Riccarton Park – North Canterbury JC 28 September 2024 – R5 – Leah Hemi

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 5, Marshall Batteries Open Handicap, Class A Jockey, Leah Hemi, admitted a charge that, as the Rider of DAZZLING MISS in the race, she struck her mount 6 times prior to the 100 metres, followed by a further 7 times prior to the finish.

Rule 638(3) 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, Mark Davidson, had Steward, Rebecca Haley, show a video replay of the final 300 metres of the race. She pointed out DAZZLING MISS, ridden by Ms Hemi, in the first 3 or 4 runners approaching the 200 metres. Ms Haley pointed out Ms Hemi draw her whip and strike her mount six times prior to the 100 metres and a further seven times from the 100 metres to the finishing line.

Ms Hemi accepted Ms Haley’s evidence regarding the number of strikes. She added that the video was “pretty clear”. It was a tight finish and she was trying her best, she said.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson said that Ms Hemi’s record showed two previous charges:

13 August 2024 at Riccarton – fined $250 (6 strikes before the 100 metres); and

13 April 2024 at Riccarton – fined $500 (6 strikes before the 100 metres, $350,000 race)

As a third breach, the Penalty Guide starting point is a $500 fine. There are no aggravating factors, Mr Davidson said. There was only strike over the permitted five strikes, he said.

The Adjudicative Committee noted that DAZZLING MISS finished in 3rd placing.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

This was third breach by Ms Hemi for using her whip more than the permitted 5 times prior to the 100 metres. It was a low-level breach, being only one strike over. She has made a very frank admission of the breach.

The RIB Thoroughbred Penalty Guide (February 2023) suggests a penalty for a third breach of the Rule of a $500 fine. The Adjudicative Committee sees no need to depart from that suggested penalty in this instance.

CONCLUSION:

Class A Jockey, Leah Hemi, is fined $500.