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R Te Aroha 11 July 2021 – R 3 – Clayton Chipperfield

ID: RIB3345

Respondent(s):
Clayton Chipperfield - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr B Jones, Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr A Smith (Chair)

Persons Present:
Mr Jones, Mr Chipperfield

Information Number:
A15906

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use of the Whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Stewards Report

Results

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
11/07/2021

Race Club:
Te Aroha Racing

Race Location:
Racing Te Aroha - Stanley Road South, Te Aroha,

Race Number:
R3

Hearing Date:
11/07/2021

Hearing Location:
Te Aroha

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey, Clayton Chipperfield fined $500

EVIDENCE:

This charge arises from the running of Race 3, A Highweight event over 2200m.  An Information was filed pursuant to Rule 638(3)(b)(ii) by the Applicant, Mr B Jones, alleging that Class D Rider, Mr C Chipperfield used his whip excessively when riding LOCALLY SAUCED prior to the 100 metres.

Mr Chipperfield said that he understood the Rule and confirmed that he admitted the breach.

Rule 638(3)(b)(ii) provides:

A Rider shall not strike a horse with a whip in a manner or to an extent which is:  

  • unnecessary, or
  • excessive, or
  • improper

Without affecting the generality of Rule 638(3)(b), a rider may be penalised if their whip use is outside of the following guidelines:

Flat Races

Prior to the 100-metre mark in a race, official trial or jump out:

  • The whip should not be used on more than 5 occasions.
  • The whip should not be used in consecutive strides.
  • The rider may at their discretion use the whip with a slapping motion down the shoulder, with the whip hand remaining on the reins. 

In the final 100 metres, the whip may be used at the Rider’s discretion.  

Using available Race film footage Mr Jones demonstrated the breach. He identified Mr Chipperfield’s mount, LOCALLY SAUCED, and counted Mr Chipperfield striking his horse on 9 occasions prior to the 100m

In response Mr Chipperfield said that he agreed with the number of strikes

REASON FOR DECISION:

As Mr Chipperfield admitted the breach the Committee found the charge proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Jones said that this was Mr Chipperfield’s second breach in the last 6 months.

Mr Chipperfield had nothing to add in relation to penalty submissions.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

The Guidelines propose a starting point of $500 for a second breach of the Whip Rule. The Committee gave consideration to an uplift to the starting point given that Mr Chipperfield went on to win the race, however this was balanced against the limited opportunities a highweight/jumps Jockey receives, and a fine of $500 was determined to be appropriate.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mr Chipperfield is fined $500.

Decision Date: 11/07/2021

Publish Date: 12/07/2021