Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 25 February 2022 – R1 – Brandon May

ID: RIB7547

Respondent(s):
Brandon May - Jockey

Applicant:
V Algar - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Stewart Ching

Information Number:
A16596

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Breach of Whip Rule

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

Plea:
Admitted

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
25/02/2022

Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club

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

Race Number:
R1

Hearing Date:
25/02/2022

Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Brandon May - $250 Fine

Following the running of Race 1, the Respondent B May, Class A Rider 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:

(i) 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 race films Stipendiary Steward  Ms  Algar demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 6 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.  She pointed out that the strikes were not consecutive. Ms Algar  added that Mr May finished in 6th place.

The Respondent Mr May, elected to make no submissions in regard to the breach.

Decision

As the Respondent Mr May admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).

Submissions For Penalty

Ms Algar produced the Respondent’s  record which indicated a clear record.

Stewards assessed the breach as low and submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use (as of 1 September 2021).

The Respondent Mr May made no submissions in regard to penalty.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is set out below.

1st offence starting point Greater of $250 fine or 50% of jockey share of stake.

After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number of strikes and the low level of the breach, the Adjudicative Committee determined there are no compelling reasons to depart from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide.

On that basis the Respondent is fined $250.

Conclusion

The Respondent Mr May is fined $250.

Decision Date: 25/02/2022

Publish Date: 28/02/2022