Riccarton Park – Hororata 25 March 2023 – R8 – Yash Coonee

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 8, Yash Coonee, admitted a charge of excessive whip use on his mount, DA VINCI GIRL, prior to the 100 metres. Mr Coonee struck his horse 8 times prior to the 100 metre mark.

Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that “in a Flat Race, a Rider must not 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”. 

SUBMISSIONS:

Chief Stipendiary Steward, John Oatham, showed Mr Coonee first strike his mount near the 600 metre mark, then continue to strike the horse a further 7 times in the run home. Mr Oatham said the strikes were not particularly forceful, but his horse was a beaten runner and the strikes were unnecessary as the horse was not making ground.

Mr Coonee accepted that there were eight clear strikes but said he was trying to get his horse to run on.

DECISION:

As the breach was admitted, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY: 

Mr Oatham, said that Mr Coonee had a clear record under this Rule but only had 18 career rides in New Zealand, so he was relatively inexperienced.

Mr Oatham submitted that starting point was a $500 fine in reference to the Penalty Guide.

Mr Pitman submitted that Mr Coonee, as an Apprentice who had just joined his stable, was not in a position to pay a fine given he is very much at the early stages of his riding career, therefore, asked the Adjudicative Committee to consider a suspension instead. Mr Oatham, after hearing from Mr Pitman, agreed that in this particular case and given Mr Coonee’s circumstances, that a suspension would be appropriate.

Mr Coonee did not seek a deferment.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee agreed to adopt Mr Oatham’s submission that in this particular case, the Adjudicative Committee should exercise their discretion and impose a suspension instead of a fine. The Adjudicative Committee felt that a suspension in this matter was a meaningful penalty, given that Mr Coonee was trying to gain as much experience as he can by way of raceday rides and within this penalty, would be missing two South Island days. Accordingly, a 5 day suspension was imposed.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Coonee is suspended for 5 national riding days commencing at the close of racing on 25 March 2023 up to and including 5 April 2023.