Otago RC 5 November 2024 – R2 – Brandon May
ID: RIB48010
Animal Name:
BEAUJOLAIS
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
05/11/2024
Race Club:
Otago Racing Club
Race Location:
Wingatui Racecourse - 285 Gladstone Road North, Mosgiel, Dunedin,
Race Number:
R2
Hearing Date:
05/11/2024
Hearing Location:
Dunedin
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Brandon May is suspended for 6 days
Mr Davidson alleged that in Race 2, Mr May struck his mount BEAUJOLAIS 9 times prior to the 100 metres.
Miss Haley demonstrated on the videos that the Respondent was racing towards the rear of the field after they turned for home. He was wide on the track, making good ground, and used his whip 9 times prior to the 100 metres. Mr Davidson added there were 3 further strikes after the 100 metres.
Mr May agreed with the Stewards’ count. He commented that BEAUJOLAIS was hanging inwards and each time he straightened the horse he lost momentum, and he had had to use the whip to get the horse to make ground again. The horse had responded each time. He had fallen from his mount in the 1st race and believed he was still in shock. He thought this may have affected his judgement in Race 2. He had not been counting the number of strikes.
DecisionÂ
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 evidenced 1 breach of this Rule in the past 6 months. The breach was on the 10th of May at Riverton. The total number of strikes on that occasion was 10. The penalty imposed was a 9-day suspension.
Mr May confirmed his record and stated he wished the suspension to start after racing on the 13th of this month.
Reasons for Penalty
The Penalty Guide provides a 5-day+ starting point for a 2nd breach where the count is 9 strikes. The appropriate penalty having regard to record, number of strikes, and the fact the Respondent’s mount finished 2nd, is 6 days.
Conclusion
Mr May is suspended from the end of racing on 13 November, up to and including 22 November 2024. This is 6 National Riding Days.
Decision Date: 05/11/2024
Publish Date: 06/11/2024