Otago RC 4 February 2023 – R9 – Brandon May

ID: RIB15394

Respondent(s):
Brandon May - Jockey

Applicant:
Mark Davidson, Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall

Information Number:
A11802

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
excessive use of the whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

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