Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 15 January 2025 – R2 – Leah Hemi
ID: RIB50794
Animal Name:
LA FURRIOSSA
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
15/01/2025
Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club
Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,
Race Number:
R2
Hearing Date:
15/01/2025
Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Leah Hemi is fined $750
Introduction
Following the running of Race 2, Stipendiary Steward Mr M Davidson filed an Information pursuant to Rule 800 against Ms L Hemi. The charge alleged that Ms Hemi misconducted herself when striking her mount twice in the head region whilst in the barrier.
Ms Hemi admitted the breach of the Rule.
Rule 800 provides that a Licensed Person…must not misconduct themselves in any matter relating to the conduct of races or racing.
The NZTR Directive provides that the whip should not be used inappropriately on a horse at any time. And that…unnecessary or improper use …may be regard as misconduct under Rule 800 of the Rules.
Evidence
Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson, with the assistance of Mr Oatham, referred to the available video replays, which showed Ms Hemi on her mount in the barrier. The field was loaded in the stalls and ready to race. The Stewards pointed out Ms Hemi in the barrier and showed the points where her mount had reared. Ms Hemi reacted by striking her mount twice near the upper neck.
Ms Hemi stated that her mount had been difficult and prior to being loaded, it had to be lead around. She further said, initially once it was in the gate it was ok, then began rearing. She said she unfortunately lost her patience. She said that her reaction was out of character. She added that she had been under pressure to lose weight in the lead up to riding and that this added to her lack of patience.
Decision
As Ms Hemi admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the charge proved.
Submissions for Penalty
Mr Davidson said that Ms Hemi has a clear record under the Rule and admitted the breach. Further, he outlined this was out of character for Ms Hemi. He said that a comparable case was that of Ms Fawcett (18 December 2024), where she struck her mount twice in the neck region after it had reared in the barrier. Ms Fawcett received a $750 fine on that occasion.
Mr Davidson suggested that a fine in the vicinity of that imposed on Ms Fawcett was the appropriate penalty.
Ms Hemi was remorseful for striking her mount. She said she normally has good patience and she outlined this was out of character, as shown by her good record.
Reasons for Penalty
Ms Hemi admitted the charge of Misconduct. The Penalty Guide does not provide a suggested starting point, therefore penalty on this charge is fact dependent.
This conduct was clearly out of character for Ms Hemi, she has a clear record and she freely admitted her conduct was wrong. There were no aggravating factors present, other than the conduct which led to the charge. The Adjudicative Committee found assistance from the case of Ms Fawcett. It is very factually similar. Accordingly, the Adjudicative Committee finds that the same penalty in this case is appropriate and Ms Hemi is fined $750.
Conclusion
Ms Hemi is fined $750.
Decision Date: 15/01/2025
Publish Date: 20/01/2025