Taranaki TRI 17 August 2024 – R4 – Ciel Butler
ID: RIB45348
Animal Name:
CHAJABA
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
17/08/2024
Race Club:
Taranaki Racing Inc
Race Location:
New Plymouth Raceway - Rogan Street, New Plymouth, 4310
Race Number:
R4
Hearing Date:
17/08/2024
Hearing Location:
New Plymouth
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Ciel Butler is fined $250
Evidence
Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent Ms C Butler admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.
Apprentice Mentor Kim Clapperton was present to assist.
Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that in a Flat Race 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); or
Using the available race footage, Mr Goodwin demonstrated that Ms Butler struck her mount six times between the entrance to the straight and the 100 metre mark. A seventh strike occurred exactly at the 100 metre point, followed by an additional four strikes before the finish, totalling 11 strikes.
In response, Ms Butler explained that the heavy track conditions meant the horses were travelling slower, leading her to misjudge her distance in relation to the 100 metre mark.
Decision
As Ms Butler admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions for Penalty
Mr Coppins produced Ms Butler’s record, which indicated this was her 2nd excessive whip offence in the last 6 months.
Stewards submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use (as of March 2024).
Reasons for Penalty
The Penalty Guide prescribes a starting point of a $250 fine for a second breach involving one strike over the permitted five.
The Adjudicative Committee considered whether an increase in the fine was warranted, due to Ms Butler’s victory in the race. However, after reviewing the film evidence, including the frequency and force of the strikes as well as the winning margin, the Adjudicative Committee determined that an increased penalty was not necessary. No further compelling reasons were identified to deviate from the prescribed penalty.
Accordingly, the Respondent is fined $250.
Conclusion
Ms Butler is fined $250.
Decision Date: 17/08/2024
Publish Date: 18/08/2024