Otago RC 27 May 2022 – R5 – Savish Khetoo
ID: RIB9252
Animal Name:
KILOWATT
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
27/05/2022
Race Club:
Otago Racing Club
Race Location:
Wingatui Racecourse - 285 Gladstone Road North, Mosgiel, Dunedin,
Race Number:
R5
Hearing Date:
27/05/2022
Hearing Location:
Dunedin
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Savish Khetoo is suspended for 3 weeks
Mr Khetoo has admitted a breach of the Whip Rule arising out of the running of Race 5.
The Adjudicative Committee viewed the video of the race in question. Mr Khetoo can be seen to strike his mount KILOWATT 10 times before the 100 metres.
Mr Walsh said it was a “bad” breach as the count was well over, although he thought the last strike was right on the 100 metres. He said he had been working with Mr Khetoo. They had had numerous discussions on zoom sessions. The Respondent was based at Riverton and with covid restrictions over the past months it had been difficult to work with him on a riding simulator.
Mr Khetoo said he had hit the horse too many times. He had lost count. He had stopped using the whip but that was within the last 100 metres. Mr Walsh suggested he use the whip in his right hand rather than his natural left hand. He found this awkward but had done so in one race without it causing any issue.
Mr Khetoo has admitted the breach, so it is found to be proved.
Mr Davidson stated that the Respondent had four previous breaches of the Rule in the past 6 months. He had had a mix of fines and suspensions. Mr Khetoo had had 48 rides in that time. Mr Davidson said it was a poor record.
Mr Walsh said he would continue to work with Mr Khetoo. Mr Khetoo said he wanted some time out.
Mr Khetoo’s breach is high end. Ten strikes is simply unacceptable. Mr Khetoo has used the whip too soon and then lost count.
Deterrence is important in this context having regard to animal welfare concerns. But so too is Mr Kheeto’s rehabilitation. Mr Walsh says the Respondent is willing to learn and Mr Khetoo says he wants a break from riding so that he can “start again”.
The parties and the Adjudicative Committee agree that Mr Khetoo should be referred to the Rider Review Skills Panel.
Mr Khetoo is suspended from the end of racing today up to and including 17 June. This is in effect 3 weeks.
Decision Date: 27/05/2022
Publish Date: 31/05/2022