Riccarton Park – Banks Peninsula RC 11 February 2023 – R3 – Hakim Kamaruddin

Evidence

Following the running of Race 3, the Respondent Hakim Kamaruddin, admitted a charge alleging use of whip in consecutive strides over the concluding stages.

Apprentice Mentor David Walsh was present to assist.

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

(ii) strike a horse with a whip in consecutive strides at any stage of the race.

Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount, 2 times consecutively on two occasions, at the 150m and at the 75m, over the concluding stages of the race. Mr Davidson stated that the first 2 consecutive strikes were dealt with by way of a warning as per the Penalty Guide. He added that this particular charge was relevant to the second set of two consecutive strikes.

The Respondent stated that he had only been riding in New Zealand for 3 months and was still getting accustomed to the Whip Rules.

Decision

As the Respondent Mr Kamaruddin admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).

Submissions For Penalty

Mr Davidson produced the Respondent’s record which indicated a warning for the first two consecutive strikes at the 150m in the same race.

Stewards submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for whip breaches use (as of 10 February 2023).

The Respondent made no submissions in regard to penalty.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is set out in the table below. 

For breaches of the Whip Rule relating to consecutive strikes:

2nd offence – 2 consecutive strides-$150 fine

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

On that basis, the Respondent is fined $150.

Conclusion

The Respondent is fined $150.