R Tauranga 12 November 2022 – R8 – Craig Zackey

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 8 “THE GARTSHORE TAURANGA STAKES”, Mr Jones presented an Information charging Mr Zackey, the Rider of  “DEMONETIZATION” with a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i) in that he struck his mount with the whip 6 times prior to the 100 metres mark.

The Rule provides that: a Rider must not strike a horse with a whip more than 5 times prior to the 100 metre mark…. “

EVIDENCE:

Mr Jones referred to the race films which showed that “DEMONETIZATION” when mounting a run from towards the rear of the field, when entering the home straight, was hand ridden by Mr Zackey over 250 metres and struck 6 times with the whip.  The horse continued with its strong run to overtake the leaders close to the winning post, so as to finish first.

DECISION:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Jones advised that Mr Zackey has only recently commenced riding in New Zealand, and he had been a successful Jockey in South Africa.  He had no previous breaches of the Whip Rule in New Zealand, although had received a warning recently.  Mr Jones did not seek a penalty involving a suspension, but noted that this was a Group 2 Race and the riding of Mr Zackey had contributed to the horse winning.  He sought a fine to be fixed to reflect a portion of the riding percentage of benefit obtained.

Mr Zackey advised that the Whip Rules in the South African racing jurisdiction were different to those laid out in the NZ Rules and he was trying to adjust to those.  But he frankly said that he was aware of these Rules and accepted that he had offended and had to be penalised.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

Because this was a Group Race with a Stake of $60,000 earned by the winner, the Penalty Guide refers to a starting point (apart from a suspension) of a fine of 50% of the amount of a Rider’s share of the stake.  That figure is $1,725.00.  There are no aggravating features that require any uplift, and a suspension is neither sought, nor imposed.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Zackey is fined $1,725.00.