Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 18 January 2024 – R2 – Ngakau Hailey

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 2, Ford Contracting Rating 65, Class B Jockey, Ngakau Hailey, admitted a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(ii) in that, as the Rider of DEEP BEAUTY in the race, he struck his mount in two consecutive strides passing the 200 metres.

Rule 638(3) provides

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

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

The Respondent was assisted at the hearing by Apprentice Jockey Mentor, Jason Laking.

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward, Veronica Algar, showed a rear-on video replay. She pointed out DEEP BEAUTY, ridden by the Respondent, racing towards the rear of the field and against the running rail. She then pointed to the Respondent strike his mount with the whip in two consecutive strides at approximately the 200 metres.

Neither the Respondent nor Mr Laking wished to comment.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Ms Algar told the hearing that the Respondent had previously been warned under the Rule (on 29 July 2023 at Te Rapa), but this charge was the Respondent’s first under the Rule. She referred to the Penalty Guide starting point for a first charge involving two consecutive strides of a fine of $150.

Mr Laking said that the Respondent has a good record and there was no malice in the whip use. It was a lack of judgement on the Respondent’s part, he said.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

This was a clear breach of the Respondent striking his mount with the whip in two consecutive strides. He has not been charged previously under the Rule.

The RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide (February 2023) provides a starting point for penalty of a $150 fine. There are no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors to be considered.

CONCLUSION:

The Respondent, Class B Jockey, Ngakau Hailey, is fined $150.