Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 31 August 2024 – R9 – Wiremu Pinn

ID: RIB45807

Respondent(s):
Wiremu Francis Pinn - Jockey

Applicant:
John Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Stewart Ching (Chair), Dave Anderson

Persons Present:
John Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward, Rebecca Haley - Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A19631

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Breach of Whip Rule

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
KABUGEE

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
31/08/2024

Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club

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

Race Number:
R9

Hearing Date:
31/08/2024

Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Wiremu Pinn is fined $350

Evidence

Following the running of Race 9, the Respondent Class A Rider, Wiremu Pinn admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

Mr Pinn was excused from attending the hearing, as he had left the course and was en route to Christchurch Airport.

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 Rebecca Haley, demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 7 times from the home turn to the 100-metre mark. He added that Mr Pinn struck KABUGEE on a further 4 occasions prior to the post, which exempted him from the preset exemption under the Rules.

Decision

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

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Oatham produced the Respondent Mr Pinn’s record, which indicated a clear record.

Mr Oatham stated the Penalty Guide for an initial breach of excessive whip use for 2 additional strikes, was a $250 fine. He stated that an uplift be considered, as the race held a stake of $40,000 and Mr Pinn’s mount won the race.

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:

1st offence starting point $250 fine where there are 2 additional strikes

This Adjudicative Committee determined that there were aggravating factors to consider, being the stake payable and the fact that Mr Pinn’s mount won the race, which warranted an uplift. This uplift was set at $100.

It was therefore determined that an appropriate penalty in this case was a $350 fine.

Conclusion

The Respondent Mr Pinn is fined the sum of $350.

Decision Date: 31/08/2024

Publish Date: 02/09/2024