Hawkes Bay RI 29 June 2024 – R7 – Toni Davies

ID: RIB43883

Respondent(s):
Toni Davies - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Mr J Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
N Moffatt and T Castles

Persons Present:
Ms T Davies, Ms K Clapperton (Apprentice Mentor), Mr N Goodwin - Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A18992

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
OLD TOWN ROAD

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
29/06/2024

Race Club:
Hawkes Bay Race Club

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

Race Number:
R7

Hearing Date:
29/06/2024

Hearing Location:
Hastings Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Toni Davies is fined $500

Evidence

Following the running of Race 7, the Respondent Ms T Davies admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

Apprentice Mentor Ms K Clapperton was present to assist.

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, Mr Goodwin demonstrated that Ms Davies struck her mount 6 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark, and a total of 11 times to the finish line.

Decision

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Oatham produced Ms Davies’ record, which showed this was her 3rd charge in the last 6 months. Previous breaches were:

28/2/24    6 strikes – warning

28/6/24    7 strikes – $500 fine

Stewards submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide (March 2024) for excessive whip use.

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a 3rd breach with 1 additional strike, is a fine of $500.

After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number and frequency of strikes, the Adjudicative Committee determined there were no compelling reasons to depart from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide.

On that basis, the Respondent is fined $500.

Conclusion

Ms Davies is fined $500.

Decision Date: 29/06/2024

Publish Date: 01/07/2024