Levin RC 19 December 2024 – R5 – Leah Hemi
ID: RIB49647
Animal Name:
Fashion Savvy
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
19/12/2024
Race Club:
Levin Racing Club
Race Location:
Otaki Racecourse - Te Roto Road, Otaki, 5512
Race Number:
R5
Hearing Date:
19/12/2024
Hearing Location:
Otaki Maori Racecourse 47 Te Roto Road Otaki 5512
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Leah Hemi - suspended 5 NR Days
Evidence
Following the running of Race 5, the Respondent Ms L Hemi admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres. Details are as follows:
‘struck her mount Fashion Savvy with her whip 7 times prior to the 100 metres’.
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); where it shall not be a contravention of this Rule if
(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 3 times after the 100 metre mark.
Using the available race footage, Mr Goodwin demonstrated that Ms Hemi struck her mount seven times between the entrance to the straight and the 100 metre mark. An additional six strikes occurred between the 100 metre point and the finish post. Ms Hemi agreed with count. By way of comment, she added that she was simply trying her best for connections of the horse.
Decision
As Ms Hemi admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions for Penalty
Mr Goodwin produced Ms Hemi’s record, which indicated this was her 3rd breach of this particular Rule within the last six months. The previous were noted as follows:
Canterbury JC – 31/8/2024 – 6 strikes, $250 fine
North Canterbury JC – 28/9/2024 – 6 strikes, $500 fine
Stewards submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use (as of March 2024). Ms Hemi asked that if a suspension be imposed, same be deferred until after racing on 29 December 2024
Reasons for Penalty
The offence is clearly identified by way of film. The Penalty Guide prescribes a starting point of a suspension of 5 National Days in circumstance of 2 additional strikes, 3rd offence. On balance, a 5 day suspension is deemed an appropriate penalty. No compelling reasons were identified to deviate from the prescribed penalty. The Respondent’s request for deferment is granted.
Conclusion
Ms Hemi’s Licence to ride in Races is suspended for 5 National Riding Days, from the close of Racing on 29 December 2024, up to and including 4 January 2025.
Decision Date: 19/12/2024
Publish Date: 20/12/2024