Manawatu RC 1 April 2023 – R7 – Joe Doyle

Evidence

Following the running of Race 7, Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sire’s Produce Stakes Group 1, Mr Doyle (Rider) 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

Using the available race films, Mr Oatham demonstrated that Mr Doyle struck his mount 7 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.

Mr Doyle agreed that the number of strikes as counted by the Stewards was accurate.

Decision

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

Submissions For Penalty

Mr Oatham produced the Respondent’s record which indicated:

15/11/22  7 strikes   $250

7/12/22   6 strikes    $350

17/12/22  6 strikes   5 day suspension

11/3/23    6 strikes   $500 (Group 1)

Mr Oatham’s submission was for a 5+ day suspension and a fine  (commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip). He said Mr Doyle won the Group 1 Race and his share of the stake was approximately $10,000.

Mr Doyle said he had no immediate riding commitments because he was leaving New Zealand tomorrow to return home to Ireland.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a 5th breach with 2 additional strikes is a 5+ national days suspension. The Guide also states that in all breaches of the Whip Rules in any Black-Type Race, the starting point for a fine will be an amount equal to 50% of the Jockey’s share of the stake earned by their mount, or the starting point on the whip penalty table whichever is greater, and may be in addition to any suspension imposed.

The Adjudicative Committee took into account the number of strikes, the Group 1 status of the race, Mr Doyle’s share of the stake as the winning Jockey and particularly his poor record under this Rule.

On that basis, it is appropriate to impose both a suspension and a monetary penalty.

Conclusion

Mr Doyle is suspended for 6 days and fined the sum of $5000.

Mr Doyle begins a suspension tomorrow on an unrelated charge, therefore today’s suspension will begin after the close of racing on April 14th and conclude after racing on April 25th 2023.