Non Raceday Inquiry RIU & Lisa Allpress – Decision dated 3 July 2021
ID: RIB3278
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
25/06/2021
Race Club:
Otaki-Maori Racing Club
Race Location:
Otaki Racecourse - Te Roto Road, Otaki, 5512
Race Number:
R9
Hearing Date:
03/07/2021
Hearing Location:
Hastings
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Lisa Allpress fined $500
Summary of Facts:
This charge was heard at Hastings on 3rd July 2021 but arose from a breach of the Whip Rules during the last race at Otaki on Friday June 25th.
The Information alleges a breach of Rule 638(3)(b)(ii) in that L Allpress used her whip excessively prior to the 100 metres on her mount “FATTORE OTTO”.
At the outset of the hearing, Mrs Allpress confirmed she understood the Rule and admitted the breach.
Mr Oatham used the videos to show Mrs Allpress coming down the extreme outside of the track on the Gary Vile runner. She used the whip 9 times prior to the 100 metres and finished in 2nd place.
Mrs Allpress said it had been a long day in bleak conditions. The horse to her inside was being ridden by a 4kg claiming Apprentice and the Respondent thought her horse was responding to the whip.
She really just tried too hard to win the race.
Reason for Decision:
Mrs Allpress admitted the breach; therefore the charge was deemed proved.
Submission for Penalty:
Mr Oatham said Mrs Allpress had one whip charge in the preceding 6-month period. At Trentham in January, she received a 6-day suspension for a breach of the Rules in a Group 3 Race.
Mrs Allpress submitted that a $500 fine was excessive in relation to her riding fee and stakes percentage for the Race at Otaki. She said a fairer way to impose penalties for whip breaches would be to take a percentage of a Rider’s earnings for the race.
Reason for Penalty:
The Committee had regard to all submissions. The Penalty Guidelines, as they presently stand, provide for a $500 fine for a 2nd breach of the Whip Rules within a 6-month period. Mrs Allpress used her whip intermittently but erred in exceeding the Guidelines by 4 strikes. There were no aggravating factors requiring an uplift from the starting point.
In order to maintain consistency and fairness the Committee imposed a fine in accordance with the Penalty Guide.
Conclusions:
Accordingly Mrs Allpress is fined the sum of $500.
Decision Date: 03/07/2021
Publish Date: 06/07/2021