R Tauranga 9 December 2022 – R6 – Hakim Kamaruddin

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 6, Mr Kamaruddin admitted a charge of using his whip when his horse was out of contention. The charge was issued under Rule 638(3)(f)(iii) which requires

…a Rider must not use his or her whip …  when the Rider’s horse is out of contention.

Details of the breach are as follows:

“Used his whip on PATRIARCA when out of contention”.

Stipendiary Stewards identified the incident through available film. Between the top of the straight and just short of the finish line, Mr Kamaruddin is seen to strike his mount on 5 occasions. Mr Kamaruddin confirmed that he agreed with the count.  PATRIARCA finished 8th in a field of 10 horses, being 18.2 lengths from the winner.

When asked for comment, Mr Kamaruddin (with the assistance of Mr Harris), conveyed that he had been New Zealand for a very short period of time and was trying hard to comply with the current Whip Rules. Mr Harris did add that in Singapore, Jockeys were encouraged to ride in this manner.

Decision:

As Mr Kamaruddin admitted the breach, it is deemed to be proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Although not specifically confirmed, it was conveyed that Mr Kamaruddin had not been charged with a similar breach in Singapore. It was noted the Respondent was fined $450 on 3rd December 2022 – Auckland Thoroughbred Racing for a breach of Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) – whip use above shoulder height. Stewards recommended a fine ‘consistent’ with same. Mr Kamaruddin did not offer comment.

Reasons for Penalty:

The film clearly identifies the Respondent striking his mount, with most if not all strikes, subsequent to the horse being out of any contention. A number are with force.

Referenced to the Listing of Penalties, a $250 fined is set as a starting point. An uplift of $100 is applied to reflect  the number and force of the strikes.

Conclusion:

Mr Hakim Kamaruddin is fined a sum of $350.