Waikato RC 24 July 2021 – R6 – Masa Hashizume

Evidence
This charge arises from the running of Race 6 the Petite Paws Mile. An Information was filed pursuant to Rule 638 (3)(b)(ii) by the Applicant, Mr Jones, alleging Mr Hashizume used his whip excessively when riding HARD DONE prior to the 100 metres.

Mr Hashizume said that he understood the Rule and confirmed he admitted the breach. He was was supported at the hearing by Mr N Harris (Northern Rider Mentor).

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:

(i) unnecessary, or

(ii) excessive, or

(iii) 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:

(i) The whip should not be used on more than 5 occasions.

(ii) The whip should not be used in consecutive strides.

(iii) 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 the race films Mr Dooley demonstrated the breach. He identified HARD DONE (M Hashizume) who was racing on the rails in second place. He said that from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark Mr Hashizume struck his mount 8 times.

In response Mr Hashizume said that he was counting the number of strikes but misjudged where the 100-metre marker was positioned.

Mr Harris added that Mr Hashizume was riding the favourite in the race, and he lost a lot of ground rounding the home turn.

Decision

As Mr Hashizume admitted the breach the Adjudicators found the charge proved.

Submissions For Penalty

Mr Jones submitted that Mr Hashizume has had one previous breach of the Rule within the reset period. That breach having occurred on 11 April 2021 at the Counties RC and resulted in a $400 fine.

Mr Jones submitted a fine that equates with the Penalty Guide for a second breach would be appropriate in this case.

Neither Mr Hashizume nor Mr Harris offered submissions with regards to penalty.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a second breach of this Rule is a $500 fine and this was adopted as our starting point.

The Adjudicators considered all the evidence and submissions and took note of the number and frequency of strikes as well as the force used. In that regard we confirmed the number of strikes as 8 and noted that the strikes were not forceful.

As there were no aggravating factors the Adjudicators determined there are no reasons to deviate from the Guide starting point. On that basis Mr Hashizume is fined $500.

Penalty

Accordingly, Mr Hashizume was fined $500.