Otago RC 4 February 2023 – R9 – Brandon May
ID: RIB15394
Animal Name:
GREEN LUCK
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
04/02/2023
Race Club:
Otago Racing Club
Race Location:
Wingatui Racecourse - 285 Gladstone Road North, Mosgiel, Dunedin,
Race Number:
R9
Hearing Date:
04/02/2023
Hearing Location:
Dunedin
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Brandon May is fined $550
Background
Mr Davidson alleged that in Race 9 Mr May struck his mount GREEN LUCK 6 times prior to the 100 metres.
Mr Davidson demonstrated on the videos that the Respondent was racing at the rear of the field. He struck his mount GREEN LUCK twice before the turn and then 4 times in the straight as he endeavoured to make a run from the back down the outer.
Mr May said he had got “carried away”. The horse was stubborn, and it had reacted and kicked on each time he had used the whip.
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 2 breaches in the previous 6 months, one on 26 December and a further one on 28 January last. He submitted that a penalty in accordance with the RIB Penalty Guide was appropriate but with a small uplift in light of the fact that this was a Group 3 Race. Mr May accepted this.
Reasons for Penalty
Mr May has struck GREEN LUCK 6 times prior to the 100 metres. The NZTR Guidelines provide for a starting point of a fine of $500 where there is one additional strike, and the Jockey has 2 previous breaches of the Rule in the past six months. A small uplift is appropriate for the fact that this was a Group 3 Race and, while the horse may have responded initially, the latter strikes were at a time it was evident that the horse was not going to run in a dividend bearing position.
Conclusion
Mr May is fined the sum of $550 and is reminded of his obligations under the Whip Rules.
Decision Date: 04/02/2023
Publish Date: 07/02/2023