Oamaru JC 21 July 2024 – R7 – Akshay Balloo

ID: RIB44509

Respondent(s):
Akshay Balloo - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr Mark Davidson - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall

Persons Present:
Miss Rebecca Haley - Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A20514

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive Use of the Whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
TADITA

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
21/07/2024

Race Club:
Oamaru Jockey Club

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

Race Number:
R7

Hearing Date:
21/07/2024

Hearing Location:
Oamaru

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Akshay Balloo is suspended for 5 days

Mr Davidson alleged that in Race 7, Mr Balloo struck his mount TADITA 8 times prior to the 100 metres.

Miss Haley demonstrated on the videos that the Respondent, who was racing in the centre of the track and just forward of midfield, used his whip 8 times prior to the 100 metres. She said there were no further strikes in the last 100 metres.

Mr Balloo agreed with the Stewards’ count and said he had miscounted. He added he had just been tapping the horse up to keep it going.

Decision 

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

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Davidson produced the Respondent’s record, which evidenced 1 previous breach of this Rule in the past 6 months. The breach was also 8 strikes and was in February. The penalty on that occasion was 5 days’ suspension. He said Mr Balloo was only 15 to 20 metres away from being within the Rules today.

Mr Balloo confirmed his record and stated he wished the suspension to commence after racing on 26 July.

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide provides a 5-day starting point for a second breach where the count is 8 strikes. The appropriate penalty, having regard to record and number of strikes, is 5 days.

Conclusion

Mr Balloo is suspended from the end of racing 26 July 2024, up to and including 4 August 2024. This is 5 National Riding Days.

Decision Date: 21/07/2024

Publish Date: 24/07/2024