Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 16 November 2024 – R10 – Kelly Myers

ID: RIB48548

Respondent(s):
Kelly Anne Myers - Jockey

Applicant:
John Oatham, Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Russell McKenzie (Chair) and Stewart Ching

Information Number:
A20253

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive Use of Whip Prior to 100 metres

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Beavertown Boy

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
16/11/2024

Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club

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

Race Number:
R10

Hearing Date:
16/11/2024

Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park, Christchurch

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Class A Jockey, Kelly Myers, suspended 8 days and fined $1,850

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 10, Martin Collins 161st New Zealand Cup (Group 3), Class A Jockey, Kelly Myers, admitted a charge that, as the Rider of BEAVERTOWN BOY in the race, she “struck her mount 10 times prior to the 100 metres including two strikes in consecutive strides”.

Rule 638 provides:

(g) Subject to the other requirements this Rule 638(3), in a Flat Race or trial (including jump-outs and/or tests for certification purposes), a Rider must not:

     (i) except as provided for in (iii) (A) and (iii) (B) of this sub-Rule, 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).

(ii) strike a horse with a whip in consecutive strides at any stage of the race.

EVIDENCE:

Chief Stipendiary Steward, John Oatham, showed a video replay of the final 200-300 metres of the race. He pointed out BEAVERTOWN BOY, ridden by Ms Myers, coming into the race, the second-widest runner as the field turned into the final straight. Mr Oatham alleged that Ms Myers used her whip 10 times prior to the 100 metres. Running the video replay on, he showed that Ms Myers had used her whip in consecutive strides inside the 100 metres. BEAVERTOWN BOY finished in 2nd placing in the race.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said that Ms Myers has one breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i) on her record – at Ruakaka on 29 June 2024 – 6 + 6 strikes (3rd breach), fined $500. Her record for using a whip in consecutive strides is clear.

Under the Penalty Guide, the starting point for a second breach of four additional strikes is a “Suspension 5+ National Days” plus a fine equal to 50% of the stake earned by her mount, in this case $1,850. Mr Oatham said that the penalty for the breach involving consecutive strikes could be included as part of an overall penalty.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide (March 2024) suggests a starting point for a breach involving “4 or more additional strikes” of a “Suspension 5+ National Days”. Ms Myers’ breach involved five additional strikes and the Adjudicative Committee uplifts the starting point to six days, and uplifts it by a further two days for the Group 3 status of the race and the stake payable of $400,000. There will be no additional penalty for the breach involving consecutive strikes. The period of suspension is, therefore, 8 National Riding Days.

CONCLUSION:

Class A Jockey, Kelly Myers’ Licence to ride in races is suspended from after the close of racing on 29 November, up to and including 11 December 2024 – 8 National Riding Days.

In addition, Ms Myers is fined the sum of $1,850.

Decision Date: 16/11/2024

Publish Date: 20/11/2024