Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 12 April 2025 – R8 – Donovan Cooper
ID: RIB53769
Animal Name:
OAKSDEEL
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
12/04/2025
Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club
Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,
Race Number:
R8
Hearing Date:
12/04/2025
Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Donovan Cooper was fined the sum of $500
Evidence
Following the running of Race 8, NZB Airfreight Stakes, the Respondent Class B Rider Donovan Cooper, admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use, in that he struck his mount OAKSDEEL 8 times prior to the 100m.
Class A Rider Samantha Wynne was present to assist Mr Cooper at the hearing.
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, Stipendiary Steward Mark Davidson demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 8 times from near the 450m to the 100-metre mark.
The Respondent did not dispute the number of strikes and acknowledged that he was in breach of the Rule.
Decision
As the Respondent Mr Cooper 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 clear record over the previous reset period of 6 months.
He stated the Penalty Guide for excessive whip use for an initial 3 additional strikes breach, provided a $500 fine, therefore he submitted there were no aggravating factors to consider in penalty.
Mr Cooper elected to make no submissions in regard to penalty.
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:
1st offence starting point $500 fine where there are 3 additional strikes
The Adjudicative Committee, although this was a Listed Race with a stake of $80,000, deemed that there were no aggravating factors to consider, therefore no uplift was warranted.
Accordingly, it was determined that an appropriate penalty was a fine of $500.
Conclusion
Mr Cooper was fined the sum of $500.
Decision Date: 12/04/2025
Publish Date: 15/04/2025