Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 26 April 2025 – R7 – Brett Murray

ID: RIB54360

Respondent(s):
Brett MacGregor Murray - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr Mark Davidson - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Dave Anderson (Chair), Stewart Ching

Persons Present:
Mrs Rebecca Haley - Stipendiary Steward, Mr Davidson and Mr Murray

Information Number:
A20278

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Striking his horse 9 times prior to the 100m

Rule(s):
638(3)(g)(i) - Contravention whip rule - Whip Regulations

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
THE BOSS LADY

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
26/04/2025

Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club

Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,

Race Number:
R7

Hearing Date:
26/04/2025

Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Brett Murray is suspended for 6 days and fined $300

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 7, the listed WARSTEP STAKES, Stipendiary Steward Mr Mark Davidson presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i) by Class A Jockey Mr Brett Murray.

Mr Murray stated he was conversant with the Rule and the Charge and confirmed he did admit the breach.

Mr Davidson had Stipendiary Steward Mrs Rebecca Haley, identify Mr Murray (THE BOSS LADY) racing mid field approaching the 650m. Mr Davidson pointed to Mr Murray strike his horse 1 time at this juncture and from approximately 500m to the 100m, another 8 times.

Mr Murray made no submissions.

DECISION:

The Respondent having admitted the breach, the charge was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson stated Mr Murray had breached this Rule on 21 April at Riverton. He said this race being a Black-Type Race, the starting point for a fine would be 50% of the Jockey’s share of the stake earned by their mount or the starting point on the whip table, whichever is greater, and may be imposed in addition to any suspension.

Mr Murray requested a deferment of Penalty, to allow him to fulfil engagements next Saturday.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a 5+ day suspension starting point for a second breach of this Rule with 4 or more additional strikes.

The Jockey’s share of the stake is $360 and 50% of this equates to $180.

The Adjudicative Committee find the aggravating factor here is the status of the race, however, if it were to uplift the starting point to a 7-day suspension, this would encompass 3 South Island Racing Days, which the Adjudicative Committee feel is harsh. It finds a 6-day suspension and an increase in Mr Murray’s fine, to be a more apposite Penalty in the circumstances of this breach.

Mr Murray’s request to defer is granted.

CONCLUSION:

Class A Jockey Mr Murray is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 3 May 2025, up to and including racing on 14 May 2025. In addition, Mr Murray is fined $300.

Decision Date: 26/04/2025

Publish Date: 29/04/2025