South Canterbury RC 16 July 2021 – R 6 – Savish Khetoo

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 6, the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race 1600m, an Information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr M Davidson, against Jockey (Class B), Mr S Khetoo, alleging that, as the Rider of RINGADINGDING in the race, he used his whip excessively prior to the 100m.

Mr Khetoo was present at the hearing of the Information and had endorsed the Information that the breach was admitted. He also confirmed that he understood the provisions of the Rule he was being charged with. Mr Khetoo was assisted at the hearing by NZTR Apprentice Jockey Mentor, Mr David Walsh.

Rule 638 provides as follows:

(3)  A Rider shall not:

      (b)  strike a horse with a whip in a manner or to an extent which is:

            (ii)  excessive

 The “Guidelines with Respect to Acceptable Use of the Whip” provide as follows:

Flat Races-Prior to the 100-metre mark in a race, official trial or jump out: i (i) The whip should not be used on more than 5 occasions. ii (ii) The whip should not be used in consecutive strides. iii (iii) The Rider may at their discretion use the whip with a slapping motion down the shoulder, with the whip hand remaining on the reins. In the final 100 metres, the whip may be used at the Rider’s discretion.

SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Davidson gave evidence and showed video replays of the final 400 metres of the race. He pointed out Mr Khetoo riding RINGADINGDING, positioned on the inside of the track and in contention as the field entered the home straight.  He said that inside the 400m, Mr Khetoo drew the whip and used it on 9 occasions, 3 consecutively, prior to the 100m.

Mr Walsh stated that Mr Khetoo had been away from race riding since Easter, a period of 3 months due to injury. He added that he had got carried away with being in contention and then going on to win the race.

REASON FOR DECISION:

Mr Khetoo having admitted the breach; the charge was found proved. 

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson told the Committee that Mr Khetoo had a clear record in regard to this Rule. He stated that the Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a $300 fine for a first offence and stated that there were aggravating factors to consider, being the number of strikes at 9 and the 3 consecutive strikes. Mr Davidson submitted that a $350-$400 fine be considered as penalty.

Mr Khetoo stated he was comfortable with a fine as penalty.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

In determining penalty, the Adjudicator had regard to the Penalty Guide starting point of a $300 fine, mitigation inclusive, for a first offence of this Rule. The Adjudicator determined that there were aggravating factors to consider, being the consecutive strikes and the total number of strikes warranting a combined uplift in penalty. This uplift the Adjudicator set at $100.

The Adjudicator therefore determined that a $400 fine was an appropriate penalty in this case.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mr Khetoo is fined the sum of $400.