Waikato RC 10 December 2022 – R1 – Cameron Lammas

Evidence

Following the running of Race 1, the Respondent Class A Rider Mr C Lammas, admitted a charge alleging use of whip in consecutive strides over the concluding stages.

Rule 638(3)(g)(ii) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not:

(ii) strike a horse with a whip in consecutive strides at any stage of the race.

Using the available race films, Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr B Jones demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount twice consecutively over the concluding stages of the race, nearing the 50-metre mark.

In response, by way of explanation, the Respondent stated that he recently returned to race riding after a lengthy lay off and is still adjusting to the Whip Rules.

Decision

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the charge proved.

Submissions For Penalty

Mr Jones produced the Respondent’s record, which indicated one previous warning which was on 29 October 2022. He said that his record is otherwise clear under the Rule.

Mr Jones submitted that a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for a second breach should be imposed.

Mr Lammas had nothing to add in terms of penalty.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is a $150 fine.  Taking into account his earlier warning, this charge constitutes the Respondent’s second breach.

After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number of consecutive strikes, the Adjudicative Committee determined there are no compelling reasons to depart from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide.

On that basis, the Respondent is fined $150.

Conclusion

Class A Rider Mr Lammas is fined $150.