Hawkes Bay RI 30 September 2023 – R9 – Opie Bosson

ID: RIB27903

Respondent(s):
Opie Bosson - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr John Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mrs Nicki Moffatt (Chair), Mr Bruce Mainwaring

Persons Present:
Mr John Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward, Mr Neil Goodwin - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A17449

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive Whip Use

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Canheroc

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
30/09/2023

Race Club:
Hawkes Bay Race Club

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

Race Number:
R9

Hearing Date:
30/09/2023

Hearing Location:
Hastings Racecourse 200 Prospect Road Hastings 4122

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Opie Bosson fined $500

Background:

Following the running of Race 9, the ‘Villa Maria Premier’ an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i).

Details of the Information are as follows:

‘in that he used his whip excessively in the home straight’.

Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that a Rider must not:

(i) except as provided for in (iii)(A) and (iii) of this sub rule, 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); where

(iii) it shall not be a contravention of (i) of this sub Rule if:

(A) a Rider strikes a horse six times prior to the 100 metre mark, provided that the Rider does not strike the horse more than four times after the 100 metre mark, or

(B) a Rider strikes a horse seven times prior to the 100 metre mark, provided that the Rider does not strike the horse more than three times after the 100 metre mark.

Due to travel arrangements, Mr Bosson was unable to attend the hearing. The Information was signed with Mr Bosson admitting the breach.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified, to the satisfaction of the Adjudicative Committee, that Mr Bosson struck his mount on seven occasions from the top of the straight to the 100 metre mark, with four additional strikes between same and the finish line.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Chief Stipendiary Steward John Oatham produced the Respondent’s riding record as it related to breaches of this particular Rule within the last six months. There was a single breach noted, being Manawatu RC 1st April 2023 – six strikes prior with a $250 fine imposed. The Adjudicative Committee was referred to the current NZTR Penalty Guide.

Reasons for Penalty:

A breach of the Rule has been identified. The current NZTR Penalty Guide provides for a fine of $500 in circumstances of two additional strikes, second offence. The Adjudicative Committee found no compelling reason to depart from same.

Conclusion:

Jockey Mr Opie Bosson is fined a sum of $500.

Decision Date: 30/09/2023

Publish Date: 02/10/2023