Riverton RC 1 April 2024 – R2 – Tina Comignaghi

ID: RIB40592

Respondent(s):
Agustina Comignaghi - Jockey

Applicant:
Ms Veronica Algar, Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall, Richard Smith

Information Number:
A20504

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use of the whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
QUEEN OF KINGS

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
01/04/2024

Race Club:
Riverton Racing Club

Race Location:
Riverton Racecourse - State Highway 99, Riverton,

Race Number:
R2

Hearing Date:
01/04/2024

Hearing Location:
Riverton

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Tina Comignaghi is suspended 5 days

Ms Algar alleged that Ms Comignaghi was in breach of r 638(3)(g)(i) in Race 2 in that she struck her mount QUEEN OF KINGS eight times prior to the 100 metres.

Ms Algar demonstrated on the videos that there were eight strikes to the horse prior to the 100 metres. The breach is that she struck her mount three times more than is allowable.

Ms Comignaghi agreed with the count. She said she was in a position where she thought she could make up some ground as her horse was running on “pretty good” but she was caught out by the long home straight, made longer as she was running wide coming around the bend into the straight.

Decision:

As Ms Comignaghi has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Ms Algar stated that Ms Comignaghi had recently had a warning for a breach of the same Rule on 23 March. That warning was her first offence. The breach today is her second offence. The Guideline Penalty is a suspension for 5 National Days.

Ms Comignaghi asked that the suspension commence after the Ashburton Meeting on 4 April 2024. The Stewards had no objection.

Reasons for Penalty:

The penalty for a second breach of r 638(3)(g)(i) as set out in the Penalty Guide of February 2023, is a suspension for 5 National Days.

A deferral is granted for the suspension to begin following the Ashburton Meeting on 4 April 2024.

Conclusion:

Ms Comignaghi is suspended from the end of racing on 4 April, up to and including 12 April 2024. This is 5 National Days.

Decision Date: 01/04/2024

Publish Date: 02/04/2024