Waikato RC 12 February 2022 – R10 – Jonathan Riddell

ID: RIB7341

Respondent(s):
Jonathan Riddell - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr B Jones - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
G Jones and A Smith

Persons Present:
Mr Jones and Mr Riddell

Information Number:
A17181

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive Use of Whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
HONG KONG

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
12/02/2022

Race Club:
Waikato Racing Club

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

Race Number:
R10

Hearing Date:
12/02/2022

Hearing Location:
Te Rapa racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Class A Rider Jonathan Riddell fined $500

Evidence

Following the running of Race 10, the Respondent Class A Rider Jonathan Riddell admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

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 films Stipendiary Steward Mr B Jones demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount (HONG KONG) 6 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.

In response Mr Riddell said that he agreed with the number of strikes.

Decision

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

Submissions For Penalty

Mr Jones produced the Respondent’s record which indicates one previous breach of the Rule; namely on 24 October 2021 resulting in a $250 fine.

Mr Jones said that the Respondent’s mount HONG KONG finished in 4th place and its share of the stake was $2000 – the Respondent’s share being $100 and, and on that basis, he recommended a $500 fine as per the NZTR Penalty Guide.

The Respondent had nothing further to add.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for 2nd breach is a $500 fine.

After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number and frequency of strikes; and the Respondent’s share of stake the Adjudicative Committee determined there are no compelling reasons to deviate from the Penalty Guide.  Therefore, Mr Riddell was fined $500.

Conclusion

The Respondent Jonathan Riddell is fined $500.

Decision Date: 12/02/2022

Publish Date: 14/02/2022