Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 15 July 2022 – R8 – Courtney Barnes

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 8, Martin Collins Rating 61, Ms Barnes, admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres. It was alleged that Ms Barnes had used her whip 6 times 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).

EVIDENCE:

Using the available video replays, Stipendiary Steward, Mark Davidson, demonstrated that Ms Barnes had struck her mount 6 times from the straight entrance to the 100 metre mark.

Ms Barnes accepted it was clear.

DECISION:

As Ms Barnes admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson said that Ms Barnes had one prior breach of this Rule. The Adjudicative Committee was aware of this as Ms Barnes appeared before them earlier in the day after Race 2 and was fined $250 for one additional strike prior to the 100 metre mark.

Mr Davidson submitted that in reference to the Penalty Guide for a third breach with one additional strike a fine of $500 is the starting point. Mr Davidson said that Ms Barnes was not an aggressive stick Rider. Furthermore, he commented that the Riccarton Park Polytrack is a long straight and the Cambridge Polytrack, where Ms Barnes has ridden, is shorter. He considered this was a contributing factor as to why Ms Barnes had miscounted it.  Mr Davidson said there were no aggravating factors to take into account and there was no need to depart from the starting point specified in the Penalty Guide.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The NZTR Revised Penalty Guidelines (effective 1 March 2022) prescribe a starting point for penalty, for a 3rd breach within 6 months involving 1 additional strikes, of a $500 fine.

The Adjudicative Committee agree there are no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors and a penalty in terms of the Penalty Guidelines is appropriate.

CONCLUSION:

Ms Barnes is fined $500.