Oamaru JC 21 July 2024 – R9 – Teddy Ladouceur

Mr Davidson alleged that in Race 9, Mr Ladouceur (OUR CLARRY) used his whip 17 times prior to the 100 metres.

Miss Haley demonstrated on the videos, that the Respondent who was racing on the fence and in the lead up until the final 60 metres, used his whip 17 times prior to the 100 metres.

Mr Davidson commented that 7 of the strikes were in consecutive strides. Rather than his filing a further Information to this effect, it was agreed by the parties that this would be regarded as an aggravating factor warranting an uplift.

Both Mr Laking and Mr Ladouceur agreed with the Stewards’ count. Mr Laking described Mr Ladouceur as having had a “brain explosion”. He had spoken to Mr Ladouceur before riding, as Mr Ladouceur had not ridden for a while. He believed Mr Ladouceur had got excited when OUR CLARRY, which had been leading for much of the race, was still in front as the field ran up the home straight.

Mr Ladouceur said he had not realised at the time, that he was making contact with OUR CLARRY with each strike. He agreed with Mr Laking that he would learn from the experience.

Decision 

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

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Davidson produced the Respondent’s record, which showed no previous breach of this Rule. However, Mr Ladouceur has only had 5 rides prior to this race. Mr Davidson described the breach as a very bad look for the Industry and stated that a substantial uplift from the starting point was appropriate.

Mr Laking stated he was working with Mr Ladouceur, whom he believed was listening to him.

Mr Ladouceur stated that he wished the suspension to start immediately.

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide provides a 5-day starting point for a first breach where the count is 4 or more additional strikes. The starting point taken for the 17 strikes is 8 days plus a five-day uplift for the fact that 7 of the strikes are in consecutive strides. This takes into account the fact that Mr Ladouceur is a very inexperienced Jockey. But having regard to the large number of strikes and the consecutive strides, the penalty has to reflect both the animal welfare issues and the poor public perception that so rightly attaches to such actions.

Conclusion

Mr Ladouceur is suspended from the end of racing today, 21 July 2024, up to and including 10 August 2024. This is 13 National Riding days.