Manawatu RC 11 December 2021 – R4 – Taiki Yanagida

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 4, Taiki Yanagida admitted a charge alleging he used his whip excessively prior to the 100 metres.

Apprentice Mentor Ms Kim Clapperton was present to assist.

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);

Using the available race films Stipendiary Steward Mr Goodwin demonstrated that Mr Yanagida struck his mount 6 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.  He said this was only 1 strike over the 5 allowed.

In response, Mr Yanagida said he always counts the whip strikes but on this occasion he didn’t count the first strike because he mistakenly thought his hands were still on the reins.

Decision

As Mr Yanagida admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee found the breach proved.

Submissions For Penalty

Mr  Goodwin produced Mr Yanagida’s record which showed two previous breaches of this Rule on the same day at Te Aroha on November 9th, 2021. On that occasion he was fined $250 for the first breach (6 strikes) and $500 for the second breach (7 strikes).

Stewards submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for a 3rd breach of excessive whip use (as of 1 September 2021).

Mr Yanagida sought a 7 day deferment to any proposed suspension in order to fulfil riding engagements at Te Rapa on Saturday  December 18th.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a third breach of this nature is a 5 national day suspension plus 50% of Jockey share of stake.  After considering the film evidence, the submissions, and having due regard for the number and frequency of strikes the Adjudicative Committee determined there were no compelling reasons to depart from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide.

As this is Mr Yanagida’s 3rd breach within a six month period a suspension of 5 days is imposed. The Committee did not apply a fine as Mr Yanagida finished in 6th place and 50% of his share of the stake was a meagre $15.

Conclusion

Mr Yanagida is granted a 7-day deferment. His Licence to ride in races is suspended for 5 days from close of racing on Saturday 18th December until close of racing on Monday December 27th, 2021.

ADDENDUM:

The start date for Mr Yanagida’s recent suspension has been adjusted.  He is suspended from the close of racing on Monday 20th December until close of racing on Monday 27th December, 2021.

N Moffatt – Adjudicator