Non Raceday Inquiry – Decision dated 7 August 2021 – Savish Khetoo

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Mr Khetoo was charged that in Race 10, Easymade Marmalade Ltd 74 1400m, he struck his mount, PINHEAD, excessively prior to the 100 metres. Mr Davidson produced an Authority to Charge dated 30 July 2021 signed by Mike Clement, Chief Executive of the Racing Integrity Board, pursuant to Rule 903(2), authorising the filing of the Information. The charge was heard at the meeting of Canterbury Jockey Club at Riccarton Park on 7 August 2021.

EVIDENCE:

Mr Davidson showed a video replay of the final 600 metres of the race. He pointed out PINHEAD, ridden by Mr Khetoo, disputing the lead on the inside as the field approached the 600 metres. He pointed out the first strike just passing the 600 metres. From that point, Mr Khetoo struck his mount on a further nine occasions, ten in total, prior to the 100 metres, Mr Davidson said. This was accepted by Mr Khetoo.

Mr Davidson said that, for some of the strikes, Mr Khetoo was trying to hit the horse so hard that he was unbalancing himself and the horse.

Mr Walsh said the the breach was quite clear. Mr Khetoo had been attempting to win the race for the Trainers to secure the South Island Trainer’s Premiership and, consequently, was trying too hard. He was also recovering from an injury to his left hand and would not normally be using the whip in his right hand, Mr Walsh said.

REASON FOR DECISION:

Mr Khetoo had admitted the breach and it was found proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson produced a printout of Mr Khetoo’s riding record. It showed one previous breach – at Timaru on 16 July for striking his mount nine times, three consecutively, fined $400. Mr Khetoo has had 47 career rides, Mr Davidson said.

Mr Davidson said the Penalty Guidelines provide that, where the number of strikes is 10 or more, the starting point is a 6-days suspension. Having regard to the manner in which Mr Khetoo struck his mount, a 6-days suspension would be appropriate, he said.

Mr Walsh said that, if Mr Khetoo elects to take deferment until after the third day of the meeting, 6 days would take in two South Island meetings. It was for the Committee to decide whether that was warranted for a South Island Apprentice, he said. Mr Khetoo was seeking a deferment, Mr Walsh said.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

Where the number of strikes is 10 or more, the starting point for penalty is a 6-days suspension.

There are no relevant mitigating factors warranting a discount from that starting  point. The fact that Mr Khetoo has a recent breach involving 9 strikes strikes, 3 of which were consecutive, as recently as 16 July, is a possible aggravating factor. However, the Committee has decided not to apply an uplift from the starting point of 6 days.

Mr Khetoo’s application for a deferment of suspension is granted.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mr Khetoo’s Apprentice Jockey’s (Class B) Licence is suspended for six national riding days. The suspension will commence after racing on 14 August 2021 and is up to and including 27 August 2021. The meeting of Rotorua and Bay of Plenty Hunt on 21 August has not been included as it is a meeting restricted to Highweight and Jumps Jockeys.