Hawkes Bay RI 7 September 2024 – R9 – Matt Cartwright

Following the running of Race 9, Group 1 Westbury Stud Tarzino Trophy, an Information was filed pursuant to Rule 638(2). The Informant, Mr Oatham, alleged that Mr Cartwright made a celebratory gesture prior to the winning post.

Mr Cartwright acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach.

Rule 638(2) provides: A Rider shall not make a celebratory gesture prior to his horse passing the winning post. 

Mr Oatham demonstrated the incident using the available video footage. He said that two strides short of the finish, Mr Cartwright made an extravagant celebratory gesture with his whip.

Decision

As Mr Cartwright admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the charge proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Oatham noted that Mr Cartwright has been riding in New Zealand for only a short time and has a clear record concerning this Rule. Typically, breaches of this Rule fall under the Minor Infringement Scheme and incur a $300 fine. However, given that this was a Group 1 event, Mr Oatham suggested that a fine exceeding $500 would be more appropriate.

Mr Cartwright explained that his adrenaline was high, as it was his first Group 1 victory, and he got a bit carried away in the excitement.

Reasons for Penalty

According to the Penalty Guide, the starting point for a breach of this Rule is a $300 fine.

When breaches occur in races of Black-Type status, which involve higher stakes, it is customary to impose more substantial penalties. For example, Mr Zackey was fined $750 for making a celebratory gesture during a $1,000,000 race in January 2023. The significant financial stake of the race, was a factor in determining the penalty.

After considering all submissions, including the Group 1 status of the race and the stakes involved, the Adjudicative Committee determined that a $600 fine was appropriate.

Conclusion

Mr Cartwright is fined the sum of $600.