Racing Te Aroha 28 October 2021 – R 3 – Bridget Grylls

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 3, Nottingham Castle Hotel Maiden 2200, Jockey, Bridget Grylls was charged that, as the rider of MAKTASTIC in the race, she used her whip 6 times prior to the 100 metres.

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 Oatham showed a video replay of the race from the home turn and pointed out that Ms Grylls had used her whip 6 times on her mount, MAKTASTIC, prior to the 100 metres. There was a possible 7th strike on or just prior to the 100 metres, he said, but the video replays were not clear. Stewards were happy to call it 6 strikes, he said, and Ms Grylls accepted the count of 6 strikes.

Ms Grylls did not wish to add anything to what Mr Oatham had said.

REASON FOR DECISION:

Ms Grylls has admitted the charge which is found proved accordingly.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said that Ms Grylls has two recent breaches of the Whip Rules on her record – on 20 October at Tauranga (fined $150 for using her whip in 2 consecutive strides) and at Riccarton on 23 October (fined $500 for using whip 6 times prior to 100 metres – second breach). This breach was low-level, he said.

Mr Oatham pointed out that the Penalty Guidelines provide for a penalty of a 5-day suspension for a 3rd breach.

Ms Grylls told the Committee that she sought a deferment of suspension until after racing at Hastings on 7 November.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

Ms Grylls has admitted that she used her whip 6 times prior to the 100 metres. The NZTR Revised Penalty Guidelines provide for a starting point for penalty for a 3rd breach of a 5-day suspension. This breach is regarded as a 3rd offence, the Guidelines providing that a prior offence in any category is to be included in consideration of penalties. That starting point is an appropriate penalty for this breach, there being no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors. Ms Grylls has riding engagements up to the 10th day after today’s meeting, so the suspension will be effective from the day immediately following the 10th day from today. She has requested a deferment for that period.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ms Grylls’ Jockey’s Licence (Class A) is suspended from after the close of racing on 7 November up to and including 14 November – 5 national riding days. It is recorded that the meeting at Pukekohe on 11 November has not been included as it is to be serviced by only Auckland-based jockeys.