R Te Aroha 1 August 2021 – R6 – Eilish McCall

ID: RIB3799

Respondent(s):
Eilish McCall - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Mr B Jones–Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Adam Smith

Persons Present:
Mr N Harris (Apprentice Jockey Mentor)

Information Number:
A15910

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use of whip

Rule(s):
638(3)(b)(ii) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
SNAKEYE

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
01/08/2021

Race Club:
Racing Te Aroha

Race Location:
Te Aroha Racecourse - Stanley Road South, Te Aroha,

Race Number:
R6

Hearing Date:
01/08/2021

Hearing Location:
Te Aroha RaceCourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Eilish McCall is fined $300

Evidence:

This charge arises from the running of Race 6, a maiden event over 1200m.  An Information was filed pursuant to Rule 638 (3)(b)(ii) by the Informant, Mr Brady Jones, alleging that Class B Rider Ms Eilish McCall used her whip excessively when riding SNAKEYE.

Ms McCall said that she understood the Rule and confirmed that she admitted the breach.

Rule 638(3)(b)(ii) provides:

A Rider shall not strike a horse with a whip in a manner or to an extent which is:  

  • unnecessary, or
  • excessive, or
  • improper

Without affecting the generality of Rule 638(3)(b), a rider may be penalised if their whip use is outside of the following guidelines:

Flat Races

Prior to the 100-metre mark in a race, official trial or jump out:

  • The whip should not be used on more than 5 occasions.
  • The whip should not be used in consecutive strides.
  • 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.  

Using available race film footage Mr Jones demonstrated the breach. He identified Ms McCall’s mount, SNAKEYE, and showed Ms McCall striking her mount on 7 occasions prior to the 100m. He said that Ms McCall did not have an extravagant action and the strikes were all backhanders.

Ms McCall agreed with Mr Jones’ assessment of the incident.

Decision

As Ms McCall admitted the breach the Committee found the charge proved.

Submissions For Penalty

Mr Jones said that Ms McCall had a clear record in the previous 6 months in relation to whip use.

Ms McCall confirmed she had a good record and had learnt from the charge (as witnessed during her next ride where she only struck her mount once).

Reasons For Penalty

The Guidelines propose a starting point of $300 for a first breach under this Rule. The strikes were all backhanders, were not forceful and had pauses between them. The Committee see no reason to deviate from the starting point.

Conclusions

Ms McCall is fined $300.

Decision Date: 01/08/2021

Publish Date: 02/08/2021