Taranaki RI 23 July 2024 – R4 – Rihaan Goyaram

ID: RIB44520

Respondent(s):
Rihaan Goyaram - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Mr John Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr Bruce Mainwaring (Chair), Mrs Nicki Moffatt

Persons Present:
Mr Oatham, Mr Neil Goodwin - Senior Stipendiary Steward, Mr Goyaram, Ms Kim Clapperton - assisting Mr Goyaram

Information Number:
A17467

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive Whip Use

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Indian Gold

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
23/07/2024

Race Club:
Taranaki Racing Inc

Race Location:
Hawera Racecourse - Waihi Road, Hawera, 4610

Race Number:
R4

Hearing Date:
23/07/2024

Hearing Location:
Hawera Racecourse - Waihi Road Hawera

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Rihaan Goyaram - fined $500

Background:

Following the running of Race 4 the ‘Delaval Coastal Agri 1400’ an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i). Details are as follows:

‘in that he used his whip on Indian Gold excessively in the home straight’.

Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides – 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);

The Respondent confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that he understood the Rule and admitted the breach. This was endorsed by Ms Clapperton.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident. The Respondent is seen to strike his mount on 1 occasion prior to the turn, and on a further 7 occasions between same and the 100 metre mark, ie 8 strikes. Mr Goyaram agreed with the count.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Stewards confirmed that the Respondent’s record is clear as it relates to a breach of this Rule within the last 6 months. It was noted that Mr Goyaram has only recently commenced his riding career and has ridden 4 winners after only 46 previous rides. The Adjudicative Committee was referred to the current NZTR Penalty Guide.

Reasons for Penalty:

Film satisfactorily identified the breach. The current NZTR Penalty Guide provides for a fine of $500 in circumstance of 1st offence, 3 additional strikes. The Adjudicative Committee found no reason to deviate from this penalty.

Conclusion:

Apprentice Jockey Mr Rihaan Goyaram is fined $500.

Decision Date: 23/07/2024

Publish Date: 24/07/2024