Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 23 February 2024 – R7 – Brandon May
ID: RIB39314
Animal Name:
THE ARTIC BLAST
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
23/02/2024
Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club
Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
23/02/2024
Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Brandon May - 5 day suspension
Evidence
Following the running of Race 7, the Respondent Class A Rider Brandon May admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use 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); or
Using the available race films, Chief Stipendiary Steward John Oatham with the assistance of Stipendiary Steward Mark Davidson, demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 8 times from inside the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark. Mr Oatham added that there were no further strikes inside the 100m when Mr May realised that his mount was not in contention.
In response, by way of explanation, the Respondent Mr May said it took some time to get his mount going forward and stated that when he realised inside the 100m, that he was no longer in contention, he stopped using the whip.
Decision
As the Respondent Mr May admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).
Submissions for Penalty
Mr Oatham produced Mr May’s record which indicated a previous breach within the prior 6 months, being a 9 day suspension on 6 October 2023 at Timaru.
He said the Penalty Guide provided a 5 day starting point for a second breach of this Rule, with 3 additional strikes before the 100m.
The Respondent made no submissions in regard to penalty, apart from requesting a deferment of suspension until after racing on 2 March 2024 at Wingatui.
Reasons for Penalty
The Penalty Guide starting point for a 2nd breach of this Rule where there are 3 additional strikes before the 100m, is a 5 day suspension, mitigation inclusive.
The Adjudicative Committee deemed there were no aggravating factors to consider, therefore no uplift in penalty warranted.
Therefore, a 5 day suspension was deemed an appropriate penalty in this case.
Conclusion
The Respondent Mr May is granted a deferment until after racing at Wingatui on 2 March 2024. His Licence to ride in races is suspended for 5 days from close of racing on 2 March 2024, until close of racing on 10 March 2024.
Decision Date: 23/02/2024
Publish Date: 26/02/2024