Waikato RC 17 June 2023 – R7- Niranjan Parmar

ID: RIB23519

Respondent(s):
Niranjan Parmar - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Mr B Jones – Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Adam Smith

Persons Present:
Mr M Walker - Employer of Niranjan Parmar

Information Number:
A19768

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use of whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
SEAJETZ

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
17/06/2023

Race Club:
Waikato Racing Club

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

Race Number:
R7

Hearing Date:
17/06/2023

Hearing Location:
Te Rapa Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Niranjan Parmar, suspended for 8 days

Evidence

Following the running of Race 7, the Respondent Apprentice Rider Niranjan Parmar, admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

Mark Walker (Employer of Mr Parmar) 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 films, Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Jones demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 8 times, from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.

Mr Parmar offered no comment in relation to the breach.

Mr Walker said he thought that the best penalty for Mr Parmar to learn from, would be a fine.

Decision

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).

Submissions For Penalty

Mr Jones produced the Respondent’s record, which indicated 5 previous breaches of the Rule.

Stewards submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use (as of 1 March 2022).

The breaches identified were;

4/3   $300 fine

4/3   $500 fine

4/3   $800 fine + 2 day suspension

11/3  6 day suspension

11/3  8 day suspension

Pursuant to Rule 1106(2)(b) or Rule 1106(3)(b), the Respondent sought a 4 day deferment to any proposed suspension in order to fulfil pending riding engagements, and could commence any proposed suspension after racing on the 21st of June.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is set out below.

6th breach – 3 strikes over – 5+ day suspension.

After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number and frequency of strikes, the Adjudicative Committee determined there are no compelling reasons to depart from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide and have issued a suspension of Mr Parmar’s Jockey Licence for 8 National riding days.

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted.

Conclusion

Mr Parmar is granted a 4-day deferment. His Licence to ride in races is suspended for 8 days, from close of racing on 21st of June until close of racing on 5th of July 2023.

25th of June was not considered as it is a Jumps and Amateur day only.

Decision Date: 17/06/2023

Publish Date: 20/06/2023