Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 29 July 2022 – R6 – Chris Carmine

Evidence

Following the running of Race 6, the Respondent, Class A Rider, Chris Carmine, 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 Veronica Algar demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 6 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.

In response, the Respondent, Mr Carmine did not dispute the number of strikes.

Decision

As the Respondent 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 3 previous breaches of this Rule as follows;

6 April 2022 – Ashburton – 7 Strikes – $500 fine

6 April 2022 – Ashburton – 9 Strikes – 5 day suspension

5 May 2022 – Riccarton – 7 Strikes – 5 day suspension

Stewards assessed the breach as low and submitted a penalty commensurate with the  Penalty Guide for excessive whip use.

The Respondent, Mr Carmine, made no submissions in regard to penalty apart from requesting any suspension begin as soon as possible.

Reasons For Penalty

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

4th offence starting point 2 national day suspension plus $500 fine

After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number of strikes 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 $500.

As this is the Respondent’s 4th breach a suspension of 2 days is imposed.

Conclusion

The Respondent, Chris Carmine, is suspended for 2 days from close of racing today, 29 July 2022 until close of racing on 3 August 2022.

In addition, a fine of $500 is imposed.