Riverton RC 21 April 2025 – R5 – Donovan Cooper

BACKGROUND

Following the running of Race 5, Class B Rider Donovan Cooper admitted a charge of excessive use of the whip. The particulars of the charge were that Mr Cooper allegedly struck his mount, INDIE ARDIE, 8 times prior to the 100-metre mark.

Rule 638(3)(g) provides that, in a Flat Race or Trial, 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).

At the start of the hearing, Mr Cooper confirmed his admission of the breach and that he understood the Rule and the nature of the charge. He was assisted by Senior Jockey Terry Moseley.

EVIDENCE

Mr Jones, with the assistance of Mr Davidson, used the available race videos to identify the Respondent, riding INDIE ARDIE, positioned 4th in the middle of the track at the top of the home straight. Mr Cooper was shown using his whip 8 times prior to the 100-metre mark. One feigned use of the whip during this series, did not connect with the horse and was not included in the count.

INDIE ARDIE finished 3rd in the race, a half-length from the winner.

Mr Cooper agreed with the number of whip strikes counted by the Stewards. Coming out of summer and reverting to wet tracks meant “not getting to those markers as quick as I’m used to,” he said. This had contributed to him miscounting his use of the whip.

DECISION

As Mr Cooper has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY

Stewards advised that Mr Cooper had one previous breach of the Rule in the previous 6 months, at Riccarton on 12 April 2025. On that occasion, he was fined $500 for striking his horse 8 times prior to the 100-metre mark.

Mr Jones referred to the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide, which proposes a starting point of a 5-day suspension for a second breach of the Rule that involves 3 additional whip strikes prior to the 100-metre mark.

Mr Cooper was riding at the Riverton Meeting under deferment of a careless riding suspension, which was due to take effect from 27 April to 9 May 2025 (inclusive). Any suspension handed down for this breach would have to start after the careless riding suspension was served, Mr Jones said.

Asked to comment on penalty, Mr Cooper said he was trying too hard at times and needed to be more patient.

Mr Moseley said it was a difficult day for riding. Other Jockeys had also been caught out by the testing track conditions and found themselves in breach of the Rule.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

The Adjudicative Committee takes a starting point of a 5-day suspension, as proposed in the RIB Penalty Guide for a second breach of r 638(3)(g)(i) involving 3 additional strikes prior to the 100-metre mark.

There are no aggravating or mitigating factors, although the Adjudicative Committee notes that Mr Cooper’s first breach of the Rule was only 9 days previously.

The Respondent must serve a careless riding suspension from 27 April to 9 May 2025 (inclusive), after which this penalty will immediately take effect.

CONCLUSION

Apprentice Jockey Donovan Cooper’s Licence to ride in races is suspended from 10 May 2025 to 17 May 2025 (inclusive). This is 5 national riding days.