Hawkes Bay RI 15 October 2022 – R9 – Kate Hercock

ID: RIB11640

Respondent(s):
Kate Hercock - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr J Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr N McCutcheon (Chair) and Mrs N Moffatt

Persons Present:
Mr J Oatham, Ms K Hercock

Information Number:
A15578

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use of the whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
REAL SLIM TRADIE

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
15/10/2022

Race Club:
Hawkes Bay Race Club

Race Location:
Hastings Racecourse - 200 Prospect Road, Hastings, 4122

Race Number:
R9

Hearing Date:
15/10/2022

Hearing Location:
Hastings Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Kate Hercock's Licence is suspended for 3 days plus $500 fine

FACTS

Ms Hercock the Rider of “REAL SLIM TRADIE” (first) admitted a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i) in that she used her whip excessively (6 times) prior to the 100m.

Ms Hercock said that she understood the Rule, charge and confirmed that she admitted the breach.

Mr Oatham showed film replays that clearly showed the 6 strikes being applied before the 100m marker.

Ms Hercock said that her mount travelled well and then wanted to pull up and she thought that she would be dive-bombed to get beaten.

She said that there was a lot going on, on the outside of the track that distracted her mount.

DECISION

As the charge was admitted it was deemed proved.

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS

Mr Oatham said that Ms Hercock’s record showed 3 whip breaches in the previous 6 months:

21 May                       $250 Fine

28 May                       $250 Fine

10 September           $500 Fine

He referred to the Penalty Guide that showed a starting point for a fourth whip breach being a 2-Day Suspension and a $500 Fine.

Ms Hercock said that she had riding engagements at Trentham on 23 October.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

As this breach was Ms Hercock’s fourth within six months and that her mount went on to win the Race, the Adjudicative Committee determined that an uplift from the starting point was warranted.

CONCLUSION

Ms Hercock’s Jockey’s Licence was suspended from 24 October to and including 28 October 2022 (3 days) and she is fined $500.

Decision Date: 15/10/2022

Publish Date: 20/10/2022