Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 18 January 2024 – R3 – Brandon May
ID: RIB37913
Animal Name:
Mumbo Jumbo
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
18/01/2024
Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club
Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,
Race Number:
R3
Hearing Date:
18/01/2024
Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park, Christchurch
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Class A Jockey, Brandon May, fined $250
BACKGROUND:
Following the running of Race 3, Legends in Concert Christchurch 29 January Rating 65, Class A Jockey, Brandon May, admitted a breach of Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) in that, as the Rider of MUMBO JUMBO in the race, he struck his mount with his arm raised above shoulder height on three occasions over the concluding stages.
Rule 638(3) provides as follows:
(f)Â Â Without limiting the generality of subrule 638(3)(e), in a Flat Race or Jumping Race, a trial (including jump-outs and/or tests for certification purposes) a Rider must not use his or her whip:
      (ii)  using an action that raises the Rider’s arm above shoulder height.
EVIDENCE:
Stipendiary Steward, Veronica Algar, showed a video replay of the concluding stages of the race. She pointed out MUMBO JUMBO, ridden by the Respondent, making ground as the widest runner on the track inside the final 100 metres. She then pointed out the Respondent use his whip in an action that clearly raised his arm above shoulder height on three occasions, as alleged.
The Respondent did not wish to comment.
DECISION:
The breach having been admitted, it is deemed proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Ms Algar told the hearing that the Respondent had received two warnings under the Rule in the last 6 months – on 16 September 2023 at Riccarton and on 6 October 2023 at South Canterbury. This occasion was the first occasion on which he has been charged. Under the Penalty Guide, she said, the starting point for a first offence is a fine of $250.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
This was a clear breach of the Rule involving a whip action on three occasions when the Respondent clearly raised his arm above shoulder height. The RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide (February 2023) suggests a starting point for a first breach of a $250 fine.
There are no aggravating or mitigating factors to be considered.
CONCLUSION:
The Respondent, Class A Jockey, Brandon May, is fined $250.
Decision Date: 18/01/2024
Publish Date: 19/01/2024