Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 25 February 2022 – R8 – Brandon May
ID: RIB7597
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
25/02/2022
Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club
Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,
Race Number:
R8
Hearing Date:
25/02/2022
Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Brandon May - $500 fine
Evidence
Following the running of Race 8, the Respondent Brandon May Class A Rider 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 Stipendiary Steward Ms Algar demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 6 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark. She pointed out that the strikes were not consecutive.
The Respondent made no submissions in regard to the breach.
Decision
As the Respondent Mr May admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).
Submissions For Penalty
Ms Algar produced the Respondent’s record which indicated a prior breach within the previous 6 months.
Stewards assessed the breach as low and submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use (as of 1 September 2021).
The Respondent Mr May made no submissions in regard to penalty.
Reasons For Penalty
The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is set out below.
For breaches of the Whip Rule prior to the 100m mark:
2nd offence starting point Greater of $500 fine or 50% of jockey share of stake.
After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number and frequency of strikes as well as this being Mr May’s second breach, the Adjudicative Committee determined there are no compelling reasons to depart from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide.
On that basis the Respondent is fined $500.
Conclusion
The Respondent Brandon May is fined $500.
Decision Date: 25/02/2022
Publish Date: 28/02/2022