Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 16 September 2023 – R10 (heard on 6 October 2023 at Timaru ) – Denby-Rose Tait

Following the running of Race 10, Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge Rating 75, an Information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mark Davidson, against Licensed Class B Jockey, Denby-Rose Tait, alleging that as the Rider of GO LOTTE in the race, she struck her mount 8 times prior to the 100 metres.

The Information was filed with the Adjudicative Committee on the Raceday and was heard at the meeting of South Canterbury Racing Club at Washdyke on 6 October 2023.

The Respondent has endorsed the Information “I do admit a breach of the Rule” and she confirmed this at the hearing. She was assisted at the hearing by Apprentice Jockey Mentor, Jason Laking.

Rule 638 provides:

(3)     (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).

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward, Mark Davidson, showed a video replay of the final 300-400 metres of the race. He pointed out GO LOTTE, ridden by the Respondent, in the lead and one-off the fence as the field turned for home. Shortly thereafter, the Respondent commenced using her whip and, from that point to the 100 metres, she used it a clear 8 times, Mr Davidson said.

Mr Laking said that the Respondent is in the early stages of her career and the straight at Riccarton is a long one. She had not used the whip at all in the final 100 metres, he said. The Respondent herself described it as “an error of judgement”.

DECISION:

The breach having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson said that the Respondent has a clear record under the Rule. He referred to the Penalty Guide starting point of a fine of $500 and submitted that was an appropriate penalty. There were no aggravating features. The strikes were not forceful and he confirmed that the Respondent had not used the whip in the final 100 metres.

The Respondent had no comment in relation to penalty.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Respondent has used her whip 8 times before the 100 metres which is 3 additional strikes. The RIB Thoroughbred Penalty Guide (February 2023) provides for a penalty of a $500 fine for a first offence. There are no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors to be considered.

CONCLUSION:

Class B Jockey, Denby-Rose Tait, is fined $500.