R Tauranga 31 July 2024 – R4 – Tegan Newman
ID: RIB44776
Animal Name:
IMPRESSIVE BELLE
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
31/07/2024
Race Club:
Racing Tauranga Inc
Race Location:
Tauranga Racecourse - 1383 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga,
Race Number:
R4
Hearing Date:
31/07/2024
Hearing Location:
Tauranga
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Tegan Newman is suspended for 2 days and fined $500
Evidence:
Following the running of Race 4, the “Ultimate Mazda Maiden 3YO”, Mr Dooley presented an Information charging Ms Newman, the Rider of “IMPRESSIVE BELLE” with a breach of the Whip Rule 638(3)(g)(i) in that she struck her mount 6 times prior to the 100 metre mark.
Ms Newman admitted the breach.
The race films depicted Ms Newman’s mount, a short priced favourite, in contention from the 200 metre mark, being struck with the whip 6 times before the 100 metre mark and a further 5 times from that point until the finish line, where it finished 3rd.
Unfortunately for Ms Newman, if she had struck her mount only 4 times (not 5) over the last 100 metres, she would have been deemed not to offend against this Rule.
Decision:
As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.
Submissions for Penalty:
Mr Dooley advised that this was Ms Newman’s 4th breach of this Whip Rule since 16 March 2024 and a suspension plus a $500 fine was appropriate. Ms Newman’s previous breaches since March 2024 have led to fines.
Ms Newman explained that she had very limited finances at present and any fine would have a severe impact upon her.
Reasons for Penalty:
It was explained to Ms Newman that as this was her 4th offence, any sanction had to be significant in order to deter other Riders who frequently offend. Also, the Penalty Guide could not simply be ignored by reason only of a Rider’s financial position. But this offence was at the lowest end of the scale and but for the final strike very close to the winning post, she would not have been charged.
Conclusion:
Ms Newman, in line with the Guide, is fined $500 and her Licence to ride is suspended for 2 days, from the end of racing on 7 August 2024 and to conclude at the end of racing on 9 August 2024.
Decision Date: 31/07/2024
Publish Date: 02/08/2024