Otago RC 30 June 2024 – R7 – Abdul Najib

ID: RIB43941

Respondent(s):
Najib Abdul - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Mr Mark Davidson - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall

Persons Present:
Miss Rebecca Haley - Stipendiary Steward, Mr Laking - assisting Mr Najib

Information Number:
A20512

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive Use of the Whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
BLEAKHOUSE BURTIE

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
30/06/2024

Race Club:
Otago Racing Club

Race Location:
Wingatui Racecourse - 285 Gladstone Road North, Mosgiel, Dunedin,

Race Number:
R7

Hearing Date:
30/06/2024

Hearing Location:
Dunedin

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Abdul Najib is suspended for 7 days

Mr Davidson alleged that Mr Najib, the Rider of BLEAKHOUSE BURTIE in Race 7, used his whip 8 times before the 100 metres.

Miss Haley demonstrated on the videos that the Respondent, who was racing one off the fence, used his whip 8 times prior to the 100 metres.

Both Mr Laking and Mr Najib agreed with the Stewards’ count.

Decision 

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

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Davidson produced the Respondent’s record, which evidenced 2 breaches of this Rule in the past 6 months. The breaches were in April and May. The total number of strikes on each occasion was 9. The penalties imposed were 5 and 7 days’ suspension, respectively.

Mr Najib confirmed his record and stated he wished the suspension to start immediately.

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide provides a 5-day+ starting point for a third breach where the count is 8 strikes. The appropriate penalty, having regard to record and number of strikes, is 7 days.

Conclusion

Mr Najib is suspended from the end of racing today, 30 June, up to and including 11 July 2024. This is 7 national riding days.

Decision Date: 30/06/2024

Publish Date: 01/07/2024