Oamaru JC 25 July 2021 – R10 – Wesley Papier

EVIDENCE:

Stewards charged Mr Wesley Papier with using his whip on GERRY JOYCE when the horse was out of contention in Race 10. Mr Papier admitted the breach and appeared at the hearing assisted by his employer Mr Michael Pitman.

SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Davidson stated that GERRY JOYCE was a clear and distant last on the home turn. Mr Papier was seen to draw his whip and struck GERRY JOYCE seven to eight times prior to the 100 metres. The last strike was about the 100 metres mark. He said at no stage was GERRY JOYCE in any position to run in a stake bearing position and finished some distance from the body of the field at the finish.

Mr Papier stated he was trying to get GERRY JOYCE to finish off the race. He said his mount dropped the bit on the turn. He admitted he should not have struck the horse that many times.

REASON FOR DECISION:

Mr Papier admitted the breach and it is found proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson submitted that Mr Papier had a clear record under this Rule. However, his use of the whip on a horse clearly out of contention warranted a suspension. He sought a two week suspension.

Mr Pitman made submissions on Mr Papier’s behalf. He said Mr Papier had rides at Riccarton on the 7th and 11th August. He said they were the only meetings in the South Island in the next two weeks. Mr Papier had a good record, had admitted the breach and it was a first offence. He felt a suspension up to and including the 7th August was more appropriate.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

Mr Papier clearly erred in his decision to use the whip on GERRY JOYCE when well out of contention. Taking into account his admission of the charge, his record and the lack of riding opportunities in the South Island the Committee has used its discretion on setting an appropriate penalty.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mr Papier is suspended from the end of racing today up to and including August 7th, and fined $350.