Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 25 February 2022 – R8 – Corey Campbell

Evidence

Following the running of Race 8, the Respondent Corey Campbell, 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 but that the horse was out of contention when the last strikes were used.

The Respondent, Mr Campbell, made no submissions in regard to the breach.

Decision

As the Respondent Mr Campbell, admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).

Submissions For Penalty

Ms Algar produced the Respondent, Mr Campbell’s, record which indicated 2 previous breaches being Ashburton -1 September 2021 (5 day suspension plus $150) and Riccarton – 10 November 2021 (5 day suspension).

Stewards assessed the breach as low with an aggravating factor that the horse was out of contention nearing the 100m, and submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use (as of 1 September 2021).

The Respondent made no submissions in regard to penalty.

Pursuant to Rule 1106(2)(b) or (c), the Respondent sought an 8 day deferment to any proposed suspension in order to fulfil riding engagements at Otago on 5 March 2022.

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:

3rd offence starting point Greater of $500 fine or 50% of jockey share of stake.3rd offence starting point 5 national day suspension plus 50% of jockey share of stake.

After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number of strikes and the aggravating fact that the horse was out of contention approaching the 100m, the Adjudicative Committee determined there are compelling reasons to depart from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide. Therefore an uplift was warranted in penalty which was set at 1 day.

As this is the Respondent’s 3rd breach a suspension of 6 days is imposed. The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted.

Conclusion

The Respondent Mr Campbell is granted an 8-day deferment. His  licence to ride in races is suspended for 6 days from close of racing on 5 March 2022 until close of racing on 16 March 2022.