Rangitikei RC 19 November 2022 – R5 – Jeetesh Mudhoo

Evidence

Following the running of Race 5, the Respondent Mr Jeteesh Mudhoo Apprentice Rider admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

Apprentice Jockey Mentor Ms K Clapperton was present to assist.

Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not:

(i) strike a horse with a whip more than 5 times prior to the 100-metre mark (other than in a slapping motion down the shoulder with the whip hand remaining on the reins); or

Using the available race films Ms Algar demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 7 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark. She pointed out that Mr Mudhoo was three or four strides off the 100m mark on his 7th strike.

Decision

As Mr Mudhoo admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions For Penalty

Ms Algar produced the Respondent’s record which indicated two previous breaches within the last 6 month period:

26/5/22     $500    6 strikes

27/8/22     $500 + 2 days suspension   6 strikes

Stewards submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use (as of 1 March 2022).

Pursuant to Rule 1106(2)(b) or Rule 1106(3)(b), the Respondent sought a 7 day deferment to any proposed suspension in order to fulfil pending riding engagements.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is set out below:

Offence	1 additional strike	2 additional strikes	3 additional strikes	4 or more additional strikes
1st	Warning	$250	$500	Suspension 5 National Days
2nd	$250	$500	Suspension 5 National Days	Suspension 5+ National Days
3rd	$500	Suspension 5 National Days	Suspension 5+ National Days	Suspension 5+ National Days
4th	$500 + Suspension 2 National Days	Suspension 5+ National Days	Suspension 5+ National Days	Suspension 5+ National Days
5th and following	Suspension 5+ National Days	Suspension 5+ National Days	Suspension 5+ National Days	Suspension 5+ National Days

After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number and frequency of strikes, the Adjudicative Committee determined there were no compelling reasons to depart from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide.

As this is the Respondent’s 3rd charge and there were 7 strikes, a suspension of 5 days is imposed.

Mr Mudhoo’s request for a deferment is granted.

Conclusion

His licence to ride in races is suspended for 5 days from close of racing on Saturday November 26th, until close of racing on Saturday December 3rd.