Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 26 June 2025 – R6 – Brandon May

Following the running of Race 6, Join TAB Racing Club Rating 75, Class A Jockey, Brandon May, admitted a charge that, as the Rider of SINCERE in the race, he “struck his mount eight times (with the whip) prior to the 100 metre mark”.

Rule 638 provides:

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

     (i) except as provided for in (iii) (A) and (iii) (B) of this sub-Rule, 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).

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward, Veronica Fisher, showed a video replay of the final 200-300 metres of the race. She pointed out SINCERE, ridden by Mr May, racing in 4th position in the seven-horse field and several lengths from the leading three runners, as the field straightened for the run home. She then showed Mr May commence using his whip, and use it eight times from that point to the 100 metres. Mrs Fisher showed that Mr May had not used his whip inside the final 100 metres.

The Adjudicative Committee noted that SINCERE finished in 2nd placing, 5 lengths from the winner and ¾ length in front of the 3rd placegetter.

Mr May accepted the number of strikes alleged by Mrs Fisher. He said he had misjudged his whip use. He was aware that the race favourite (FUNFETTI) was in front of him and he was wishing to gain ground on it. He agreed that he had started using his whip too early in the run home. He referred to the fact that he had not used his whip in the final 100 metres.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mrs Fisher said that Mr May has one previous breach on his record – on 23 February 2025 at Ashburton – 8 strikes prior to the 100 metres, suspended 7 days (won the race).

For a second breach involving three additional strikes, Mrs Fisher said, the Penalty Guide provides a starting point of 5 national riding days.

Mr May sought a deferment of the commencement of any suspension until after the meeting of Otago Racing Club on 29 June, as he has declared rides at that meeting.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr May has clearly struck his mount with the whip eight times from the straight entrance to the 100 metres, three more than the permissible five. To his credit, he has not used his whip from the 100 metres to the finish.

For this, a second breach involving three additional strikes, the RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide (February 2025) suggests a starting point of 5 national days. There are no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors to consider. The Adjudicative Committee does not find the fact that Mr May’s mount finished 2nd in the race to be an aggravating factor, having regard to the margin to the 3rd horse at the finish (3/4 length) and that he refrained from using his whip in the final 100 metres.

CONCLUSION:

Mr May’s application for a deferment is granted.

Class A Jockey, Brandon May’s, Licence to ride in races is suspended from after the close of racing on 29 June 2025, up to and including 6 July 2025, after which date he may ride – 5 national riding days.