Oamaru JC 16 August 2024 – R3 – Brett Murray

ID: RIB45378

Respondent(s):
Brett MacGregor Murray - Jockey

Applicant:
Miss Rebecca Haley - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall

Persons Present:
Mr Mark Davidson - Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A20517

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive Use of the Whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
West Virginia

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
16/08/2024

Race Club:
Oamaru Jockey Club

Race Location:
Oamaru Racecourse - Highway 1, Oamaru North, Oamaru, 9494

Race Number:
R3

Hearing Date:
16/08/2024

Hearing Location:
Oamaru

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Brett Murray is suspended for 5 days

Miss Haley alleged that Mr Murray used his whip excessively in Race 3, in that he struck his mount WEST VIRGINIA 8 times prior to the 100 metres.

Mr Davidson demonstrated on the videos that Mr Murray was racing at the front of the field as they straightened up for the run home.  There were 8 strikes prior to the 100 metres as the field progressed up the straight. Miss Haley commented that 3 of the strikes were to the shoulder.

Mr Murray agreed with the count and said he had miscounted.

Decision 

As Mr Murray has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions as to Penalty

Miss Haley produced the Respondent’s record. This was Mr Murray’s 2nd breach of the Whip Rule in the past week.

Miss Haley said that Mr Murray was suspended for 6 days at Riccarton on the 10th of this month. This suspension had been deferred and was due to end on 28 August.

Reasons for Penalty

Mr Murray has used his whip 8 times prior to 100 metres. He is an experienced Rider who has made a misjudgement. This is his second breach of the Whip Rule in a very short space of time. The Penalty Guide provides for a 5-day suspension where it is a second breach and 3 additional strikes.

Conclusion

Mr Murray is suspended from the end of racing on 28 August, up to and including 8 September 2024. This is 5 National Riding Days.

Decision Date: 16/08/2024

Publish Date: 18/08/2024