Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 10 August 2024 – R10 – Samantha Wynne

ID: RIB45192

Respondent(s):
Samantha Louise Wynne - Jockey

Applicant:
John Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Stewart Ching (Chair), Dave Anderson

Persons Present:
John Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward, Mark Davidson - Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A19625

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Breach of Whip Rule

Rule(s):
638(3)(g)(i) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
IFFIN DOUBT DANCE

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
10/08/2024

Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club

Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,

Race Number:
R10

Hearing Date:
10/08/2024

Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Samantha Wynne is suspended for 9 National Days

Evidence

Following the running of Race 10, the Respondent Class A Rider Samantha Wynne admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

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, Chief Stipendiary Steward John Oatham, with the assistance of Stipendiary Steward Mark Davidson, demonstrated that the Respondent struck her mount 7 times from near the home turn, to the 100-metre mark.

Miss Wynne was excused from attending the hearing, due to having horses to take care of and transport to the stables.

Decision

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

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Oatham produced the Respondent Miss Wynne’s record, which indicated 4 previous breaches being;

-13 April 2024 – Riccarton – 7 day suspension for 8 strikes

-10 May 2024 – Riverton – 6 day suspension for 8 strikes

-4 July 2024 – Ashburton – 5 day suspension for 7 strikes

-26 July 2024 – Riccarton – 5 day suspension for 6 strikes

Mr Oatham stated the Penalty Guide for excessive whip use for 2 additional strikes with a 4th and subsequent breach, was a 5 plus national day suspension and as this was Miss Wynne’s 5th breach since May 2024, an uplift in starting point be considered in this case.

Miss Wynne had advised the Stewards that she did not seek a deferment of suspension.

Reasons for Penalty

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

For breaches of the Whip Rule prior to the 100m mark:

4th offence starting point 5+ national day suspension where there are 2 additional strikes

In determining penalty, this Adjudicative Committee has taken into account Miss Wynne’s poor penalty record in relation to this Rule.

The Penalty Guide provides a 5 plus day suspension for a 4th and subsequent breach of this Rule within a 6 month period. With Miss Wynne’s record showing 4 previous breaches within 5 months, an uplift in starting point was warranted. Therefore, it was determined that a 7 day starting point was appropriate.

Due to Miss Wynne’s poor record, an uplift on the starting point was deemed warranted, with that uplift set at 2 days.

It was therefore determined that an appropriate penalty in this case was a 9 day suspension.

Conclusion

The Respondent Miss Wynne’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 9 days, from close of racing on 10 August 2024, until close of racing on 28 August 2024.

Decision Date: 10/08/2024

Publish Date: 12/08/2024