Egmont RC 3 September 2021 – R6 – Elen Nicholas
ID: RIB4401
Animal Name:
Mi Gracie
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
03/09/2021
Race Club:
Taranaki Racing Inc
Race Location:
Hawera Racecourse - Waihi Road, Hawera, 4610
Race Number:
R6
Hearing Date:
03/09/2021
Hearing Location:
Hawera
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Elen Nicholas is suspended for 5 days and fined $100
SUMMARY OF FACTS:
Mr Goodwin said Ms Nicholas had used the whip above the maximum number allowed of five strikes. Stewards were now charging Riders whenever they breached the Guidelines even when only one over.
EVIDENCE:
He showed the head-on film of the race from the home bend and counted Ms Nicholas use her whip on 6 occasions prior to the 100 metres. Both Ms Nicholas and Ms Clapperton accepted that this number was accurate. Her mount MI GRACIE ran second in the race.
REASON FOR PENALTY:
NZTR recently revised the Guidelines for whip offences and these came into force from September 1st 2021. Ms Nicholas said she was aware of the new penalties associated with whip offences. Mr Goodwin produced Ms Nicholas’ record which showed two previous breaches for excessive use of the whip. She was fined $300 at Counties on June 23rd and $600 on July 31st.
Taking into account that this was Ms Nicolas’ third breach within 6 months the Committee adopted a starting point of 5 national days suspension plus 50% of the Rider’s share of the stake.
CONCLUSIONS:
The Committee did not identify any aggravating factors requiring an uplift. Ms Nicholas advised of riding commitments through until Wednesday September 8th.
Accordingly she is suspended from the conclusion of racing on Wednesday September 8th up to and including racing on Thursday September 16th. This is calculated as a five day suspension. In addition she is fined the sum of $100 which is approximately 50% of her share of the stake for second place.
Decision Date: 03/09/2021
Publish Date: 06/09/2021