Rangitikei RC 19 November 2022 – R5 – Lily Sutherland

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 5,  the Respondent, Apprentice Jockey, Lily Sutherland, admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres. It was alleged that she struck her mount 7 times prior to the 100 metres.

Apprentice Jockey Mentor, Ms K Clapperton, was present to assist.

Rule 639(3)(g)(i) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not “strike a horse with a whip more than 5 times prior to the 100-metre mark (other in a slapping motion down the shoulder with the whip hand remaining on the reins)”.

EVIDENCE:

Mr Goodwin pointed out Ms Sutherland in the Lisa Latta colours riding AMOSIA with Mr Mudhoo (EAGLE COUNTY) to her inside. He described these two Riders as engaging in a “dogfight” in the home straight with both losing their composure. Ms Sutherland struck her mount a total of 7 times prior to the 100 metres and went on to win the race. Mr Mudhoo ran 2nd.

Both Ms Sutherland and Ms Clapperton accepted the breach was clear from the video replay.

DECISION:

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Goodwin said that the Respondent has five breaches of the Rule on her record in the last 6 months:

9/11/22   Riccarton  8 days   (7 strikes)

15/10/22 Hastings  6 days   (7 strikes)

21/7/22  Hastings  $500  (6 strikes)

28/5/22  Trentham  $250  (6 strikes)

21/5/22   Trentham   $125  (6 strikes)

For a 6th breach involving two additional strikes, the NZTR Revised Penalty Guidelines suggest a starting point of a “Suspension 5+ National Days”. Mr Goodwin submitted that there should be an uplift from her recent 8-day suspension due to Ms Sutherland’s poor record. In regards to winning the race Mr Goodwin said the 2nd placed Rider had also used his whip 2x over, and Ms Sutherland had drawn away comfortably at the finish.

Ms Clapperton said Ms Sutherland started out riding not knowing how to use the whip but had recently become very efficient with it, and might have got carried away. She was concerned that this was her 3rd breach in a month and accepted another period of suspension was inevitable.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The present breach is Ms Sutherland’s 6th, for which the NZTR Revised Penalty Guidelines prescribe a starting point of 5+ national days. Her record is poor, and previous penalties have clearly not been a sufficient deterrent.

Ms Sutherland is about to begin an 8-day suspension for a breach of the same rule 10 days ago at Riccarton. The Adjudicative Committee has determined that due to her record and the fact she won the race a 10-day suspension is appropriate. This will follow on from the suspension about to commence. In addition, following concern by all present at today’s hearing, Ms Sutherland has been referred to the Rider Skill Review Panel.

CONCLUSION:

Ms Sutherland’s licence is suspended for 10 national riding days commencing on 3rd December 2022  up to and including 21st December 2022.