Waikato RC 1 October 2021 – R5 – Trudy Thornton

ID: RIB5036

Respondent(s):
Trudy Thornton - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr B Jones - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Hon J W Gendall QC

Persons Present:
Mr B Jones, Ms T Thornton, Mr J Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A15942

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use of whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
01/10/2021

Race Club:
Waikato Racing Club

Race Location:
Te Rapa Racecourse - Te Rapa Road, Hamilton, 3200

Race Number:
R5

Hearing Date:
01/10/2021

Hearing Location:
Te Rapa Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Trudy Thornton is suspended for 6 days

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 5, the Dunstan Recovery Mash 1200, Mr Jones presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i) by Ms T Thornton, namely that she struck her mount ROC CHA with her whip more than 5 times prior to the 100 metre mark.

SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Jones demonstrated from the race film that Ms Thornton’s mount ROC CHA entered the home straight in a 4 wide position and she struck it with her whip 6 times before the 100 metre mark and it finished in 6th place.

REASON FOR DECISION:

As Ms Thornton admitted the breach of the Rule, it was deemed proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

This was Ms Thornton’s 5th breach of Rule 638 since 15 May 2021.  Two of those breaches involved the use of the whip excessively and the other two related to the “manner” of use (with the arm above shoulder height).

REASON FOR PENALTY:

This being the 5th breach of Rule 638, in terms of the Penalty Guide, Ms Thornton’s Licence is suspended for 6 National Riding Days, from the conclusion of racing on 3 October 2021 until the conclusion of racing on 13 October 2021.  As Ms Thornton did not earn any share of the stake, no financial sanction is imposed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ms Thornton is suspended for 6 National Riding Days.

Decision Date: 01/10/2021

Publish Date: 04/10/2021