Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 13 August 2022 – R3 – Ashvin Mudhoo

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 3, Commodore Hotel Refurbished and Open Maiden, the Respondent, Apprentice Jockey, Ashvin Mudhoo, admitted a breach alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres in that, as the Rider of MEANDEEL, he struck his mount 6 times prior to the 100 metres.

Apprentice Jockey Mentor, David  Walsh, was present to assist.

Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not “strike a horse with a whip more than 5 times prior to the 100-metre mark (other in a slapping motion down the shoulder with the whip hand remaining on the reins).

EVIDENCE:

Chief Stipendiary Steward, John Oatham, showed  a video replay of the final 400 metres of the race. He pointed out MEANDEEL, ridden by the Respondent, the widest runner in the 8-horse field entering the home straight. He then demonstrated that the Respondent commenced using his whip and used it on a total of 6 occasions prior to the 100-metre mark. The Respondent’s mount went on to win the race, Mr Oatham said.

The Respondent and Mr Walsh both accepted the alleged count. The Respondent had started using his whip too early in the long straight, Mr Walsh said.

DECISION:

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

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said that the Respondent had a clear record under the Rule prior to the first day of the meeting on 6 August, when he received a warning. For a second breach, the Penalty Guide provides for a starting point of a $250 fine, Mr Oatham said. An aggravating factor in this case was that MEANDEEL had gone on to win the race, an aggravating factor for which the Committee might consider an uplift to the starting point, Mr Oatham said.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Committee had regard to the NZTR Revised Penalty Guidelines which, as pointed out by Mr Oatham, provide for a fine of $250. The Committee considered Mr Oatham’s submission that an uplift should be considered for the winning of the race. In many cases, that might be considered as warranting an uplift from the starting point. However, given that there was only one additional strike and given the winning margin of 1 1/2 lengths, the Committee finds that no advantage was gained by one additional strike prior to the 100 metres and, therefore, there will be no uplift.

CONCLUSION – PENALTY:

Apprentice Jockey, Ashvin Mudhoo is fined $250.