R Tauranga 10 December 2021 – R10 – Trudy Thornton
ID: RIB6306
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
10/12/2021
Race Club:
Racing Tauranga Inc
Race Location:
Tauranga Racecourse - 1383 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga,
Race Number:
R10
Hearing Date:
10/12/2021
Hearing Location:
Tauranga Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Trudy Thornton suspended 5 days and fined $420
SUMMARY OF FACTS:
Following the running of Race 10, the Ultimate Mazda 1600, Mr Jones presented an Information charging Ms Thornton with a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(ii) in that she struck her mount “ENRIGHT” with her whip in consecutives strides near the 150 metre point.
Rule 638(3)(g)(ii) states that a Rider must not: “strike a horse with a whip in consecutive strides at any stage of the race”.
SUBMISSIONS:
Mr Jones identified the breach of the Rule by reference to the race film. “ENRIGHT” had run to the lead early in the home straight and was being vigorously, but properly, ridden by Ms Thornton. But, at about 150 metres from the finish, she struck her mount twice, in consecutive strides. “ENRIGHT” maintained its lead and won the race by a margin of 2 lengths.
REASON FOR DECISION:
Ms Thornton admitted the breach of the Rule and it is therefore deemed proved.
SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:
Mr Jones advised the Committee that Ms Thornton, in the past 6 months, had 5 previous breaches of the first arm of the Whip Rule (638(3)(g)(i)) – striking a mount in excess of 5 strikes prior to the 100 metre mark – but no breach of this second provision under Rule 638(3)(g)(ii).
For the breaches of Rule 638(3)(g)(i) she has increased penalties of up to 5 days’ suspension. Mr Jones submitted that where there have been breaches of the Whip Rules, in any category, during the past 6 months, 5 days suspension plus a fine of 50% of the Rider’s share of stake money was required.
Ms Thornton accepted that a suspension should be imposed and had riding engagements at Te Rapa on 11 December 2021 but was content for any suspension to commence at the end of racing on that day.
REASON FOR PENALTY:
The Committee accepted the recommendations of Mr Jones.
CONCLUSIONS:
Ms Thornton’s Licence is suspended for 5 National Riding Days to commence at the conclusion of racing on 11 December 2021 and to end at the conclusion of racing on 19 December 2021. In addition she is fined $420 to reflect a portion of the stake she obtained.
Decision Date: 10/12/2021
Publish Date: 13/12/2021