Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 10 August 2022 – R6 – (heard at Riccarton on 13 August 2022) – Chris Johnson

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 6, Elmwood Trading Co Rating 65, an Information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mark Davidson, against the Respondent, Jockey Chris Johnson, alleging that the Respondent struck his mount, LIGHT UP, in 4 consecutive strides.

The Information was heard at the meeting of Canterbury JC at Riccarton Park, on 13 August 2022. The Respondent had endorsed the Information “I do admit a breach of the rule”  and he confirmed that he understood the Rule and the nature of the charge.

Rule 638(3)(g)(ii) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not “strike a horse with a whip in consecutive strides at any stage of the race”.

EVIDENCE:

Chief Stipendiary Steward, John Oatham, showed video replays of the final 400 metres of the  race. He pointed out LIGHT UP, ridden by the Respondent, leading the race against the rail as the field turned into the final straight. He then showed that, over the concluding stages of the Race, the Respondent used his whip in four consecutive strikes, the last just short of the winning post.

The Respondent agreed with the allegation, but had nothing else to say.

DECISION:

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

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said that the Respondent has one charge for a breach of the Rule on his record in the last 6 months. That was on 11 March last at Gore (4 consecutive strikes) for which he received a 6-day suspension. Mr Oatham pointed out that the Respondent had won the race.

Mr Oatham referred to the Penalty Guide starting point for a second breach involving four consecutive strikes – a suspension of 5+ national riding days. He submitted it was an aggravating factor that the Respondent had won the race.

The Respondent requested that any suspension be deferred until after the Oamaru meeting on 19 August next.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The appropriate penalty is a 6 national riding days suspension. This is the Respondent’s 2nd breach of four consecutive strikes, the previous breach being 5 months ago. The penalty takes into account that it is a second breach and also, to a lesser extent, that the Respondent won the race. The strikes were very close to the finish and were not applied with any force. The winning margin was a 1/2 neck.

CONCLUSION – PENALTY:

The Respondent is granted a deferment until after 19 August 2022. His Class A Jockey’s is suspended for 6 national riding days from 20 August  to 28 August 2022, both days inclusive.