R Tauranga 23 September 2023 – R2 – Gareth Lahoud

ID: RIB27754

Respondent(s):
Gareth Lahoud - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
John Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Hon J W Gendall KC (Chair), Ms G Himona

Persons Present:
Mr J Oatham, Mr A Dooley - Stipendiary Steward, Mr G Lahoud, Mr N Harris and Mr D Monsour - assisting Mr Lahoud

Information Number:
A19467

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Used whip in two consecutive strides passing the 50 metres

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
GEE CEE

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
23/09/2023

Race Club:
Racing Tauranga Inc

Race Location:
Tauranga Racecourse - 1383 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga,

Race Number:
R2

Hearing Date:
23/09/2023

Hearing Location:
Tauranga

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Gareth Lahoud is fined $150

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 2, “the Bayleys Bay of Plenty 1200”, Mr Oatham presented an Information charging Apprentice Rider Mr G Lahoud with a breach of the Whip Rule 638(3)(g)(ii) in that he struck his mount, “GEE CEE”, in two consecutive strides when passing the 50 metres mark.

Mr Lahoud admitted the breach.

Mr Oatham demonstrated the breach from the race films which showed that GEE CEE was fighting out the finish in the last 100 metres, and when hard ridden, Mr Lahoud struck it in two consecutive strides close to the finish.  It finished second, a nose from the winner.

DECISION:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham advised that this was Mr Lahoud’s third ride in the Northern region and he has had no previous penalties imposed for a breach of the Whip Rule but was warned for a breach on 16 September 2023 – 1 week ago.

Mr Harris advised that Mr Lahoud was very inexperienced and became a little excited when in a close contested finish.  He accepted that Mr Lahoud was still learning and accepted that a fine was appropriate.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

In line with the Penalty Guide for a second offence (after one warning), for 2 prohibited consecutive strides, a fine of $150 was imposed.

CONCLUSION:

Apprentice Rider Mr G Lahoud is fined $150.

Decision Date: 23/09/2023

Publish Date: 25/09/2023