Hawkes Bay RI 16 October 2021- R2 – Jasmine Fawcett

ID: RIB5223

Respondent(s):
Jasmine Fawcett - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr J Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
N Moffatt and T Castles

Persons Present:
V Algar - Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A15609

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
JUDY'S SONG

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
16/10/2021

Race Club:
Hawkes Bay Race Club

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

Race Number:
R2

Hearing Date:
16/10/2021

Hearing Location:
Hastings Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Jasmine Fawcett fined $1000

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

The Information alleged a breach of Rule 638 (3) (g) (i) in that J Fawcett struck her mount JUDY’S SONG with the whip eight times prior to the 100 metres.

At the outset of the hearing, Ms Fawcett confirmed she understood the Rule and admitted the breach.

Mr Oatham played the head-on video from the home turn to show Ms Fawcett use her whip 8 times prior to the 100m mark. Ms Fawcett agreed with that number and said she drew her whip too soon and must learn to count to 10 before doing so in future rides.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said Ms Fawcett had one prior charge of excessive use in the last 12 months. On June  27th at Te Aroha she was fined $300 for using the whip 8 times.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

The Committee had regard to the revised Penalty Guidelines which came into effect on September 1st 2021. The starting point for a 2nd offence  is the greater of $500 fine or 50% of Jockey share of stake. Ms Fawcett earned $1437.50 for winning the race. We adopted a starting point of $700 which is approximately 50% of that amount.

Ms Fawcett used the whip three more times than permitted prior to the 100m  and then had a hard fought battle with RAPID FALLS eventually beating that runner by a small nose margin. This was a significant aggravating factor.

Ms Fawcett asked the Committee to consider her good record however the Adjudicators explained that for excessive use of whip, discounts are rarely if ever applied.

CONCLUSIONS: Taking into account all  factors Ms Fawcett is fined $1000.

Decision Date: 16/10/2021

Publish Date: 18/10/2021