Manawatu RC 1 April 2023 – R4 – Opie Bosson

ID: RIB18043

Respondent(s):
Opie Bosson - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr J Oatham

Adjudicators:
N Moffatt and N McCutcheon

Information Number:
A17391

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
TOWN CRYER

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
01/04/2023

Race Club:
Manawatu Race Club

Race Location:
Awapuni Racing Centre - 67 Racecourse Road, Awapuni, Palmerston North, 4412

Race Number:
R4

Hearing Date:
01/04/2023

Hearing Location:
Awapuni Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Opie Bosson is fined $250

Evidence

Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent Mr O Bosson, admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use 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); or

The Information stated that Mr Bosson struck his mount TOWN CRYER 6 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark. Mr Bosson was satisfied that this number was correctly counted by the Stewards.

Decision

As Mr Bosson admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions For Penalty

Mr Oatham said Mr Bosson had been warned on 11 March 2023 for excessive use of the whip. This therefore was his 2nd breach and a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use (as of 1 March 2022) was considered appropriate.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a 2nd breach is a fine of $250 (as per updated NZTR Penalty Guide dated February 2023).

After considering the evidence and submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined there were no compelling reasons to depart from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide.

Conclusion

On that basis, the Respondent is fined $250.

Decision Date: 01/04/2023

Publish Date: 03/04/2023