Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 13 August 2022 – R9 – Chris Johnson

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 9, Neil Coulbeck Rating 65, the Respondent Jockey, Chris Johnson, admitted a charge of using the whip in 4 consecutive strides over the concluding stages on his mount ZACAT.

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 stages of the Race. He pointed out ZACAT, ridden by the Respondent, in the middle of the track, amongst runners, nearing the winning post before being caught late and being beaten by a 1/2 head.

Mr Oatham showed that there were four consecutive strikes just short of the finish. The margins back to the 3rd and 4th runners were a 1/2 neck and a 1/2 head respectively.

The Respondent did not wish to comment.

DECISION:

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

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said that this is the Respondent’s third breach of the Rule in the last 6 months. The first was at Gore on 11 March 2022 (4 consecutive strikes, suspended 6 days). The second was as recent as 10 August at Riccarton (heard earlier today) – four consecutive strikes, suspended 6 days.

Mr Oatham submitted that, arguably, the Respondent had gained an advantage by his excessive use of the whip. The Penalty Guide refers to a “5+ National Days” suspension for a third breach involving four consecutive strikes, Mr Oatham said. He suggested there should be an uplift applied.

The Respondent did not wish to comment.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

This is the Respondent’s 3rd breach of 4 consecutive strikes. The Committee noted that this was only his 3rd ride since the previous breach. The Respondent was given a 6-day suspension earlier in the day for that breach which occurred on the second day of the meeting on 10 August. This being the 3rd breach as stated, and in very quick succession, it requires an increase of penalty over that handed down for the 2nd breach. A deterrent penalty is, clearly, required. The Committee notes the Penalty Guide suggests a 5+ national days suspension. The penalty of an 8 national riding days suspension on which the Committee has decided takes into account that the Respondent may have gained an advantage by virtue of his excessive whip use and, also, the need for a deterrent penalty.

CONCLUSION – PENALTY:

The Respondent’s Class A Jockey’s Licence is suspended for 8 national riding days from 29 August to 11 September 2022.