr Murray’s mount had finished second. The Penalty Guide recommends a $500 fine for a second offence under the new Guidelines, effective 1st March 2022.

Conclusion:

Mr Murray is fined a sum of $500.

Decision Date: 16/04/2022

Publish Date: 19/04/2022