Manawatu RC 26 December 2021 – R8 – Kate Hercock
ID: RIB6613
Animal Name:
LOVE FOR ALL
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
26/12/2021
Race Club:
Manawatu Race Club
Race Location:
Awapuni Racing Centre - 67 Racecourse Road, Awapuni, Palmerston North, 4412
Race Number:
R8
Hearing Date:
26/12/2021
Hearing Location:
Awapuni Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Rider, Kate Hercock fined $575
Evidence
Following the running of Race 8, Kate Hercock admitted a charge alleging use of the whip in consecutive strides over the concluding stages.
Rule 638(3)(g)(ii) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not:
(ii) strike a horse with a whip in consecutive strides at any stage of the race.
Using the available Race films Stipendiary Steward, Mr Goodwin demonstrated that the Respondent struck her mount 2 times consecutively over the concluding stages of the Race, which she won.
In response, by way of explanation Ms Hercock said she was just trying her best and was having some difficulty adjusting to this new Whip Regulation.
Decision
As Ms Hercock admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).
Submissions For Penalty
Mr Goodwin said this was the first time Ms Hercock had been charged with a breach of the consecutive whip Rules however she had been warned only recently.
Stewards submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for consecutive whip use (as of 1 September 2021).
Ms Hercock’s share of the stake was $1150.
Ms Hercock explained she was currently feeling exhausted. She understood the Rule and the penalty provisions, and was resigned to paying a fine.
Reasons For Penalty
The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is set out below.
For breaches of the Whip Rule relating to consecutive strikes:
2 consecutive strikes Warning. -If offence after prior warnings or if subsequent to prior offences, Stewards discretion to charge on same basis as 3 consecutive strikes.
3 consecutive strikes 1st offence – greater of a $150 fine or 50% of jockey stake.
2nd offence – greater of a $300 fine or 50% of jockey stake.
3rd offence – greater of a $500 fine or 50% of jockey stake.
After considering the film evidence and the submissions and having due regard for the number of consecutive strikes, the Adjudicative Committee determined there are no compelling reasons to depart from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide.
On that basis Ms Hercock, is fined 50% of her winning stake of $1,150.
Conclusion
Ms Hercock is fined $575.
Decision Date: 26/12/2021
Publish Date: 27/12/2021