R Rotorua 16 November 2021 – R7 – Bridget Grylls
ID: RIB5901
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
16/11/2021
Race Club:
Rotorua Racing Club
Race Location:
Arawa Park Racecourse - 274 - 287 Fenton Street, Glenhome, Rotorua, 3010
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
16/11/2021
Hearing Location:
Rotorua
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Bridget Grylls suspended 6 National Riding Days
SUMMARY OF FACTS:
Following the running of Race 7, the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race, Mr Davidson presented an Information charging Ms Grylls with a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(ii) which provides that a Rider “must not strike a horse with a whip in consecutive strides at any stage of the race”.
SUBMISSIONS:
Mr Davidson demonstrated from the race film that Ms Grylls struck her mount SIDE HUSTLE with two consecutive strides during the concluding stages of the race. SIDE HUSTLE finished second, a half neck from the winner but as Mr Davidson submitted use in consecutive strides was not going to improve its position.
Ms Grylls said she knew of that Rule and accepted a momentary lapse close to the finish.
REASON FOR DECISION:
As Ms Grylls admitted the breach, it was deemed proved.
SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:
Mr Davidson advised that Ms Grylls has had 3 previous recent breaches of the Whip Rules, on 20, 23 October 2021 and 8 November 2021, she was fined $150, $500 for the first two breaches and suspended for 5 days on 8 November 2021.
Ms Grylls asked whether she could be fined rather than suspended given her most recent 5-day suspension.
REASON FOR PENALTY:
If the Penalty Guide is to have any meaning a suspension is inevitable. It provides for a starting point of 5 plus days suspension. Although, it also refers to 50% of the Jockey’s share of the Stake, Mr Davidson said this was minimal ($54) and did not seek its imposition.
CONCLUSIONS:
Accordingly, Ms Grylls’ Licence is suspended for 6 National Riding Days to commence at the conclusion of racing on 24 November 2021 and to end at the conclusion of racing on 6 December 2021.
Decision Date: 16/11/2021
Publish Date: 19/11/2021