Oamaru JC 26 July 2023 – R9 – Brandon May

ID: RIB25625

Respondent(s):
Brandon May - Jockey

Applicant:
Mark Davidson, Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall

Persons Present:
Brandon May; John Oatham, Chief Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A11827

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use of the whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
FAME SHINES

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
26/07/2023

Race Club:
Oamaru Jockey Club

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

Race Number:
R9

Hearing Date:
26/07/2023

Hearing Location:
Oamaru

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Brandon May is suspended for 6 days

Background

Mr Davidson alleged that in Race 9, Mr May struck his mount FAME SHINES 8 times prior to the 100 metres.

Mr Davidson demonstrated on the videos that the Respondent was racing just back of midfield as the field turned for home, when he mounted a run two from the outside. He struck his mount FAME SHINES 8 times prior to the 100 metres.

Mr May said it was a misjudgement. The horse was in contention. He had been riding the horse out and FAME SHINES had been responding. 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 and sought a deferment of penalty until after racing at Riccarton on 28 July.

Reasons for Penalty

Mr May has struck FAME SHINES 8 times prior to the 100 metres. 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 and thus an uplift from the 5+ day starting point is appropriate.

Conclusion

Mr May is suspended from the end of riding on 28 July, up to and including 11 August. This is 6 National Days.

Decision Date: 26/07/2023

Publish Date: 31/07/2023