Oamaru JC 26 July 2023 – R10 – Brandon May
ID: RIB25626
Animal Name:
WHERE'S WALLY
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
26/07/2023
Race Club:
Oamaru Jockey Club
Race Location:
Oamaru Racecourse - Highway 1, Oamaru North, Oamaru, 9494
Race Number:
R10
Hearing Date:
26/07/2023
Hearing Location:
Oamaru
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Brandon May is suspended for 8 days
Background
Mr Davidson alleged that in Race 10, Mr May struck his mount WHERE’S WALLY 8 times prior to the 100 metres.
Mr Davidson demonstrated on the videos that the Respondent was racing midfield as the field turned for home, when he mounted a run two from the outside. He struck his mount 8 times prior to the 100 metres.
Mr May said the horse was in contention. He had been riding the horse out. WHERE’S WALLY had been responding and the Trainer of the horse was in contention for the Premiership. He was wanting to get the best out of the horse. Again, he said he had not been counting strikes.
Decision
As Mr May has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submissions as to Penalty
Mr Davidson produced the Respondent’s record which showed 5 breaches in the previous 6 months. He submitted that a penalty in accordance with the RIB Penalty Guide was appropriate.
Mr May accepted this.
Reasons for Penalty
Mr May has struck WHERE’S WALLY 8 times prior to the 100 metres. The horse won the race. The NZTR Guidelines provide for a penalty of 5 plus National Days where there are 3 additional strikes, and the Jockey has a previous breach in the past 6 months. Mr May has 5 previous breaches in the 6-month period prior to today’s meeting. An uplift from the 5-day starting point is appropriate. Additionally, Mr May has breached the Whip Rule in exactly the same fashion in two consecutive races.
Conclusion
Mr May is suspended from 12 August, up to and including 25 August. This is 8 National Days.
As this is the Respondent’s seventh breach of the Whip Rule in the past 6 months, the Adjudicative Committee raised the issue with the Stewards of whether Mr May should again be referred to the NZTR Rider Skills Review Panel pursuant to r 343.
Decision Date: 26/07/2023
Publish Date: 31/07/2023