Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 25 February 2022 – R7 – BB Hong

Evidence

Following the running of Race 7, the Respondent, BB Hong, 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); or

Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward Ms V Algar demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 6 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.  She added that none of the strikes were consecutive.

In response, Mr Hong made no submissions on the breach.

Decision

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

Submissions For Penalty

Ms Algar produced the Respondent, Mr Hong’s record which indicated a previous breach at Riccarton – 20 January 2022 (10 day suspension – 10 strikes).

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 Hong 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.

For breaches of the Whip Rule prior to the 100m mark:

2nd offence starting point Greater of $500 fine or 50% of jockey share of stake.

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

On that basis the Respondent is fined $500.

Conclusion

The Respondent BB Hong is fined $500.